A fond "Hello"

Hello Everyone,

Well, you can probably guess from my user name that for me, the 998 is where it's at! (or any 916 variant for that matter)... So let me tell you my woes!...

About 18-24 months ago I decided to let my 998 go (I'd had her for close to three years) because I was beginning to feel that it was getting a bit uncomfortable over long stretches and I hankered for a slightly more upright riding position, as you do when you get to a certain age. Anyway, I had considered a Monster but in 2010 I had a sniff of the new-to-be Triumph Speed Triple (the one with the new eyes, which people seem to love or hate...). I'd been considering a Speed Triple for some years as a second bike, but anyway, in January 2011 I took one on a test ride - OMG! :biggrin: Well, after a 60 mile test ride I went back to the showroom and paid my deposit!:smile:. I kept my '02 998 for about six months but couldn't justify keeping both bikes, as I only ride one at a time. Also, I was renting a garage and that went a bit sour so I had to get both bikes back into my own corrugated iron/asbestos single-bayed Nissen hut. It wasn't practical keeping both bikes, so I had to let my 998 go.... and I've regretted it almost since the day I sold her! :frown:

However, after just 19 years living in my house, I have finally got the opportunity to build my own brick double garage!...it's only taken 19 years....well, you know how these things are...Anyway, work on the new garage has started! :biggrin: and it's scheduled to be complete in the next few weeks, so my space excuse is about to be resolved...and I DO miss the sublime brutal agricultural appeal of my ex Italian mistress! :wink: Don't get me wrong - I don't regret buying my new Triple (his name is Trevor, by the way...). And still don't regret buying him - in fact, he is staying in the stable! BUT!....BUT....

Well, in the past few weeks I've been investigating all the Monster models through the years and, as you might guess, I'm stuck on the S4R...and maybe S. I just want that original Testastretta lump back between my legs! I understand there are 996 & 8 variants. My heart is telling me 998 but my brain is telling me there probably isn't much difference between the two for an average rider...I've never ridden one but I suspect the torque and grunt is much the same as I'm used to from my ex Italian mistress, albeit 30 odd mph less top end - but I don't do track days and in all seriousness, how often am I gonna be in a position or desire to do silly speeds on our Tarmacadam network with a naked bike - or any bike for that matter officer?

But seriously, there don't appear to be too many Monster S4R's available to buy in sunny old England, so it might be a while before I can join you all as a riding Ducatisti again...(whatever happened to that site? it seems to be shut down, sadly :frown: )....

Davidx

 

I just thought I'd update my Hello post....well, you know I said in my first post, that I'd sold my 998 18 to 24 months ago and am )was) now looking for a more situp riding position?....well....errrmmm....I suppose I'll get used to the forward leaning angle on my wrists again! :wink:....I've just gone and got myself a 998s with a full 54mm Termi system and one of those rather wonderful slipper clutch thingies! Am I as happy as a pig in ess H one tea?....I'll let you guess :biggrin:

 

Hahaha! Well, to be honest Clueless, I'd never experienced a slipper clutch before. Never ridden a Ducati with one or any other bike with one for that matter. I've always felt they are not necessary if you ride your bike properly how you are supposed to! Admitedly I was slightly nervous when I got on my first 916 more than ten years ago, never having ridden an 'L' twin before with it's formidable reputation for engine breaking but after about three outings on the bike I have loved the standard dry clutch and engine breaking...but like we all do, I got used to it quickly and ever since I have loved the viscious character of the breaking that is available from the engine. I had my doubts, in the same way, with my new 998s's slipper clutch before I tried it - the wonderful aggressive L-twin engine breaking is still there with the slipper - but it allows you to take liberties that you wouldn't ordinarily take with an ordinary clutch. I've heard they need regular maintenance. And I am also considering getting hold of a second hand clutch unit and puttingng it all back to standard (but with a nice shiny pressure plate and springs obviously!:biggrin....but before I do that, i need to explore which parts are interchangeable from the slipper to a standard unit etc...