my first ducati???

1098 for a first bike?, it depends on what kind of riding you will do on it.
i would suggest reading this artical, comparing a ducati multistrada 620 to a gsxr1000,

http://onewheeldrive.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=345&Itemid=126&limit=1&limitstart=0

it was one of the things that helped me decide to get a multistrada (my first ducati) since then ive gotten a 748 and now a 1098, the 1098 is awsome and in my opinion the best looking bike out there, but as ive ridden it around iv noticed(and it reminded me of this artical) that having all that power and not being able to really use it all kindof takes a little of the fun out of it, im really looking forward to taking it to the track and really have some fun with it, but as far as riding around town the multistrada is more fun to ride(but i still ride the 1098 just because it looks better) so when i get home i feel like i have been idleing around in second gear everywhere i went, the 748 was more enjoyable to run around town(even though it is refered to as the torture rack, the 1098 is about the same, and worse with a passenger) dont get me wrong im not complaining about the comfort, i didnt buy it to be comfortable, im just saying maby consider getting a bike that will be more fun to ride, especally if your not planning to take it to the track right away, i had a few tip overs with my first bike, maby learn on a used bike that its not a big deal if it gets a little scratched up, then go for the 1098
 
Hello, I just joined this forum and noticed that you are trying to buy a first bike!! Congradulations!!

I got my license this summer and I had same exact problem like you. I was hesitant between getting a small engine bike to learn first or jump to a litter bike. I decided to buy a litter bike. I did not drop my bike yet but I had few incidents.
Lot of people are talking about throtle and braking and that is true. Main problem we, first riders, face is that we do not know how to maintain optimum speed at slow maneuvering situations. That is when precise throtle control is most needed, I think. Lot of people drop their bike during U turns. Aplying too much front brake during slow U turn can make your bike fall. What my friend suggested was that for few weeks do not make any U turns, go around the block instead.
I read from a magazine that if you learn how to ride with smaller bike, you will learn better.. I do not know if that is true or not..

My question when I decided to my bike was, will I be ok if I drop this bike? emotionally and financially.. Dropping brand new 1098 is different then dropping a Shadow. So I decided to buy a most easy to ride bike. I was thinking of a Honda CBR1000 but did not like the looks, so I bought GSXR1000. I recently sold my Gixxer and now I am shopping for '08 1098.

Do I regret buying a litter bike for first bike? Nop!! not at all. Will I buy 1098 for first bike if I go back? hmmm.. Only if I have a guarantee that I am not dropping my bike..
Nice meeting you all.
 
Good point about U-turns...I have had a couple of near misses wheeling the bike backwards on slippery surfaces because I can't plant both flat. You're right, you have to come to terms with the fact that as a first bike it is very possible that you will drop it or dump it. The other side of that is that I know of people with way more experience than me who have had the same problems. This is precisely why a thread like this is so controversial and always ends up being long.
 
On the 1098 you MUST be REAL careful in very slow or stopped turns(you know what I mean). The ONE complaint I have about my 1098 is that your wrists hit the tank in slow or stopped turns and that can cause BIG problems. Not only a newbee rider but any very experienced rider will jam up and tip this bike very easily.

As for the 1098 as a first bike. Any unintentional or quick throttle twist or fistfull of front break will put you on the ground. If you've got the $$$$ then what the heck!!! Fall in style. You can tell your friends that you wrecked the BEST DAMN BIKE in the world!
 
I know i would never want to lay my ducati down. The 2 piston bikes have way more torque and can be dangerous for a new rider especially when are are bound to make mistakes no matter what as a beginner. just look up the guy who has a 1098 who is looking for parts on here. He flipped the bike and cracked a rib with one little mistake. not to mention he was quoted $9,500 to repair it. I bought my ducati to cruise and enjoy i have a yamaha for wheelies and pushing the limits a little more. something cheaper and that way i wont cry so much if something happens to it. Also go to utube and see all the idiots new riders or people who just accidently grabbed too much front brake on the 1098 and locked it up and went down. There are several people, you might want something with less torque speed and breaking power to make your mistakes on.
 
Personally I think the answer to this question is very simple. IMO the risk doesn't lie in how powerful the bike is, (I learned on a GSXR 750), but how much you want to pay when you drop your bike.

Most people with common sense can be careful on a powerful bike and not do stupid shit, but most people DO drop their first bike. It just happens. I did, my friends did. First bikes seem to always get dropped. I know it sux, but I recommend a full season on a less expensive bike so if you do drop it you won't kill yourself. Plus you will look like a huge tool if you drop a 1098 doing a rookie mistake.
 
Its quite simple...can you afford the drop?

I am new to the bike scene with a 1098 as my first superbike. Crazy, dont think so. Its the easiest handling bike, I tested. We ride at high speeds here on top end runs during our breakfast runs, and I feel confident at those speeds due to the bikes handling charecteristics.

Yes, I did drop my bike twice now...but not due to my own negligence. The bike stalled on me both times in a turn, locking the backwheel. The stalling is an issue on some of the 1098's so be cautious. Dame on the first drop...about $300, the second drop $5000.

its expensive to repair, but will I buy one again as a first bike? YES, YES, YES. It is an awesome machine!

Just keep your head, and ride your own pace. Dont power on until you gained confidence on what the bike is able to kick out. You will lift the front wheel if you ask for all the power.

Good luck on your purchase, you will be impressed....and you life your dreams once, if you dont buy what you dreamed of now, you probably never will.

Enjoy Life, contemplate the risk
 
I don't mean to teach you how to suck eggs but...

the thing is - you'll drop the bike no matter what. you'll drop breaking too hard while turning, you'll drop in front of your buddies, in a parking lot, in your garage... hell you'll even drop while waiting for a green at the stop light!

on the other hand, if you're over careful on a shiny bike (trying not to make anything stupid just to prevent a crash) then you're missing the fun of it - especially with a racebike like a ducati. I think, in this case it's just too much (unneccessary) pressure. and needless to say, your learning curve will be much more longer until you're confident enough

therefore, I'm for the group suggesting a possibly heavy and somewhat slow beginners bike. obviously with cheap parts for replacement. that is, at least for your first season and for about 40-50.000 km depending on your experiences... if you learn how to handle (and ride fast) a slow and heavy bike then you'll have no problem to *enjoy* the ride on superbikes.

last but not least: invest in a very good riding gear. I mean top of the line, don't spare money on this! obviously, ducati-patched leather is still made by *** as far as I remember, so watch out not to buy an overpriced brand product just for the sticker.

once you're a bit more confident, don't forget to book a couple of trackdays, and don't be afraid to do some highsiding, lowsiding (still with your rookie bike) to be able to recognize, where are your limits and more importantly, to experience how sportsbikes behave themselves in these kind of situations. trust me: it's more fun not to worry about trashing a cheap bike and learn all the things at the beginning that are necessary to be in command of bikes like a 1098 & co

remember: on superbikes it's all about cornering speed. in the straights, everyone can do a full throttle.

enjoy the ride and sorry if I was too long or trivial
 
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