Hello everybody! I currently own a 2004 Triumph Daytona 955i (in DUCATI red ) and have been saving my pennies to purchase a DUCATI this year (lock down has been most inconveniently timed ). My Daytona is the sportiest bike I have owned to date, with other notable back catalog features being; R1200GS (liquid cooled), Buell XB9, R6s, VFR750F. I ride almost every day, but am lucky enough to have the use of a company motorcycle for commuting, so my own bike is purely for pleasure. I have always adored DUCATIs and have taken serious interest over their history and the model lineage over the past year or so. I am fortunate in that I work within the motorcycle industry and so regularly get the opportunity to ride all sorts of bikes, new and older models, so have been lucky to have ridden a few DUCATIs over the last couple of years and have fallen in love with the 'twin!' Initially, I was Panigale obsessed however, a good friend of mine who is a MOTO GP/WSB anorak and DUCATI officianado, has almost persuaded me that the earlier generation, trellis framed bikes is where it's at and so now I am veering between 848 Evo and 1198S. I would be very interested to hear what others think. His main reason for favouring the early bikes is due to the Panigales having no motorsport heritage and less character on the road - I would be interested in hearing thoughts from others about this. I'm guilty of being a power fiend in the past (i.e no replacement for displacement), but many of the reviews I've read suggest that the smaller engined models ride and handle better on the road and are just as quick? I am 38yo and have held my license for more than 10yrs and would consider myself a sensible, mature rider. I'm more interested in riding well through twisties than going quickly in a straight line! Whatever model I purchase will be ridden regularly (not daily) on road, but I would like to do some track days too. I am around 6'3" and biggish built (I'm on a diet!), having not yet sat on 848/1198s, I don't know how accomodating of my frame they will be however, I have ridden a few Panigales and found them ok. My budget is flexible (up to apx £9k) and my purchase will be a cash one. I generally favour the upgrade models to gain improved suspension and electronics. I like red/CORSE/tri-colour colour schemes. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Just as you thought the lockdown couldn’t get any worse peeps from Stafford have joined now Hi Stafford bloke. As for the bike I’ve no idea as all my bikes at naked’s. My bud has just sold his Panigale V2 rated it highly but knew he’d barely ride it due to the other bikes in his stable. Follow your heart not someone else’s head, test ride every option you like and go from there. Is my only other input. And welcome
Welcome If you go for an 848 / 1198 there are plenty of adjustable rear sets available to lower the pegs. Also go for a Superpole seat which will raise your backside up 1". They help massively but are no longer available and expensive 2nd hand.
Welcome to the Forum Riviera81, whatever you get I doubt you’ll be disappointed. FYI there’s some useful banter/input in this thread... https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/what-ducati-would-you-buy.77518/
I used to go out with a girl from Fishponds. Very pretty young thing I recall. And she had a Kawasaki.
Well you’re hardly likely to tell us otherwise, Kawasaki you say. You know all a little vague, can we not have vital stats on the wench. Also the model of the Kwaka?
It was the first 600. GPZ I think, with the sporty red seat and silver frame cross member thingy. Her vital statistics will no doubt have moved with the time
Welcome exotically named newbie. Like others have said, you need to ride them both. I’ve had Ducati’s before but the 1098 was a bucket list bike for me. It just came out when I was doing the whole kids growing up thing so I had to wait but as soon as I could do it, I didn’t even look at another bike & haven’t regretted it since. Rode a 959 last year & I have to say it’s a whole different experience. Not better (for me) but a lot more refined with all the toys which mine lacks. If that floats your boat, I’d say the Panigale series is for you but if you like the raw stuff & the feeling that you’re riding a proper sports bike (again imo) get the 1x98
Welcome dude out of the 2 you mention I would go for the 1198S - sounds like you are a similar size to @Robarano so you will deffo need the extra horses
Hi, I went from a 1098 to 899, 1199 then went back to a 1198s because I preferred the character of the older one. As it happens my 1198s may be for sale. Pm me if you are interested
