I like the BMW. I must say i cant see the whole argument of not buying something cos it lacks "Soul"? Or changing from one manufacturer to another because of "Soul"....my only gripe with the s1000r is the whole look is a little "busy" - too many flaps, vents and shapes...
I agree but if you compare it with the Tuono, they are quite similar and in the metal it does not look too busy, especially with the dark blue matt colour scheme. especially with the monster, although the new 1200 looks busier than its air-cooled predecessor.
I considered it as an option before opting for the KTM. Ducati are missing a real trick as naked bikes sell in better numbers for other manufacturers, the SF848 and 1098 were good bikes but I guess priced against the Superbike it was a tough sell. BMW have been aggressive with the pricing and you get a lot for your money. The KTM has a premium price and that puts a lot of people off - you're looking realistically at around £16k once you spec extras. Ducati have taken the edge of the Monster with it being more cruiser like and no SF leaves a noticeable gap in their lineup for an aggressive naked.
Does the current monster 821/1200 being water cooled has diluted its unique DNA and simplistic appeal, to the same extent what Porsche did with the 996 compared to the 993?
Porsche had water cooled before and the latest 911 has the same appeal (to me anyway). These are hardly the first WC Monsters either. I know they can't have an air cooled and meet the regulations any more so I guess that's why the SF v Monster debate has happened in the Ducati HQ. The Monster wins on sales numbers easily so that's the focus with a switch to water cooling and modern engines.
I recently sold my '10 plate 1098SF and test rode the Monster 1200S, S1000R, new Super Duke R and Tuono over two weekends. The Monster 1200S was by far the least exciting machine, more mini-Diavel than 'super naked' - I found it a bit wet and limp in this company. The S1000R while fast and a great piece of engineering had no character and felt far too clinical and a little bland, like unsalted porridge. The Super Duke R I liked, I could see myself owning one but.... The Tuono was the best of the bunch, the screaming 4V engine is a bastard (in the good sense) and combined with the really well conceived electronics was head and shoulders above for me. So much so I bought one. Agree with Count that Ducati have a hole in their range for an exciting super naked road bike with the death of the Streetfighter range. However I still pine a little for my Streetfighter, the Ducati pride of ownership is something that I dont quite have for the Aprilia. If Ducati/Audi see sense and pull a brute of a naked based upon the 1199 platform from their arses then I'll be chucking in my Tuono as fast as I could.
I couldn't do without a Ducati, sad though that is to admit. I'm OK as I have the Pikes Peak for touring or two up. The KTM I figured would be a stop gap until Ducati decide to do a proper naked. Having done a few miles now, Ducati will have to do a fair bit to make me swap. I really enjoyed my Streetfighter but on the KTM I realise you can have a smooth fuelling map low down and still have plenty of obscene noises from the exhaust on overrun ;-0
The KTM I rode had the Akrapovič can on it and it did sound great, popping and spitting on the overrun, really great. I really liked the massive torque the big v-twin gave too, its a great bike no mistake (you lucky boy you). The clutch on my SF was heavy and not having to slip riding through traffic was a revelation. The sub 3k rev fuelling on the SF was truly crap, hunting then firing, juddering then surging; a mess. I put the Termi's and racing ECU on mine but that didn't sort it. End of the day I enjoy riding the Tuono, it's a brute of a machine with massive power, great ergonomics that's easier to ride than my Streetfighter. Though I preferred to polish and own the Ducati every time. I hope Ducati do another big supernaked soon.
Have to admit I might be booking a test ride on one of these soon. Granted the Tuono may be more beast, but its also 90 miles or less to a tank. I sort of like the oddball looks of the s1000 as well and after running a k8 gsxr1000 with flat bars, think the BMW might be just the job. Only sold it to get something capable of two up trips (MTS). Now thinking S1000R sport and an old GS1200 for two up work.. Superduke too extreme, plus I think everyone would see it as challenge to overtake (?) ,,'my bike is faster than..' etc.
Bit behind the times with this thread but I took a S1000R Sport for a demo last week. I've been riding a 2013 speed Triple which I love and am very reluctant to part with but I want a bit more raw power. I didn't rate the BMW. Handling and brakes were superb but I think its the wrong sort of engine for a naked. Despite all the claims of massive torque it hasn't got the instantaneous midrange punch of the Triumph, its got it all up top which isn't where you want it. There was significantly more turbulence on the BMW than the Triumph, and it had a tendency to wag the bars under top end acceleration. A ton felt faster and hairier on the BM than it does on the Triumph. Comfortable, though and the induction snarl was very pleasing, but for me a naked needs to be a twin or a triple. (Or maybe a V4...) Tried a 1098 SF at the weekend and here I am. On the forum, deposit paid. It had the punch and aggression I was after, it was comfortable beyond all expectations, certainly much more so than a V4 Tuono with better fuel economy and tank range. To me the SF rode like a super-fit, slimmed down Speed Triple on Steroids which is exactly what I've been looking for. If Ducati hadn't put off punters with a silly original price tag the SF could well have been king of the nakeds. I suspect KTM may have made the same mistake with the 1290. I ruled out the complex V4 Tuono because of discomfort, terrible fuel economy, poor dealership coverage in my area and a poor record of customer service from the factory. I can't see that the Tuono is a naked either. If it is then so is the Kawasaki Z1000 RX. They both have about the same amount of plastic on them. The Speed Triple will be a tough act to follow. I have high hopes for the SF. Fingers crossed.
The 1098 SF is a great bike, especially if you have an S version with carbon and Ohlins making you feel like a big cheese. I didn't want to go back a step with the SF1098 having had the SF848 and not wanting the same without the tweaks that made the 848 really good. The KTM is very comfortable, much more so than the SF for me, it's physically a bigger bike and the ergonomics suit me well. There are probably some great deals on the Ducati SFs right now as the model is outgoing, I did have a chat with Moto Rapido a few months ago and they could have got me a 1098 new as one of the last remaining at a good deal.
