Apologies in advance for the "yet another comparison.. which bike for me post" but your advice is required... After research Ive managed to limit my shortlist down to a: 1098S 998S From what ive seen, both are available for similar money. Seems like the 1098s are still on the way down a bit and the 998s are on the way up. Ive Ridden a 1098 but only sat on a 998 to date. As the owner of two classic bikes already, my heart says go for a 998 and add to the stable with a useable modern classic. Most of my riding will be summer evenings and weekend jaunts out. ~On paper, I think its the more extreme riding position of the 998 that I'm seeing as a negative. It's not that easy to just go try one out tho and the one ive got my eye on is the other end of the country. Any advice to help with the decisions?
Hi mate. No advice from me but I'm in the same predicament as you, more or less. 998 or 848 evo corse.
1098 is probably easier to live with and OE spares/aftermarket parts are still readily available and some believe the 1098 is the last true superbike Ducati built. 998 is going to be more and more difficult to maintain the more miles you put on it as time marches on. Buy both . Andy
I think the testastretta 'evo' engine in the 1098 was a big step forward. Personally I think u should be comparing 1098 and 848 evo corse, the latest would be my pick as it's easier to live with. My 748 was really bad at low speed and just hard work, the 848 is no picnic but better. Some question the reliability of 1098's, no one questions the 998, I believe it's one of the best finished and reliable Ducati to date
There is always one... Thought I liked 999's for their differences, Went to view one and got off and went straight to the bottle shop.
Errm, right. What does that mean? I've had a couple of 999's, the last one an 06 'R' Gorgeous bike in every way. Love the 749/999 range.
I thought I wanted a 999, but having viewed one in the flesh (right next to a 1098S), I went straight out and drowned my sorrows in the next door majestic wines.... as I went off it big time. Each to their own.... Im not dissing the 999 for its different looks... But the rear end, clock layout, weight balance, front, sides, top and other aspects of the bike put me off. Nice wheels tho! Having said that. Im sure if I got one I would grow to love it to bits. However my shortlist is narrowed down to a 1098 or the 998
1098 is a much more comfortable ride but I prefer the more mellow characteristics of the 998, it's a smoother delivery with more than enough performance for normal use. 998 is also still a practical proposition as an every day rider and it has that classic "916" styling which will always be desirable. I've clocked up 14k on my 1098 from new and the 998 is now close to 22k, it had around 11k when I got it 6 years ago. No problems on either of them. Biggest single difference is probably tank range, 1098 will struggle to do 100 miles where as a 998 if ridden reasonably sensibly will do 150+ - I've had up to 165 miles before fuel light came on.
Appreciate the useful info, helpful that to know about the Range. Out of interest... if you were to hold onto your two for another 5-15 years... which would you say would be the more sell-able bike? Will the 1098 drop some still before possibly rising in price with time... and the 998s on its way up now and will keep going?
1098 is Tricolore model and probably still got a little way to drop yet, 998 is Bostrom rep which is hopefully on the way up. So neither is particularly common but I think the price trends will still be the same for standard models. As to which is going to be more sellable? I really don't know. I guess as ever that it will be mainly down to supply and demand, my hope is that because they are both "limited edition" supply will be low and demand will be good. Hope so as they are part of my retirement fund.
I'd say the 1098's have started to climb in value already. They seem to be fetching more than 12-18 months ago.
I think you've answered your own question there really. Your heart says 998... and let's face it, you don't buy these bikes with your head. I have a 998S, and 'useable modern classic' sums it up very well. I wouldn't want to / don't do more than 100-mile blasts on mine, but it sounds as if your useage would be much the same.
