I'm looking at replacements for my track bike and have decided on the 1198, I've been offered a nice 2011 SP but while looking I also saw a 2010 S I know thee are a few differences but the saving is big enough to warrant checking, the gearbox issue is a bit of a worry and that seems the only real difference......? I'm only going to use it for the odd Sunday blast and maybe 1 track day a month so it's not going to get loads of use, and I might only keep it for a year before selling so I've got to take that into account....... Has anyone had the same sort of options before??
The sp has a bigger lighter tank and I think the total weight is down a few kg. Also has a quickshifter which, depending on who you talk to isn't necessarily a bonus... There a fewer sp out there so if it's a good one I guess it will hold its value more than an S.
The financial saving is pretty big and the SP is getting close to 1098R money...but I'm pretty sure it's no where near an R as a complete bike? Investment wise, maybe it's a better bet to go SP or even push for an R, but would I really notice it as a rider??
I don't know if you could tell the difference, I haven't ridden one. I was recently looking at 1x98's and it's very easy to get sucked into looking at the next model up for that little bit more money. Before you know it your original budget is epically blown! I had a reality check and ended up getting a 1098s which I still know I'll never ride to the limit of its capabilities.
If you push for an R you'll notice alright! I was astonished when I first took mine for a spin. It's a true great. Ok, I stepped up from a 999R but I know people that have chopped in 1*98 to 1098R and are equally impressed. Almost certainly will maintain strong money. Get one!
There are two bikes in my life I refer to as 'fucking hell' bikes. It's the phrase I kept repeating when I wound them on. It was the K5 GSX-R1000 and my current 1098R. Had tons of bikes over the years but these two are in my 'fucking hell' Hall of Fame.
You could be right, it's only about 1500 euros more for the R over the SP and I like the idea that it's also an investment.....and that "fucking hell" feeling that you have every time you ride it......!
if it were me id go the standard 1198 route and tune the standard suspension to what you want, from what ive been told the standard ohlins aint that great and not worth paying the extra to have them.
I put a 1198 Ohlins on my 848 and it was rubbish, didn't feel any different to the Showa but can't speak for the front Ohlins. Btw the 1198sp has the proper Ohlins TTX rear shock which is properly good. Personally I would go 1098r. However if your doing 8-9 trackdays a year it's going to be getting some serious use, so yes it's collectable but not so much if u stick 30k miles on it! Personally for track use I Would get a stock 1198 and totally rebuild the suspension.
Starting to think the SP is to close to the R financially and it's not special enoug, the SP is nearer in spec to the S and if I got the S then I'd save a shed load of cash.....more money for track time and set up.....I don't really need a bigger tank and I could get a TTX and still save a load .....
Returning on Tuesday, I'm going to stay in the west for a while, so if the weathers ok then a ride out maybe on....?
I know it well...many visits with my dogs, haven't been for a while but they always did a good job.... Next W/E could be good, I'm bringing the multistrada back with me....
