So, I currently have a SF V4S on order. I haven’t ridden one yet due to COVID but just after reviews off people who may have got one before the lockdown. Currently have a Hypermotard 950SP which really is a brilliant bike. Would I be stupid to trade it on for the V4S? May seem a no brainer, or perhaps not? just seen rather mixed reviews on the SF. What are people’s thoughts? kirks
More power I’d say. Also, always wanted a sports bike, but due to a spine injury I struggle with the riding position. When I sat on thE SF it felt more comfortable
Anything much above 90 is pretty uncomfortable for any length of time that’s naked in my experience. Are you saying the SF is more comfortable for you than a sports bike is or than your hyper. If the hyper then it’s the SF IMO if you want just outright power and there’s no difference to you.
Why not buy something like 999 to see how you get on with a sports bike? They are brilliant bikes in their own right but with the benefit of zero depreciation so it won't hurt financially if it's not for you.
I sat on a 950 hyper in Vindis didn’t particularly like the feeling of being tipped forwards onto the bars, I haven’t sat on SF so can’t compare.
I had a lovely yellow 749 but sold it as I had to be in the right mood and with the right route in mind to ride it compared with my monster which was a much better all round bike for me regardless of the journey.
I have a couple of 999’s a Hyper 1100 and had a SF1098S until a couple of years back. You are not really comparing apples with apples tbf. The hyper I ride over the front wheel, sitting almost up on the tank, steering it with the bars and kinda forget all about the back end just letting it do its own thing. The 999 has the typical sports bike feel where I need to be more precise, focused and concentrate on what you are doing, before you do it usually, you sit in the bike and become kind of part of it and the SFS is right in the middle of the two where you are mainly sitting on the seat in a kind of sit up and beg position. I tend to use pressure from my legs to turn the bike rather than steering it or setting it up for a turn. I am fastest on my Hyper on the tight twisty alpine roads where I mainly live and if I had to choose just one bike for road use, this is the one I would choose.
I just traded in my 1098 SF as I wanted a more comfortable bike for riding distance. The SF was great locally around our coast roads etc but on longer rides it's draining. Like your man said above, 90 is great but above is killa. I've now got an 1198 and that ace. More smiles than ever, and somewhat more comfortable. Have a think
Totally appreciate comparing them Is difficult as they really are opposites. I feel I was just looking at something more “sports bike” power, feeling sort of thing but with a little more comfort than the pani’s or the newer V4s. I really do love the hyper. And, on majority of the roads I ride, I don’t think there’s anything I’d be quicker on. I guess I just fancy a change. We shall see.
The other option would be keep the hyper and have older Ducati sports bike like the 999 for example. I do have a soft spot for them. Lovely bikes those mate
Rode the 1098 SF to Misano and back and other than a numb arse ( performance seat fitted ) I didn’t have an issue, I found it a lot more comfy that the 848
Oh that's awesome to hear, I reckon there are so many variables. Mine had a straight bar fitted which I think had me on my wrists more, maybe. Also, I struggled to keep the speed down, rapid silly bike really (loved it) First trip was from Leeds where I bought it back to Cornwall, I rode 850 miles from Cornwall to Silverstone return, and then Cornwall to Thruxton return....all wonderful trips, but killed my neck. Different feeling on the 1198, no wind and zero buffering. Time will tell I guess. I'm 5'11" Wonder if that makes a difference ?
I’m a big tall 5’10’’ and to fair find it one of the more comfortable bikes to ride I do still have original bars - little lady rides the 848SF
