Hi There & Hello To All . . . . You've Heard This A Million Time's Before - But I've Just Sold My ZX10r & Now Considering A Total Change Of Bike ' A Ducati . . . ' Having Been Riding Jap 1000's For 9Yr's ( Fireblade , Suzuki , Kawasaki ) It's Time For A Change . I've Read The Forum & Read People's Choice's I Was Wondering What Would Be The Best Out Of A 1098 & 1198 . . . . . Any Idea's Please & Advice
Hello and welcome! Sorry I can't help with your question as I've not ridden either bikes. I would suggest you try both out to see which suits you best. I'm sure others on here will have their opinions on which is best, but there's no substitute for riding one yourself is there! Chris
OK. This is my take on the change from a JIL4 to a Ducati 848 Evo Corse about 10 weeks ago (taken from another thread): I had decided a few years ago that I'd like a Ducati (must be the Italian in me) but I'd had a bad experience trying to buy a new 1098 when they first came out and so went into a sulk with them for about five years. But I still had a Ducati itch that needed scratching, and when the 848 Evo Corse came up I couldn't ignore the itch any longer. I went from a R1 crossplane crank to the 848 Evo Corse and noticed several things immediately. Firstly, on the ride back home from the dealers, I noticed how the riding position was more focused than any JIL4 I'd had (including the R1, GSXR1000, ZX10R and Blade I'd had in recent years). They were like armchairs in comparison. The 848 Evo Corse was proper head down, arse up and subsequently put a lot of strain on my wrists. I really did wonder what the hell I'd done in p/x'ing the R1 for the Duc. And I couldn't say anything to the wife cos she'd have killed me so I had to suffer in peace. It took me three weeks of solid riding to get used to the riding position and now my wrists don't ache at all. Phew! Secondly, the ride was a lot harder and stiffer than I'd been used to so I felt every bump in the road. But that's good feedback isn't it :wink: Thirdly, compared to an IL4, it also rattled like a bastard whilst I was running it in. This also made me think I'd done the wrong thing. But after the first service when I could start to give it beans this just disappeared. You work out what the revs should be and off you go. It's no longer a problem to me now. Fourthly, going from years of riding an IL4 1000cc where you can ride everywhere in third, at any speed, I was finding with the 848 that it was like riding an IL4 600. You have to use the gears a lot more. But that made the ride more involving and you have to think a bit more. And I like that. Fifthly, I'd read and heard that riding a Ducati round bends/corners would be fantastic and it was like riding "on rails". I wasn't sure that I was that good a rider to be able to tell the difference. However I know exactly what they mean by that comment now. The bike is easy to flick over (prolly the back tyre size compared to today's thou's) and it is most definitely like riding on rails. The stability is fantastic and gives you increased confidence when taking corners/bends so that each time you do one you lean over a bit more each time. I was never a slouch on my IL4's but I love the feeling the 848 gives me going round corners. :smile: And last but by no means least, when the 848 Evo Corse is parked up somewhere everyone stops to look at it. It is a beautiful piece of machinery. And when I go back to the bike everyone wants to talk to me about it. That never happened when I had new JIL4's. And that's it really. In short it took a bit of getting used to at first but I love the ride now. And I can see why everyone gets excited by them Hope that helps :smile:
Cheer's El Toro - Good Thread , Will Have To Re-Arrange Test Ride Hopefully This Sat / Weather Permitting . . . .
' I Tried Wolverhampton , As I Live 10 Mile's Away But No Use They Wasn't Interested ( Excuse's ) & So I Tried Manchester Ducati ' They Seemed Ok Over The Phone . . . . ' - Have You Had Any Experience's El Toro From Manchester Duc . . . . ?
Thats where I bought my 848 Evo Corse. In general they've been very helpful though I have had/still am having an issue with paperwork which they are presently resolving.
Hi and Welcome, A good mate of mine uses Ducati Manchester. Their sales & after-sales service has been really really good I can't offer any advice re the bikes as I haven't ridden either, but I can tell you that my switch from IL4's to Duke was the best thing I ever did :biggrin:
I can now say I have had both 1098 and 1198 and prefer the 1198. BUT - same old faults appearing on the 1198. Condensation in the headlamps because the temperature has dropped. Bloody annoying, It'll be the dash misting up next.
The 1198sp that I have has a quick shifter and Traction control ( not that I use DTC ). It just seems a lot more refined and with Ohlins all round. More of a track bike really, but then the 1098 went around the track nicely also ! Not a big difference that I would notice, but yes, the price was much higher.
Choosing between same spec machines, I think I'd go for the newer 1198 But Choosing between an 1198 base model and a 1098s......I'd pick the 1098s. I suppose a 1098r is out of the question?
Hi, I have a 1098s which I bought new 2007, had 70mm full Termi's and race chip fitted before I picked it up, had great times on it, even 182mph coming back from catalunya GP, I have test ridden a 1198 at P&H Crawley, I found my 1098 handled better but I have had the suspension set up for me, and my 1098 felt quicker more responsive probably due to the race chip and full termi system, so I kept my 1098s, of coarse you could add these goodies to a 1198, but you will get just as good 1098s for less money than a 1198s, which ever you go for get the "s" model. if you enjoy riding a twin you will be hooked :biggrin:
' A Big Thank's Guy's For The Reponse - I Think My Mind's Made Up Over The 1098 / With The Riding Coming To An End ( Weather & Season . . . . ) It's Looking Like It May Be Next February ' So Saving More £'s For The Big Buy - Unless I See Something Nice Out There . . . . ? '
End of riding season is the prime time to buy a bike- no one else will, and dealers may entertain silly offers to clear old stock. Works for me. Many a winter bargain to be had.
I tend to agree with the advice above about "s" models- I bought a 1098 due to cost, then spent money on Ohlins rear shock. Wish I'd stretched the budget to get an "s" in the first place to get Ohlins at both ends plus lighter wheels, but getting termis was too important to me! It all depends on price and preference...personally I'd be happier with a 1098s than a standard 1198. Haven't ridden an 1198 but understand that the power delivery is smoother and less harsh than on the 1098. Either way, both are glorious bikes and you can't really go wrong...good luck in the hunt and enjoy.
2 weeks ago I picked up my '08 1098s from Coventry Ducati. Have to agree with several comments above ie autumn is a great time for deals on sportsbikes and push for 's' if you can because the suspension (including lighter wheels) is just superb. But if you're in the Midlands, talk to Cov Ducati. Best dealership I've ever dealt with, proper knowledge, great workshop and not too pushy. Rich
