I swore to myself I would avoid superbikes for road use having been enamoured with the Hypermotard for a year or so now but I have got a serious itch for a 1098S. Just wondered if there is anything to look out for really. Are there common faults? Are high milers to be avoided?
Bottom end bearings seem to be an issue on some bikes. It appears to be pot luck too. The same advice goes for buying anything used really. Miles are less important than buying a bike that's been looked after and serviced. There are plenty about, so don't feel the need to dive in quickly. Termi's and tasteful extras are nice to have.
Bargains out there if you look hard - a low mileage S went on Pistonheads recently for just over 6K. had 70mm system included I believe.
Mains are the biggie as @Robarano stated. It seems pretty rare but obviously a bit of a worry The gearboxes on whole series can also be trouble, but the ones I've heard of that require attention have had quick shifters used on them. Personally I wouldn't put one on. Apart from that early bikes had the cush drive changed on a recall and the heat shield on the reg/rec The other faults are again common to the series, Number One Radiator leaking (google it or search lots of threads on it) Number Two Reg/Rec (common to all modern Ducs from what I can gather) I've had mine since new in 97. Admittedly low miles, road only and I ride like an old woman, but its been very reliable. I love the torque, power response and handling. IMHO a great machine, that can be ridden slowly as well as very very quickly....................however in town with 30 speed restriction its a total PIA and in those conditions on a hot day it will also slowly do your lower torso like a well cooked steak. On the open road its an absolute hoot. John
Cut an old man some slack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :Bag::confuse: Apologies should have been 2007 I'm getting to the age that maybe I should stay clear of the Interweb in case I hurt masel I'll get ma pipe & slippers
i ve a 2007 and I get a constant drip from the tank overflow pipe when the tanks more than a 1/3 rd full I did some reading and it sounds like a hairline crack in the tank so I would check for that
Had mine from new in 2007 and had no problems in 15K miles, had it laid up for a couple of years now but will def get out again some time. As already said it's a real laugh on the open road but town riding is not so good. Mapping of the ecu and careful balancing of the throttle bodies will do a lot to improve it though.
