Hi all, have just entered the world of Ducati and wanted to share my thoughts - maybe helpful to anyone thinking of doing the same, also keen to access any help/advice out there. Have been biking for 20+ years - usual array of bikes beginning with a KR1S, then Nc30, then into bigger Japanese sports bikes, fireblade, R1, then last 10 years or so, as mid 30's arrived, moved into the BMW machines - but big tourers generally, most recently an RT. While I love the big Beemer, have hankered for a while after the adrenaline of a sports bike again, but wanted something different, gorgeous, something to love owning as well as riding. Having reached the right young age of 46 a few weeks ago, was lucky enough to be in a position to go for it and debated an early F750 MV, maybe a 999, thought about an Aprillia RSV - with all thoughts being brought to a conclusion when I rode an 07 1098S from the local Ducati dealer - 8k miles, and almost identical to the 1098r. Have to say while I've ridden some big twins in the past (boxer cup) and outright fast bikes (zx10r), nothing prepared me for the 1098s. Powerful beyond belief, oodles of smooth torque, direct precise steering, surprisingly comfy(ish) once on the move out onto open roads, and an absolutely gorgeous note with termi's. The second part of the test run involved spending half an hour back at the shop just staring - number boards, gold wheels, carbon, and that red paintwork - stunning. Two weeks have passed, various runs (around 400 miles) and hours of looking, washing, polishing and reading. Initial worries (it's a Ducati, they break, they hurt wrists, they're harsh and unforgiving) and have all washed away and instead I'm smitten. Yes the bike is a bit jerky in town with clutch slipping needed, and it's not got RT comfort, but that's really not the point. It is sublime over bumps, it is involving, exciting, the engine and gearbox are just awesomely smooth, the way it's carves through corners is flattering and satisfying in equal measure and as a package...... just amazing. The fact that it's 8 years old, depreciation is all but over, hopefully in time it'll even go up in value, and that it's (imo) a timeless design which will never age all add to the experience. So, to anyone thinking of a move to a Ducati for the first time, and particularly something as gorgeous as a 1098, my thoughts........... Just do it!
That's the best newbie introduction for ages! Anyone for waffles Hello and welcome into the mad house Best colour you have there but you forgot the bin :Oldman: Oh watch out for the locals :Clown:
Welcome in, lovely bike, love the gold wheels also! Looks like the suspension has been reworked, did u do that or previous owner?
Thanks to everyone for their welcomes and compliments on the bike, very much appreciated and nice too to feel part of the Ducati community On the suspension question, tbh not sure, aside from the quality of online it may well have been worked as it has various other performance mods - exhaust, chip, air filter, perf clutch and sprockets. I've never ridden a 1098, or any Ducati before, so I wouldn't appreciate the difference perf mods make, but on the suspension, definitely firm, yet plush, smooth and direct at the same time - some package!
