My 06 749 has served me well since new as a daily commuter. At the time (i was on a 620 Monster before) i was warned off a sbk as a commuter due to riding position etc but can honestly say the bike has been a dream. The fact it is so narrow means it is ideal for filtering through London and on the (stationary) A1. Now however it is starting to cost me money, so I'm thinking of getting something newer. Really angling towards an 1198 as i did have a 1098 SF for 6 months before it got pinched and loved that engine, but would i be better off with an 848? And if so should i go for the Evo? How much difference is there between the two, power wise? Noticeable on an hours commute? Thanks!
I've owned a 749s, 848 and 1098s. The 848 engine is a peach and better suited for road riding. The 1098 / 1198 will only make sense above 60mph imo. You'd be nuts to commute on an 1198 / 1098. 848SF or another 1098SF.
I quite often commute into London on my 1199s. That said it's only five miles to Hammersmith and I can usually hoon it in so it's good fun. Sometimes I go further towards the city and that can be a frustrating ride at times, I think the bike would probably be a bit much for commuting everyday as it doesn't really do it's thing unless you are riding it hard and that can difficult in heavy traffic. I do enjoy it but I've moved more towards other bikes that make a bit more sense at lower speeds lately. The Supermoto and KTM enduro are pure hooligan at much lower speeds so it's a lot more practical than the 1199 plus you can see over the top of all the cars which is really handy. My advice if you are commuting most days on the racebike would be for the 848, although I'd probably end up with the 1198 anyhow haha
Pavey is your 749 black, I ask as i have just finished a job in Harrow and sit in traffic down to Stirling corner roundabout and there has been a black 749 going past.
Mine is black, yes. That's the way I generally go too, filtering pretty much from Borehamwood Wood area to the Finchley Road. I have a Suomi lid.
That has been asked of me before but weekend commitments and my wife's work schedule means my bike pretty much stays in the garage at the weekends, so my pleasure is the 2hrs a day of commuting. I sat on an 1198s today and was surprised how upright the riding position felt, thought it would be much more extreme (which is obviously a good thing). Put down a holding deposit...
Hi Pavey, i have an 1198 fantastic bike but slow speed they run like a pig, unless you get on the gas, i know 2 other people with the same issues as i have running at low speeds, i have just changed my front sprocket for a 14t but still a bit chuggy i am now going to get it re-maped to sort the fueling out. They have said i would be very impressed with the ride when this is done i hope sogood luck with your choice
Thanks for the advice mate. Is it the fuelling or gearing or both? All being well I should get it this week. My SF used to pop and splutter at low speeds, did sound great through the Akra cans though.
I have been told by BSD in Peterborough that its the fueling, others say changing the sprocket helps a lot which it has a bit but, it sure takes off now when you blip the throttle, they have also said i would possibly get another 5-10 mile out of the tank? and another couple of horses! not that i need any more, i am going to book my re-map with them in a couple of weeks time, i will let you know how it goes
Got it today, and didn't get wet. Didn't give it any beans as the tyres are brand new but enjoyed it for the half an hour I had. I have always had Oberon clutch slaves and this doesn't currently so did notice that straight away, and the long levers are horrible. Sounds fantastic though with the cans, my neighbours are going to love it. screen capture freeware[/rurl]
I used to love commuting on my 848 evo, well unless I had to go below about 40 mph in which case it was a total bitch, gearing, fuelling, heat soak, clutch hand etc. Can't imagine an 1198 is any better. But who cares when it looks like that ! Got an 04 fireblade for the commute now and it's exquisite !
