Honest Opinions on the 1098

S

suvi

New member
Cheese, learn to breath man. Pause, take a breath. Use punctuation, and keep it breif. Or get a hobby..... way too uch to read dude!!!

KG, don't jump to conclusions re the base v the S and the Ohlins suspension. You will need to dial your suspension in when you get the bike (if you get one). You will only get the best out of it by taking the time and making the effort to dial in your suspension.

The Showa is definitely softer, and needs more attention that the S if you want to ride fast with confidence. The S Ohlins definitely responds to some upgrading attention, and attention on either model IS required in order to transform the entire characterisitics of how the bike handles.

Do your homework, there are a a number of varied opinions on what needs to be done to these bikes to get them to handle well.
 
Bigcheese you gotta get an Evoluzione throttle tube, it really smooths out the power delivery, you'll kick yourself for not getting one sooner.
 
Yeah to tell you the truth that was high on my wish list but I forgot about it. Thanks ten ill remember that's the next thing I order. I heard awesome shit about them. And with the mpl slave cylinder she should feel pretty damn good from that side of the bike.
 
Well, off to Commonwealth Ducati of Louisville to look at some options and try to get a test ride....

I'm scared..... I may come back with a bike
 
I am 43, almost 44.

It is a twin. I am riding a 4 now (Desmo). The Twin has WAY more Torque down low, that is really nice. The twins pull hard and Rev slow, compared to a 4.

There is vibration. My left hand gets numb at times when on the track, I had to shake it out on a straight at 130 last time out !! My right wrist can get a bit sore after riding for an hour or so.

The bike gets about 100 miles, if your lucky on a tank of gas. The heat will build up in your ass after some time in the seat (It's nothing compared to the Desmo).

It's fast, real fast. It will do power wheelies at 80 miles an hour in second gear. It has a "monster" motor.

It handles really well. It's easy to ride, comparatively speaking to , say, the Desmo.

They really don't break much. Two year warranty is good. Parts ARE expensive.

They look great, sound great and handle great.

It's not a rice burner........not that they are BAD.
 
Well, got the test ride today:

I didn't come home with the bike because I'm still undecided.

The fit and finish of this bike is perfect. I even like the way the fairing a has slot made into it just for the kickstand. Just a solid bike. Not to mention it fits me like a glove the narrow frame feels perfect for me.

Now for the ride: The start up and sound was just as I thought it would be. Not as much vibration as I expected. The only vibration that was worth noting was the little bit at low rpm at take off. After that, the L smooths out and feels good. The brakes.... you can't get any better than this. If you don't like the brakes on this bike then somethings wrong with your hands. The motor is torquey and strong.

What I didn't like is the weight that was on my wrists while riding. It doesn't look angled at all but you will be supporting your weight on bars that for sure. I think (this is just my opinion) that because ducati has so much torque down low and the bike is so light that this forces you to put your weight on the bars to help keep the front end down. After I got used to the high torque I realized that I wasn't going that fast so I opened it up a little. The torque makes you feel faster than you are actually going and that can be misleading. This bike is clean and the lines are smooth as silk but to be honest I didn't feel smooth as silk riding on it. It didn't have the finesse I was looking for. Maybe I was expecting too much but I was expecting more. If I would have been blown away by this bike, I would have it in the garage right now and this is my problem. I don't feel like I should have to talk myself into buying something. You either want it or you don't.

I didn't want to buy my R1 when I did but I tried the Honda several times and it didn't feel right on me. I just threw my leg over the R1 and that was it. I said this can't be right... I don't even want to buy this bike and I wasn't looking at it.... just messing around. I gave it a few weeks and tried it again and the bike just felt right to me. So i bought it and have enjoyed every single mile.

The 1098 did the same thing today until I got out on the road. If felt great and as soon as I sat on it and started it up I was like.. uh oh, looks like I will be taking this home. But after a few blocks and by-passing the dealership to take another run just to make sure and opening her up to get to the fun factor... I was left somewhat unsatisfied. Like having sex with Beyonce and not having an orgasm.... Nothing against the 1098 and I still think it's beautiful but maybe it's an acquired taste. Not counting it out but I know I have to dwell on it and I don't like buying a bike I have to dwell on... it should sell itself. Guys don't let me have it... Just being honest here. I still love the bike and I will stare at it every time I see one but I can't make myself buy it because I know I won't be completely satisfied with it. I guess bang for the buck is the best way to put it.
 
Just buy it, and you will like it. I bought mine 1098 3 days ago without a license to ride.

You will not find a bike that satisfied you 100%. Of course you need to have the $$ to burn..... Just visit the dealership every weeks, you will found your truth love... Of course before the Sales kick you out...
 
Don't buy it. I was so sick of twisting to infinity for usable power from Jap bikes that the twins torque sold its self to me. On top of that I got the most gorgeous bike in existence with awesome handeling and stability. The down falls weren't enough to take my mind off it for a second. I don't belive in buying things that I'm not head over heals for from day one.
 
Back
Top