Guys How do you feel about the SF848 these days? Still a good, credible bike to buy? Or would the alternatives be better? I've decided to go naked to avoid/limit the inevitable London damage. On my shortlist are the R9T, S1000R Sport, Monster 821 and maybe the MT09. I have discounted the MV Brutale triple (pricy, expensive to mod - especially exhausts, reputation for 'exciting' handling) and the Street Triple (lauded by everyone but I'm shallow and think the bike looks shit without its fairing). The SF costs 11k new, so it would be a used one I'd pick up and hopefully already fitted with flyscreen and good exhausts like the carbon Termignoni set. I have a lot of experience with the current Monster line but none with the SF. I like most things about the Monster bar all the unhidden plumbing on the left side and the footpeg issue. On paper, the S1000 makes the most sense to me being fully kitted, well rated and good value but we don't buy bikes based on paper stats. My use would be commuting and Sunday rides and the bike is replacing a generic CBR sportbike.
Id say go for the 1098 first and foremost if youre set on one...it will retain its value a lot more...the s1000r - I had a test ride on one, didn't like it for lots of reasons, I eventually went for the new z1000 - all the reviews pointed to the s1000r, hell I even had one lined up to buy, money wasn't the issue either....ive never ridden anything with an electronics package before (ive got an RSV4 factory pre aprc which only has the 3 maps so that doesn't really count) but I found it un-nerving - but that's just me....could be divine intervention as ive never had a test ride on anything in my life but I did on that...weird.
I recently changed from the 848 to an 848 Streetfighter and love it. Same sort of engine characteristics but a bit more comfy. The only major thing i will be changing will be the exhaust but no hurry on that. Not sure if you have seen this one for sale: NEW UNREGISTERED Ducati Streetfighter 848 - FREE Termi Carbon Exhausts RRP £1353 | eBay
The SF is a great bike. Getting a bit long in the tooth and I wouldn't be surprised it dropped next year so there may be some excellent bargains to be had, like the one @Ozz linked to above. I had the 1098SF and I firmly class that as the bike I wish I didn't sell.
I have just moved from a Monster 1100evo to a Streetfighter 848. I had the option to get a Monster 821, but I found the Streetfighter more comfortable and more powerful. It also handles like it's on rails. It's also a step up from the Monster 1100evo. My Streetfighter has a few mods that change the riding a bit - rearsets, bars, bar riser, engine remap, pro suspension setup, Termis, etc. Having ridden a stock SF848 I think the mods done to mine are a significant improvement.
Had an 848 streetfighter for 3 years and loved it. Don't discount a brutale, chopped it in for an 800rr and its a hooligan. No issues with handling at all, it's just much faster to turn in than the sf and a bit bonkers
I had a Brutale 750s and never warmed to it. I missed the bass and torque of a Ducati twin, plus there isn't anywhere near as much scope for mods and for me, that's a big part of owning a bike. I also tend to see them as the sort of bikes which are bought by poseurs and yuppies as a rich man's toy/ornament and so I always had that in the back of my mind. I know Ducatis have a bit of that rep too, but MVs much more so.
I would say go 1098 but reading the thread again it might be wasted in London. On the open road a sorted 1098 is sublime but as an urban bike the 848 probably makes more sense. Must be red to go with the buses.
1098 no question if its an option. I rode the 848SF and liked it less than the M1100 I had at the time.
You really can't compare the 750 brutale to the B3 RR, I was really unsure about swapping it but it really is good, it is not for posing it gets ridden hard and is a lot of fun. The triple also has a really distinctive sound, and along with the quick shifter and autoblipper, pops and bangs on the overrun, and the change up. Had to get rid of the 3 pipes in favour of a termi to make it sound good though.
