I bought a 1098s today!! 3.5k miles on. I’ve only sat in it and heard it, but wow what a bike! I paid just over 8500 and has all Ducati service history. It’s due a service next year but I actually think I got a bargain! Anything in particular I need to watch out for on this beast?
Things to watch out for? Spinning big-end shells if you really rag the engine (e.g. if you turn it into a track bike). If the exhaust valve is still there, the bracket where the cables terminate next to the valve can crack off. The back edge of the tank in your ribs if you are short and get into a tuck position. Understeer on corner exits. Very soft rear spring with too much preload making the rear harsh. Torque monster!
It’s not mine don’t worry! From seven years of ownership this would be my advice: Change the OEM regulator to a Mosfet ASAP unless you want to be replacing that every couple of years. Accept that you will be replacing the battery every two years no matter how carefully you keep it charged The fans will kick in after a run as soon as you hit a town and are no longer doing at least 30 miles an hour Sometimes it will randomly cut out for no apparent reason but you soon develop a technique for starting it again on the go with barely a second thought! Other than those minor niggles it’s the best Ducati ever made IMO. A bit brutish mostly angry very fast and a proper riding experience. My SuperSport S is a better bike in every respect except it isn’t and a large part of me regrets not replacing like for like. Enjoy and keep it upright it’s a fabulous bike
I know how you feel Symon - I sold my 1198S earlier in the year - stupidest (bike-related!) thing I ever did. Still haven't replaced it, if I saw another nice 1198S I'd probably buy it.
Ditto...i sold my 1198S because i couldn't handle its random starting foibles, basically never knowing if it would restart after filling up at the petrol station ,i tried everything i could to try and improve things, i wish now i had persevered a bit more, it was an awesome thing when running ,with enough stomp to uproot a tree...now i've gone back to basics with an old 916 bip, and i love it.
Yes I think that’s one of the points he’s making. I certainly do but let’s face it who wants a Ducati that starts on the button, never drains the battery, is quiet even with akra’s and isn’t trying to throw you off at every possible corner?
Sometimes - but in the real world on UK roads 107hp from my 916 is more than enough to have a lot of fun with, and up to now its ALWAYS started first time on the button, hot or cold.
Exact-start cables make a large difference to weak starting performance. Doesn't help the battery drain much but saves sprag clutch wear. If you can keep it on a charger overnight then it should be a reliable starter. It needs positive shifting, too gentle and you'll be gifted a convenient neutral right when you don't need it.
Guys thank you for all the comments and recommendations/ things to look out for! Really appreciate it!
I keep mine connected with the battery optimiser, despite having a new battery last year on start ups it takes a toll on it. I love mine, base model, but a beast of a bike. Someone says the best Ducati before all the electronics were introduced.
It’s battery drain is the one thing I never really sorted. Switched to Exact Start cables, always kept on an optimiser, warm(ish) garage & looked after better than the kids most of the time, but still ate through batteries. My late 18 Supersport S still has the original, isn’t always on an optimiser & still has all its charge. Never did figure the 1098 out there but I know which bike I prefer & wish I still had it!
