A lot of general questions about Ducati Supersport bikes...

L

Luck

New member
Is the weight difference between a 848 and a 1198 really that noticeable? I don't even think there's a 10lb difference yet I hear all the time about how bikes closer to 600cc are far more maneuverable than a literbike. (Matter of fact... I think there's a 30-40lb difference between a Ninja 250r and a Ducati but experienced riders seem to think that's a gigantic difference in rideability)

What's with Showa shocks? Aren't they the standard for Ducati's? It seems people love upgrading several thousand dollars to the S versions for Ohlins shocks. What's so magical about Ohlins? Are they truly worth the dough? If you had to choose between a 1098s and a 1198... which would you go with?

Why do I keep hearing about the punishing riding position of a Ducati? Are you being forced into an unnatural position like a jockey atop a horse?

Is it true you can get burned from the exhaust just sitting at an intersection while moving through city traffic? Does the Ducati produce that much heat, or is the exhaust simply too close to your body?

Is the traction control for the Ducati 1198s really that revolutionary? Is it true its benefits are primarily for track racers who still have to improve?

Are the dry clutches of Ducati 1098/1198 really that loud when they rattle? I've seen a few youtube clips but they seem to have modified clutch covers that aim to make them even louder.

How often does Ducati release a new Supersport bike? It seems there was only 2 years difference between the 1098 and 1198. Is there already another in the works?

How worried are you Ducati owners about theft? Would you feel comfortable riding one to work everyday?

Sorry for the long list of questions... before I drop $10000+ on a new bike, I want to make sure I get some sort of consensus on these questions as I mostly find a wide range of answers whenever I google them.
 
weight-when I got my 848 the 1098 felt about the same to me
shocks-Showa for me but heard Ohlins are better if you do the track thing not daily driver
position-yes it sucks but hey you pay to play right.
heat-yes it gets hot if you're not moving, I put some alum sided tape under the rear seat and made a difference, heard if you go aftermarket exhaust and get rid of the cats and baffles helps a lot too
traction control-again a track thing unless you want to spend the extra dough
dry cluth-yes louder than wet but hey it's classic Ducati
release of new model-every couple years, heard a new one is coming in 2012
theft-i have an alarm and 2 locks so feel ok, ride to work every day it's dry and not snow on the ground but I work on a NATO base so feel safe
 
I'd have to say (after owning both), the 848 sure does feel "lighter" and more "flickable" than the 1198. I know that they are VERY similar in size but to answer your question, yes you can feel the difference.

it's not a HUGE difference, but you can feel it.



I have an 1198 base model and I'm VERY happy with the Showa system. That being said, I've ridden the "s" a few times and it feels more like the 848, so again.... the Ohlins "seem" to make a difference.

is it worth the dough.... I'd say if you're tracking the bike then by all means yes. If you're just commuting.... I wouldn't worry about it at all.



it's painfull.... there's nothing else to say about it. But you don't buy a superbike to ride comfortably at 65mph.... you buy it to lay on the tank and ride 150mph....... just sayin.



I've lost hair on the bottom part of my thighs..... does that answer your question?

In traffic with the stock exhaust and the CATs still in, you will cook... there's no way around it (other than getting off the bike . Since I installed the A and R baffles and cut the CATs out.... np. It's still hot, but at least I have hair on my legs again.



lots of the newer bikes have it. I'm sure it helps in the rain too.....



with the stock cover and plates it's quiet. but it's a ducati.... SET HER FREE!!!



I ride to work everyday...... if I worked someplace "sketchy"... I wouldn't.

if a theif wants your bike, it's gone..... just enjoy it while you have it..... oh.... and take GAP insurance!!!!!
 
Ducati is a new revelation if you never rode one before. If you are worried about 10K then you should stay away from the Duc. Mine was 25K out the door. Lets see if I can take a crack at this.... Please the more knowledgeable people help me out here.



Again, this would be a matter of preference. An 848 and an 1198 are 2 different beasts. A smaller bike will always be easier to whip around turns but that also goes with riding style and experience.



1198 will preform almost the same as a 1098s if you are asking this question. The difference in shocks is the adjust-ability I would think.



Depends on the Ducati. If you are planning on a cross country ride, maybe an 1198 would not be the best choice.



My pipes are under my butt on my 1198S but I have no problem.



World GP bikes have them too if I am not mistaking. Nothing wrong with some extra protection. Saved me in the rain a few times.



Yes. If you keep it stock it will be a little more quiet. But the Dry clutch is what gives a Duc it's character in my opinion.



All to stay competitive. But you can still get a 1098 new. Personal preference.



Just as worried as the next guy. If someone wants to steal something, they will eventually get it. I think it would be harder to steal then an average bike though.

Just my thoughts...

You should just buy one and get it over with, it is worth it!
 
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