Al's bike is well sorted, if you are thinking of track days and or racing its had all the right bits done, I almost bought it myself especially as MR had rebuilt it with a new gearbox (well known weak point) A race 1098R got in the way though !
I've got a 1098R track bike. Its an absolute peach of an intoxicating bike...... But, and a big but..... They aint a cheap toy to run and maintain. I've just spunked just shy of 4.6k on an engine and gearbox rebuild, gumph!! Now don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled with the results and was very happy with Moto Rapido's service. But when these beauties go 'pop', be prepared to sell a kidney. And lets be honest here, there are cheaper and just as quick options available (S1000RR, ZX10 etc) with higher reliability. But they look, feel and sound shite compared to a 1098R. You pays your money and take your choice. End of. Good luck!
Monday is the 1st outing, just got the wheels swapped back to 17" last night and gave the bike a once over. Cant wait !
I'm hoping the Corse gearbox and lack of quick shift will help my chances with the chocolate gearbox worry...
Enjoy there fun and no need to rev over 10k, get a nova box for you're rebuild !-) Don't forget to get some pics of the bike up AL.D
I thought ducati reliability was better with the 1098 onwards. It is something I have to consider - maintaining, rather than repairing. I could go for other twins - older rsvr or sp2 or an RC8. But they're not in the same league for power or looks.
I thought this until I bought 1, then when I met a few people that run them I found out different !! Since purchase, I had new radiator (they crack and leak where the top bracket sits on frame) must be due to vibration. Oil pressure switch went a couple of times (I've now got the upgraded hose with the t-piece from the oil cooler and it's been fine since. Also crankcases been replaced with Brand new R cases.
