So after 18 years away from bikes I took the plunge and bought myself a 2003 (late reg) 996S. I figured I’d enjoy the seat of pants ride, the classic looks and probably an investment or at the very least I wouldn’t lose money. Done around 1500 miles and safe to say I’m back in love with bikes, my eye’s back in, the knees have been down and I’m back in the groove. Trouble is I’ve seen a couple of 1098/1198s and I think they’re gorgeous. A modern take on the classic design. I like the idea of extra fez, newer, more modern feel and reliability. Prices aren’t too bad either. Anybody have experience of these bikes as a direct comparison to the classic 916/996? I would hate to find out I’ve sold a modern classic to fund a newer but more bland bike without the soul. What’s the consensus?
ive got both, a 996 sps and and 1198 , the 1198 is f@ucking bonkers to ride and is the all round better bike, it going to be its 10 years newer and has 40 more bhp, but the look and feel of the 996 really is special, i find the 1198 more comfy and i take it out more than the 996. If you ride an 1198 your sell the 996 unless you can keep both. Only down side to the 1198 is fuel range, its shocking but you can get larger fuel tanks for um. Just to ad my 1198 is the base model with no traction control or quick shifter. oh and the 1198 definatly isnt bland and has more soul than any other ducati imho last of the belt driven engines.
Interesting Cookster. Does the 1198 still retain the unique ‘living thing’ feel of the early bikes or is it a little more like a bland jap v twin?
yes most definatly, still has that feeling that its part of the family rather than just a bike, there is nothing jap about the 1098/1198.
I went from an 848 back to a 998S. Obviously not as quick as the 1*/98 so I can’t comment there. The 848 was a good bike but not as good as the 998. Didn’t find it less (un) comfortable either. The later bikes are far more reliable but that classic 748/998 look is worth the very little extra hassle IMO. I’d love a 1098 or 1198 but not at the expense of the 998S. Hope this helps...
I’d be lying if I didn’t say the mental 160-170hp didn’t have something to do with it. 3rd gear wheelies on tap
Looks like you have made up your mind alreadybut for me the 916/996/998 are the bikes to own and ride,and i'm having a whale of a time on mine
Not wishing to tell you what to do, but after 18 years off bikes it may be worth doing a few more miles before jumping on a 1198.
Once you sample the torque from an 1198, you will turn into a gibbering loon. Theyre crazy machines and dont turn as sweetly as 9*6, but boy do they jump outta a corner. Muahahah springs to mind.
Sounds good. Shame you say it doesn’t steer as nice, I love the feeling that I’ve almost got hold of the front wheel spindle on my 996. Think I need to ride an 1198
@Johnno11 . I have ridden a couple of thousand miles on a 996 and maybe 100 on a 1098. For me the 996 was better purely because while it was huge fun it was never too much whereas the 1098 had so much more and was too busy tempting me to use it .
When I had my 1198, I'd also enjoy riding my 916 as it wasnt as much of a lunatic. The 1198 is by definition an absolute beast. It has a longer wheelbase than a 9*6 and is very stable, it can understeer a bit on the really tight hairpins, but find a fast sweeper and hang on. You'll love it. Fast sweepers is where its at home. Hairpins are just a point and squirt, but what a fucking squirt. I did 17.5k on mine and I loved it. Ive done 23k on my 916. Ive done 5k on my 1299S and although this turns beautifully, it does lack the drama of an 1198. I miss mine. But frankly, it wore me out as it was in your face all the time. 1198 = Future classic without doubt. Base or S. Its the engine thats classic. Its nuts. I imagine its as close to a 1098R as you can get on reasonable money. Ignore the 1098, get the extra 100cc's. Theyre worth it.
