my first ducati???

S

SRT

New member
I would like some advice from any of you forum members. my dream bike has always been a ducati 916. ive have wanted one ever since i can remember. i passed my bike test last week and am lucky enough financially (thro a lot of hard work, savings and no ties) to be able to afford a 1098s ducati. every person i have spoke too has told me not to get this as a first bike because of brutal power, handling etc?? i am pretty sure as this being my first bike it would be the same as any other to get used too etc?? can you please leave your comments/thoughts. they would be greatly appreciated

thanks

Casey
A True Scotsman
 
Casey,

This issue has been hashed out quite a bit. Take a look at this thread:

http://www.ducati1098.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1729

Elton
 
Actually the 1098 is the new Ducati beginner bike...it's much lighter so that when you drop it you can pick it up by yourself.

Just kidding, this has long been debated and thrown around...bottom line is do what your gut and senses tell you to do. Most people will say no way, don't even think about getting that bike...I say it's up to you and get it if you want to. There are a couple of guys on this board, including me, who started out on big bikes just this season. Knock on wood we are doing just fine, as a matter of fact I just completed my 3rd track day and not on any of the days did I run in the slowest group, even in pouring rain with puddles on the track. No bragging here, just giving you another side of the story that you won't normally hear.

Check out the link that Elton posted, get all the opinions you want, but ultimately do what makes you happy and above all safe.
 
Maturity level and financial situation are factors.

a 600cc and a hayabusa will both go 0-60 in roughly the same amount of time, so the argument that a 600cc is a better bike to start, does not fly well.

A ninja 250, now there would be a start bike IMO.

If you have enough self control and money, get any bike you want as a first bike.
 
It's usless to ask bc everyone is different, plus you seems to have you mind made up. All we can truely say is ride Safe whatever you choice might be. There is no such thing as a beginners bike bc non e come with training wheels. ;-)
 
Assuming you ride prudently, I don't think the 1098 is such a bad bike because:

1) If you're vertically challenged, the seat height isn't too bad and the spacing between your legs is narrow. So, you should be able to get some good footing.
2) The 1098 is very light and agile which makes low speed maneuvering pretty easy and the gearing is pretty tall also.
3) Throttle has a lot of slop in it but other than that, IMO, it builds power progressively (as opposed on on/off).

On the downsides to keep in mind is that the 1098 is very easy to ride (being very light and agile) and that makes it very easy to find yourself over your head. To add to that, the front brake has a lot of bite so it's easy to over brake and lock the front wheel. Also keep in mind a 0 mph tip over usually results in a broken mirror, fairing and clutch/brake lever. And, I believe the side panel alone is about $700 to replace. Just something to keep in mind.
 
If your throttle has too much freeplay, adjust it. Why put up with that if it bothers you?

For a true beginner, any bike with that much power is a poor choice. Will you go out and crash right away? Not necessarily but the 1098 in particular will do what you ask it! You have to be very careful because of that. Why not spend 6 months learning on a Suzuki SV650 or something similar. An SV650 holds its value very well. Buy a used one, ride it for a few months and then spend the bucks on the 1098. The SV is a very easy bike to ride and can still be a blast. They handle pretty well for its price. The 1098 is an amazing bike! I wouldn't hesitate to buy one, but it isn't suck a great bike to learn on.

The S model isn't such a bargain since the Ohlins components aren't $5000 better than the Showa suspension on the base model. That and the data acquisition is a toy, but can be added (plug and play) to the base model.
 
How about the wheels on the S plus the suspension? How about not having to put the bike into the dealer to have the suspension installed and reworked, just riding out and being all set? I think there is value in those items.

The SV650 might be a great beginner's bike, and yes they probably do hold their value. Plus they're actually great on the track from what I hear...but this guy is looking at a DUCATI, probably for the same reasons you and I ride them. I'm not trying to get into this whole debate again, but I know that nobody was talking me out of buying a Ducati when it was already made up in my mind.

I have THE perfect solution if the guy has the money...buy the 1098 and keep it as a street bike. Buy a used SV650 or Triumph Daytona or some older Ducati and a trailer and track that bike. This way learn on a "beginner bike" AND leverage the track learning on the street with the 1098. Not to mention (if he's smart) he probably won't want to rip it up on the street after a track day, so he'll appreciate the beautiful street bike that much more. There you go, problem solved...only spent an extra $10K to do it!
 
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