CBR600 v Duc 848?s

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dczerniec

New member
I had an 07 CBR and had a little get off a couple of weeks ago after 12000 miles and now it's time for a new bike. It was my first bike so I don't have a lot to compare to. My main question is coming from the CBR will I be happy or like the 848? Since the 848 came out I've been in love with it but I've never ridden one, it's purely based off of the looks and sound.

I do an occasional trackday and ride twisty's on a weekly basis so handling is important. I've heard people say that nothing handles as good as a Duc and I've heard others say that the 848 is lacking in the suspension department. What do ya'll think?

Also, coming from an inline 4, how much different is the v-twin power wise? I know it has loads more torque but overall what are ya'lls opinions?

I don't want to buy the bike based off of looks alone, I don't want to be disappointed after a couple of rides and realize that it doesn't compare to the CBR. I'm not saying it doesn't, because I don't know, that's why I'm asking.

I know this is a Ducati forum so the opinions are going to be a little biased but I know some of you have both and have actual knowledge about both. I'm looking for these peoples opinions.

Thanks,
Kane S.
 
You have a good eye, and good ears. They're stunning/


Well, maybe nothing CAn handle like a Duc, but only if properly setup. Japanese bikes are extremely dumbed down in the handling department. As a result, they may feel better out of the box, but are ultimately very limited. Ducs on the other hand must be set up properly to get the most from them. If not, they can feel like crap. They can be harsh, unyielding and slow steering. But, if you know what you're doing and take the time to do it right, they're phenomenal. The most striking difference is the feeling of freight-train stability once leaned over. Thy feel like they're imposing their will over physics, as opposed to trying to master physics like the Japanese.


Totally and utterly and completely different. You will F*** it up like crazy at first, and you might never fully get over your i-4 beginnings. I haven't. I still hunt for revs sometimes. The 848 is tuned for more revs than most so this is better, but it's nothing like you're accustomed to.


The comparison between the two is going to be completely personal. Honestly? You will most likely not like the bike at first. They're quirky and weird and at times, even difficult. They're all the things a Japanese bike isn't, but not in a good or necessarily bad way.
The big question is: are you a gear-head? If you are, and you love tinkering and being mentally "involved" with your vehicles, you'll adore the Duc. If not, you'll curse it.



I think I can be reasonably fair - I came up on all Japanese i-4 bikes until my Duc. I also currently own an R1.

I adore both bikes, but for totally different reasons. They're also completely different experiences. Sometimes, I am really in the mood for one and not the other. Sometimes I can't decide between them and rush home just to jump on the other one for a few minutes extra before my girl pulls the plug and it's time to pay attention to her instead!
 
04 CBR 600RR was my first street bike and I went from that to a 1098. Although I can’t comment much on the 848 since I don't own one, I can tell you that the 1098 has a lot more than the 600RR (duh). Yes, the major difference is the torque but overall, it is a much different beast altogether. When I bought my 1098 I bought it for a lot of reasons but did not so much compare it to other liter bikes and their power. I wanted something different and that is exactly what I got.

Ps. With all that said I still love my CDR and enjoy riding it.
 
I went from a 600RR to the 848.

A few things you will notice right away.
Riding a twin from a 4 take a wee bit getting used to.
Although this is my first twin in 14 years of riding.
Since your still new it may not be that big of an adjustment.

Second the RR was allot more comfortable (thats just me personally though.) being 6' tall and 180 lbs. Most people under 6' find the 848/1098 to be OK as far as comfort goes.

Lastly the RR carved the twisties really really good. But the 848 is even better! Plus I think the chassis communicates much better to you while in the turns.

Oh and the Duc will make you an instant celebrity among your fellow riders. =))
 
You will love the Duc, especially at the track. Once the suspension is set to you, the thing absolutely rails. As for the power difference, SFYAMR1 is right, you may have difficulty with it at first. There is more power in more places but it is deceptive. Don't get me wrong, you'll feel the acceleration but it is quite linear compared to an i4 and also not so high in the revs so it doesn't feel like you're going as fast as you are. Best thing you can do is find a buddy or dealership an get a test ride on one. You will not be disappointed!
 
By all means, if you can find a place to let you demo one, go for it! I remember when I shopping for my 600RR and I was going to look at it. Dealer said to me will have it all gassed up for you, hell I didn’t even have a permit… Needless to say I declined. =]
 
I dont know about the 600RR, I never owned one, but I did have an old VF500, F3, CBR900 '01 929 and an '02 954.

The I4s are higher reving, smoother, and are generally lacking in character...BUT they are fast as hell if you keep the revs up.

The Duc 1098 is my first twin. It shakes, makes all kind of noise and the power delivery is more Raw. To give a car analogy it's kind of like a V8 with a big loping cam vs a turbo supra. The ergos arent that bad I'm 6'2" 230 and it's fine.

A demo ride wouldnt be a bad idea although I knew I wanted a Ducati before even riding one so I walked into the dealer and wrote him a check.
 
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