Is this the correct decision?

M

Mazbomb

New member
Hi guys. I have just registered to the "Ducati spot" because it is the right time for me to make a decision. Is it a nice idea to buy the 1198 for a daily commuter and for high speed rides at weekends? I have previously owned a cb1, cbr 600, hayabusa, gsxr 1000 and a zx14, all of them heavily modified (akrapovic full systems etc). I feel that it is time for something special!!
PS: Oh man, the black s version is so nice....but and so expensive..
 
Find a dealer that will let you test ride one, you will find people that will hate for commuting purposes and others that love it. I think it really depends on the rider and his personal preference.

Me, no way, this bike doesn't work well for commuting. Heat, mirrors, position and suspension 'S' version. Maybe the Showa on the base model is a little more forgiving. Again, personal preference.
 
I have the base model 1198 and the Showa suspension is a little more forgiving than the S models Ohlins. The heat can be a pain but its something I put up with because I love my Ducati. The 2010 S models look so nice in Black! The White lookes really good with the red frame also.

Stop and go traffic is what hurts me the most, but its not too bad.
 
Would assume as with most Ducatis, the first mod. you should make, ESPECIALLY TO
MAKE THE BIKE MORE "COMMUTER-FRIENDLY", would be to go up 2 or 3 teeth on the
rear sprocket. Less drag on the clutch and, of course, a little more "snap" off the
line and when dodging cages. Good luck with your decision and "welcome aboard"!
 
well...youre talking about something special so by nature it cant be cheap IMO...and yes..once you own it you never go back specially after some mods or bling done...good luck..
 
personally I would hate to commute on my bike (1198s) I even rode the 1198 which by the way is the better option because the ohlins suspension on the S isnt that great, its old technology. Get the new multistrada to commute now thats a comfortable bike! Once you go duc you will never go back.
 
All of your previous bikes are far better at the commuting thing than the Ducati Superbike for two simple reasons:

- any inline 4cyl is smoother than the lumpy, v-twin luggers, and in stop-go traffic the difference is marked.

- the riding positions, and softer suspensions of your former bikes are far more comfortable than the narrow-focused, hard track set-up of the Ducati.

Try to get a decent test ride, and preferably in traffic to see if any of this is a real issue for you.

jdw
 
I wouldn't commute on my bike but that is because I use it for its purpose of riding in the canyons & beating it like a whipping boy.
The riding position isn't that bad and is much better than a 916! The weight on the wrists only bothers you in stop & go traffic. The bike does get hot but any bike is like sitting on a 200 degree oven when in traffic. The seat is a little firmer than say a kawi but this is a bred race bike so I deal with its quirks.
I love my bike almost as much as I love my children. I rode for 7 years on I4 japanese bikes & there is so much more soul in an italian bike that just isn't in a japanese bike & I've always felt the chassis on italian bikes has always worked better. The steel trellis frame is a better design IMHO

I'm light so if you are under 180lbs the 1198 will be over sprung in the front & under sprung in the rear. Spend the money on correct springs & play with fork oil height and the bike becomes an even better machine...it is amazing.
 
Thank you guys for all the feedback. i really appreciate it!! I am thinking to buy the bas eemodel, since i will definetely need
1) sargent seat (ok, this is not so expensive)
2) Akrapovic slip on (i hope they they will address the "heating" issues, around $1K)

I think that Ducati is the "rolex" of bikes, and you will never go back to a Japanese one. In the worst case scenario that i will not be able to daily commute with her, i will buy an another affordable bike to get the job done.

I live in the USA, FL. Could you please tell me how much did YOU pay for your lady?.. I want to go to the dealer well prepared

It is really a pity i cannot buy a black 1198, only option for 2010 the white (not for me) or the red one..
 
Multistrada is the most beautiful and powerful multipurpose bike, but not for me...I do understand that ducati needs to follow current "trends" (BMW 1200GS, Triumpth Tiger, Yamaha super tenere, Honda Varadero etc) but her supersport lines (916, 999???, 1098, 1198) are the breakthrough legendary motorcycles of all the ages.
 
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