Help with a new duc. 1098 or 848?

V

Vibrantfish

New member
Hi All, I'm new to this forum but not new to motos. I've owned everything from a Ninja 250 to a Duc 848 (a couple inline 4's and an SV650) and have about 40k street miles and a few track days under my belt...but now I need help.

So my Ducati 848 recently went head to head with a deer and the deer won. Insurance is going to total it and cut me a check, but I have a problem now.

When I bought my 848 I got it for 13,700 OTD but because the 848's have been marked up by Ducati, not even the dealer I originally bought it from wants to give me that price again. The price they are looking for now is creeping pretty close to 1098 territory so it's a bit of a pain in the ass to have to pay $800 more for the same bike I had when I can pay a little more and get a 1098.

The problem is I've never been a huge fan of liter bikes as I always feel like they are all about straight line speed and are a pain to flick around corners (like a busa) but if the 1098 is "like" an 848 that pulls harder then I think I'll go with that. Otherwise, I'll bite the bullet and pay the markup or buy used. Any thoughts? Bite the bullet and pay the mark up for the 848 or pay a little more and get the 1098?

Oh and neither would see the track often, if ever. I have a dedicated SV650 for that.
 
First I'd say check the threads, there's already a ton of discussions going on about the 848 vs 1098.

If you're pinching pennies also check what the difference in cost of insurance is, that might decide it for you. I've heard a few people say that the 848 turns quicker and more easily because the ride height is greater and the rear tire is narrower, maybe someone who's actually rode both can chime in. Otherwise, why not get more for the same money?
 
Does your dealer have a 1098 demo model??? If so, take a test ride and that should answer your question. The 1098 is "slightly" less flickable than the 848, but has a LOT more power, so depending on what you enjoy about riding a Superbike it may or may not be your cup of tea. It's almost impossible to know what a 1098 is like without riding one, just imagine your 848 with a supercharger....
 
I'm partial to the 1098 but they are still really good handling bikes. If your dealer wants to throw a surcharge at you find another dealer. I know the dealer I bought mine at doesn't do that to the 848's but it's also a small dealer just trying to sell as many bikes as they can.
 
I own an 848, but have riden a 1098 on the track. IMO the 848 handles better and is much easyer to ride fast. especialy on the race track. But the extra power of the 1098 would be nice on the street. So I guess you have to ask yourself what's more important. Handling or power?
 
Firts off "liter" bikes are nothing like a Busa, be it a 1098, 1000RR or whatever. They are way closer to Supersports than they are to Hyperbikes(Busas etc.) I've riden all three and the Busa is just a big fat pig! I say get the 1098 over the 848 hands down! Yes, I may be biased since I have one, but I think you should get more for your money if they are that close in price. The 1098 has better components than the 848 too(Monoblocks, Dry Clutch, Better Suspension, Damper, etc...). You definitely won't be sorry if you get a 1098. Of course if you get the 848, you'll never know. If you can test ride the 1098, that would definitely help. I haven't ridden an 848 yet, but I have a 600 as well and ride both it, and my 1098 regularly. I know the 848 has different power delivery, more torque and HP than my 600RR, but the 1098 is way more fun, just slightly less flickable , than my 600RR. The trade off is definitely worth it! JMHO!

-ND
 
buy the 848 again

the 1098's engine makes more power than needed, the brakes are too strong, and it comes with stuff you don't really need. plenty of guys are faster on 848s than 1098s, just read some of the 848 posts. somehow the 848 handles better, probably because of the narrower rear tire, and 10 less pounds.

like you said, you're not a fan of liter bikes, so save the money and use it towards bling, or buy something nice for the woman in your life
 
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