Opinions/thoughts please. Just read the thread '999 vs Crossplane R1' which was interesting to me as recently I've been thinking about swapping my 1098 for one. I love the way they look (especially the black ones) and sound plus the idea of the combined characteristics of the inline 4 and V twin is very appealing. My only concern is that I'd find the R1 boring compared to my 1098 that I've spent a fortune getting to how I want it. Since I've had the Ducati I've been on a few inline bikes and found them boring including an s1000rr. Which is mad as it's some bit if kit. Is the R1 lifeless compared to a 1098? Does it have more than a normal inline jap bike? Who's gone from 1098 to R1? Would appreciate thoughts.
I've ridden the 1098 and owned the Crossplane R1 - tough one to call. Handling wise it'd be that the 1098. Grunt/power wise the R1. Just my opinion of course.
As I said in the other thread, I would never contemplate another normal 4, did a nice 250 mile ride across the Pennines and NY Moors last week with very little traffic, and it wasn't the bike that was the limiting factor there. Did I mention the noise? Not sure about swapping from a 1098 as the only thing that will be taking the R1s place when I get bored with it will be a Ducati. And I haven't reached that point yet after 2 1/2 years. Did I mention the noise (aftermarket cans and a decat pipe are a must)
Has an R1 got 95lbft torque? That's grunt!! Sure power may be down a bit right at the top but unless you are racing at the sharp end...
Sounds like they both have their advantages. I have no reason to change the 1098 other than trying something different. I struggle to keep anything longer than a few years with so many things to try. One thing is for sure, I couldn't go back to a boring inline 4. I love the grunt, sound and looks of the Ducati but wonder if I could have a high degree of all those plus a bit of refinement in the R1. Thanks for your thoughts so far.
Its no sports bike though. I've said it before but I'll say it again just in case someone from KTM is listening, stick the 1290 engine in the RC8 sports bike. Owners who have removed emissions restrictions from 1290 SDRs and done the usual aftermarket tweaks are easily getting 170+ wrbhp and the engines love to rev with power and torque spread smoothly from 5000 rpm to the limiter. A 1290 RC8 would make a blinding sportsbike for track and road.
id recommend getting a test ride. you wont be disappointed with the r1. it really is a great bike but if its all about having fun on the road i think you will miss the duc. on track the usability of the r1 is hard to beat (although i almost high sided it over the weekend!). on road its reliable, not beautiful but certainly striking in looks and it definitely grows on you. the sound between 4-8k is fantastic too. a few mates have actually said they think it sounds better than the duke. its just not as lairy as the duc and thats what i love about it. id recommend getting the suspension sorted for the road if you havent done this already. ive just pulled mine out and am certain it will totally change its road manners. ill be over to darley moor next weekend which isnt too far away from you if youd like to blag a free go on one
