1198 or 848?

I coulda bought either an 848 or 1098 and decided to buy the 848 and haven't regretted it.

The 848 really only has a few pro's over the 1098/1198; Wet clutch lasts longer, makes no noise and has better engagement, the 848 gets MUCH better gas mileage and it's a lot cheaper, you can find them for $9k USD almost new w/o any problems.

I ride my 848 every day to work and doing errands, its my main vehicle. Having spent a great deal of time on the 848 and my 749R race bike, I can say without a doubt you don't need a 1098/1198 for any reason. Unless your a club racer trying to win a championship, it doesn't make any difference.

People say; "OHH I want an 1198S because of the BETTER ohlins suspension". Guess what? From the factory, the Ohlins arn't much better then the Showa's. You still have to re-valve and re-spring them. I did the math, its cheaper to buy an 848, buy the Ohlins R&T forks, TTX shock and steering dampener... then it is to buy an 1198S! Plus the R&T equipment is substantially higher quality then the stock OEM stuff. On the track, there is a difference in the power sure... But you've gotta be one hell of a good rider to see that difference and it won't be seen on the street at all.

So its up to you... If the 1198S were the same price as the 848... thats a no brainer. But if it was between a base 1098/1198 vs 848... Umm, save the money, the fuel and the clutch wear and tear, buy an 848.
 
OK. Thanks oz.

Get the red 848. You wont be sorry.

BTW. I was at www.mtducati.com last week. They had a new 08 1098 for only $500 more than an 09 848. I know whith I would buy.
 
Check out the FAQ's. There is some advice on this area - some threads have gone over this to death - wars have been won and lost in those threads, friendships brokered and lost, marketing plans ripped up and thrown away!

http://www.ducatispot.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10755

It all comes down to you riding both bikes and your own personal circumstances: finances and the type of riding you will be doing.

Good luck. And don't forget to post up the piccies of your new mistress when you get her!
 
Everyone's help/advice is much appreciated!!! I'm going to go with the 848. I will definitely post photos and I look forward to keeping in touch with all of you. I'm already planning to replace the black front fender... I'd like it to be red. I've seen a few in the forums with red front fenders. Are most owners painting them red or buying a replacement red fender? Thanks!!!
 
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