Hi all, I am going to look at two bikes this weekend: https://superbikefactory.co.uk/2007-ducati-1098-s-red-with-9509-miles/ and https://superbikefactory.co.uk/2011-ducati-1198-red-with-15553-miles/ Has anyone got any advice on anything I should look out for on either of these bikes? This will be my first Ducati - have been used to Jap bikes (ZX-6R, TL1000R & Fireblade). I love the look of the 1098s to be honest but with the 1198 being that little bit more modern I am wondering if it will be a better bike? Also the dealer has said the 1098s is standard whereas the 1198 has a few mods. Which one would you go for just from the pics alone? Thanks for any advice, Dave.
Early 1098 (2007) gained a reputation for major engine and gearbox failure. This example has yet to reach the sort of mileage where problems materialise and IMO, is £1500 overpriced. The 1198 had a much better reputation although not totally fault free. This example is again, IMO, about £1000 overpriced for the mileage. I also note that both bikes are actually £99 more expensive because they charge an administration fee. WTF is that all about ? IIRC, the Superbike Factory has not got a good reputation with everyone on here who has bought from them. In every case, service history is essential and if anything has been missed on time or mileage or not carried out by a main dealer or known specialist, my advice would be to walk away. Andy
The 1098 is an S so has nice lighter forged wheels and Ohlins suspension. Wouldn’t touch the 1198 at that price as it’s a base model with a nasty paint job....in my opinion.
A mate of mine went to look at a couple of bikes at the superbike factory at the weekend. He said he's never seen so much shit in one place.
Hi Andy. Thanks for the info. Price wise, I am not worried about at the moment, I can negotiate that with them when I get there, but thanks for the info. Is there somewhere I can look to see what the service intervals are for the 1198? I was drawn to the 1098s but after what you said with engine and gearbox then I think I am going to leave that one alone to be honest.
I only have my 1098R owner’s manual to go on but the 1198 won’t be much different. Oil and filter every 7500 miles or 12 months and Belts renewed every 15000 miles or 2 years (tension check every 7500/12) are the two major items. Brake/clutch fluid and coolant every 3 years and there is a lot of checking and greasing various parts every 7500/12 which IMO, you really need to see an annual service stamp in the hope that has been covered. Andy
Mmmm. The more I read on Superbike Factory the more negative things I see. Think I am going to give them a swerve and look elsewhere. Was looking at them originally as they seem to have lots of bikes.
Ya see this is sometimes the problem with people feeding back like this. For me, I always wanted a 1098s can’t explain it anymore than that. Mines a 2007 with 17k on it now. It’s been everything I wanted & more. I keep it serviced, keep it clean, other than that I do nothing to it. It’s so much better specced (& looking) than the base 1198 imo. Both great bikes, so enjoy whatever you choose but don’t necessarily be put off by the oft touted comment that 1098s blow their engine. Most of them don’t!
Is there a reason why some go wrong? Is there a common theme, i.e. lack of maintenance? Or is it just bad luck?
Only a few go wrong, but Ducati did upgrade the Crank Bearings on the 1098 Streetfighter and 1198. But Shakey's Dad's is worth considering, best of all worlds with an 1198S
What Exi said really. I guess a failing anything is bad luck if you‘ve looked after it well. If you can afford the 1198s, that’s a good bet as it is a newer bike but my point is don’t be put off by a well maintained 1098s. Mines been fantastic & the two others that I’ve known of, one with 27K on the clock have been sound too.
Thanks for all the replies everyone. Shakey's Dad, thanks for the heads up regarding your bike but I needed to go to a dealer as it was putting roughly half on finance - finance is much cheaper than a bank loan at the moment so needed to go that way. Best of luck with the sale. So, over the last 3 days I have been to 4 dealers and had a look at various Ducati's. I never went to Superbike factory after some feedback here and reviews online. In the end I have gone for a 2013 899 Paginale from CNC Cannock. Just under 11k miles with full service and two owners. Pick her up next Saturday - weather permitting!
Every time a 2007 1098 is mentioned the crowd jump to their feet and start roaring. I’m not sure what the actual statistics are about the early 1098 bikes being unreliable, but I’ve had two and never had any issues whatsoever and I’ve known others who haven’t had any problems. I think a lot of it is just internet hype with no real substance, in the same way years ago I owned an E46 BMW M3 and all I read on the internet was the VANOS will go wrong and SMG gearbox start leaking oil costing £1000s. Then I had Porsche 911 (997) and the it was guaranteed to have IMS failure and bore scoring if the internet armchair brigade were to be believed. Never had any problems at all.
I had a 1098R and would recommend anyone with one should upgrade to Pistal HC pistons should the opportunity present itself. OE pistons are a bit chocolate. I had 3 fail on me during ownership. Get a Nova transmission too while you’re at it. It’s worth pointing out mine used as intended. On track. The early Porsche 997 did have bore score issues. But not many tbf. The later DFI (gen 2) even less so. Great engines
