[Sable1]

Hello all,
Been lurking here for a little while, and it looks to be a great place for information.
I'm looking to buy my first Ducati, and would like a little feedback.
I've been riding for 20+ years, mostly standards and sport touring. My current steed is a Honda ST1100. Great for longer rides and touring, but I'm looking for something different. (I'll be keeping the ST for the longer rides)
I've looked at a couple of 848's and also an 1198.
I've heard some not so great things about some of the older 848's and that I should go with an EVO if I decide on that route. (I blew a chance on a '13 EVO Corse with 900 miles)
I did ride a 2011 EVO with about 5000 miles, and in really good shape. But the handling was all wrong (at least for me) - nothing like the other 848's or the Corse. I had trouble getting it around the street corner and staying in my lane. My dealer thought it could be the setup, and bringing it back to factory specs should help. Maybe it was the serious chicken strips. Not sure I want to take a chance on that one.
Then I rode a 2010 1198. Holy Hannah! That's a whole different bike indeed. Way more power than I need, and it seems a little stiff - especially handling at slow speeds. But still a lot of fun!
As for my riding - pretty much street riding. There are some decent roads in the area that I can get my twisty fix on, but nothing too crazy.
I've also considered the rookie track days. I think that could be fun, if it's setup right.
So the question is... 848 or 1198?
I thought about the 899, but I really don't want to drop $15k on a second bike, and I normally don't like to buy a first year production vehicle (car, bike, etc.)
Will the 1198 be too much bike for a first sportbike?
The demo's I had on the EVO and 1198 were both kind of short, so I did not get a real good feel for the ride, and to be honest, did not really notice much difference. (probably a combination of lack of experience with the superbikes and limited time riding them)
Thanks for the feedback.

 

[beedub]

For what it's worth . . . .

I've owned my '08 848 for a few years now. I've done several track days (stock suspension set up for my weight) and I love the bike at the track.

I also ride it on the street, and it's a blast there as well . . . . i wouln't say I would ever NEED the power of a 1098/1198, but I'm sure it would be a riot!

As for a novice trackday guy, though . . . i think you'd love an 848!

 

[Tchase]

It's not really an either or let the bike pick you, I was shopping for a 1098 (used) and walked out with an 848 EVO.

As far a the one feeling weird could be the tire had a flat spot I know my felt like it was on ice, the stock Pirellis are really soft and get a flat spot easy.

 

[Tchase]

BTW welcome aboard post pics when you get her....

 

[white_duc89]

Being a more experienced rider the 848vs1198 debate is all on you. Personally, I love my 848 and that genre of bikes (that oddball class between a 600 supersport and a liter bike). I've never found that my 848 was slow and always more than I need, but some people like to have a little "excess passing power". But, as Tchase stated, the proper bike will come to you and you'll know. Best of luck with your Duc hunting!

 

[Sable1]

Thanks for the insight. Finding a decent 848 around here has been a little problematic. I should have pulled the trigger on the Corse when I had the chance. (The difference a day makes)
I think I'll check out the 1198 a bit closer.

 

[[email protected]]

The 848 is a very capable bike. Needs a little TLC on the suspension to get it to corner awesome but a 1098 or 1198 will need the same. Just what it is. As for power, some guys feel the need for the 1x98 and there's nothing that can be done to change that. You need to decide if you're one of those guys. I quite often school the young ones on the 750's and 600's with my 848 but I've never felt the pull or need for a liter bike. Maybe I've never felt to need to......compensate!!

 

[Tchase]

Sable what area are you in I see 848 Evo / Corse all the time on CL

 

[Sable1]

[email protected], I have enough other vehicles (Dodge 2500 w/lift kit and nice wheels, Honda 1100, etc..) that I don't need to compensate with the new Duc... lol
Seriously though, with the little time I've spent on the 848 and the 1198, the 848 has more power than I need, and the 1198 is just over the top. The initial lure of the 1198 for me was that it's available, and about the same money as the 848.
But I've found out a few things about the bike that have given me pause. It has had the speedometer replaces (??) so the mileage is really 2500+ not 1100. Hmm.... Ad showed Akro pipes, but they've been swapped out with the originals (did they re-map it, swap out ECU...). No key card (but it does have both keys)

As for location - Minneapolis MN metro area.
There have been a couple of 848's on CL - usually around 6000 - 12,000 miles, and asking $8000 - $10,000.

This 1198 is at a Ducati dealer, is a 2010 with 2500 miles, decent tires, pretty much stock (except the dark double-bubble windshield). $10,000

 

[Tchase]

With the cluster replaced something is up.... I'd stay away from it.

Those prices are about what I see here in Seattle

 

[Sable1]

I was thinking the same thing. I really like the sales person, but the way she's spoon fed the information to me just felt a bit off. The hook was kind of set, just had to reel me in carefully...
There are more bikes out there, the right one will come along. (although patience is not one of my strong suits...)
Thanks for the feedback guys!

 

[Tchase]

I was thinking the same thing. I really like the sales person, but the way she's spoon fed the information to me just felt a bit off. The hook was kind of set, just had to reel me in carefully...
There are more bikes out there, the right one will come along. (although patience is not one of my strong suits...)
Thanks for the feedback guys!

Well it is the worst time to buy everyone has the itch...

My Serv light just came on I don't have time to tear her down!

 

[Sable1]

Yea - story of my life. Buy high, sell low... Look for 4WD in November...
Have to go flying instead!

 

[Zippidy]

Sable,
I am also from the Minneapolis area and have been on the look out for the same bikes you have. Nothing on clist has real struck me as a must have. I don't know how firm you are on getting a Ducati but I also looked into the Aprilia RSV4, BMW s1000rr and the 899. Leos south was going to give me a good deal on there carryover 2013 Aprilia.
I did however pick up a 848... Corse... last week at Motoprimo... Sorry.

 

[Sable1]

:Zippidy - YOU BA$TARD! You took my bike!! :finger:
You should have went with the Aprilla!
Ok, I say that in jest. I really was looking at that bike, and I went back on Saturday and it was gone. I was disappointed to say the least. But it's my own fault, John was ready to write it up, and I had to keep looking to see what else was out there. That'll teach me!
I do kind of have my heart set on a Duc, and the RSV sits a little high for me.
Enjoy riding my bike. We'll have to hook up some time.

 

[Zippidy]

At the beginning of the season Motoprimo had a carryover 848 corse that I missed my opportunity on as well. I had all intentions on getting the S1000RR at Leos. I had only stopped into Motoprimo Friday night to take one last look at the 899 and saw they had gotten in this 848 Corse. The OTD price on the 899 was going to be more then the deal Leos was going to give me for the BMW. But at that point it didn't matter, I came back in Saturday morning right when they opened and picked up the 848. I wasn't going to miss my chance again.
Good luck with your hunt and let me know what you pick up!

 

[jwm2k3]

Get the 848 over a 1x98.....

I had an 848 Corse for 2 years, trackdays and street riding. Just traded it on an 1198 about 2 months ago...The 848 is a better, more refined machine than my 1198...

 

[Sable1]

I've pretty much ruled out that 1198. Just too many red flags - especially the cluster replacement. Still leaning toward an 848 EVO if I can find one. But now I've been thinking about a new 899...

 

[Sable1]

OK, now I have a new dilemma (thanks to you Zippidy). I can get a new 2013 1199 (standard) for $16k, maybe a little less. I've read a lot of good things about the 1199, and a lot of people are happy they moved up from the 848. Maybe I should just go right to the 1199... For roughly $1000 more than a new 899, seems like a pretty good deal.
What's the downside?

 

[Tchase]

I'm bias I do not like the 899, my next one will be a 1199 or 1098, although I want all 3 eventually. I just don't like the DSSA on the 899.