[gixxer_kidd]

Hi everyone, been lurking on this forum for the last month and figured it's about time I introduce myself.

Me: Been riding since '02. First motorcycle was a '02 Suzuki GXSR600. Hence the name gixxer_kidd. I loved the gixxer until it was stolen. After that I picked up a '04 R1 passing up a 749s (at the time I couldn't justify spending the extra $$$ on the Duc). The R1 was a nice, but due to work and other circumstances I didn't get to ride it much so I sold it last year. Up until 2 months ago, I had no plans of picking up another motorcycle. Well that was until I went to Cross Country Ducati.

The story: Here is how it went down... I was surfing the web one day and ended up at the Ducati site. When I first saw the 1098 on Ducati's site, my jaw dropped. Dual headlights, single sided swingarm, lighter, stronger motor, what's not to like. So I did some more research and ended up on this and other forums. After reading the threads of how there was a waiting list and dealers weren't taking anymore deposits, my interest grew stronger. So I called up the closest dealership and asked if they had anymore allocations for the 1098. Scott, the salesman tells me it's my lucky day, that they have a 1098s at the shop and the buyer who had a deposit out on it backed out. So I hung up the phone and left work during my lunch break to see this thing. On the way there, I remember telling myself don't be impulsive. Well let me tell you, the moment I saw the 1098 I knew I had to have it. It was the most beautiful motorcycle I have ever seen. Every angle looks good. So what did I do next, I left a deposit for since I couldn't decide if I wanted red or yellow. In the end I went with the red and couldn't be happier.

The good - This is only my third motorcycle so I don't have much to compare but I can say this is the most inspiring motorcycle I have ridden. Taking corners seems effortless. Just lean and point and it goes. With just 500 miles on the odometer my chicken strips are a lot smaller than the strips I had on my previous motorcycles. The suspension seems a little stiff for my weight but once I get it dialed in I'm sure it will handle even better. As for power, there's plenty of it. I haven't cracked that throttle all the way yet since I'm still under break-in, but I know there's plenty of power waiting to be unleashed.

The bad (not really bad, but could be better) - The pegs seem shorter and do not offer enough grip. My right foot slipped off a few times. That was easily fixed with some Acculign rearsets. Just like everyone has mentioned the mirrors are horrible. However, they aren't completely useless during the day. You can still look behind if you lift or tuck your arms. At night, don't even bother using them. The vibration is so bad you won't be able to make out anything. As for heat, yes this thing gets hot even with the full Termi exhaust. Riding in stop and go traffic will slowly roast your right inner thigh. The pipes will be sent to jet-hot soon to be coated. Hopefully this will cool things down. My biggest complaint is the paint. You figure for the amount they charged us, they could have made the paint more scratch resistance. I feel like I have to polish the tank after every ride since it gets all hazy from me leaning on it.

So that's my story. Hope I didn't bore you all too much. I'm located in Green Brook, NJ. Hopefully I'll get to meet some of you and ride together.

Big thanks to all the folks at Cross Country. Also special thanks to Motowheels, Shift-tech, intobikes, Motovation, and DAZ for all the great parts.

I attached a few pics. Hope you like them. Ride safe!

-Thai

Don't worry I still have my signals. Guess where they are...

 

[CAG]

Welcome aboard. There are quite a few of us here in the North East. The turn signals look great. Did you do them your self or buy them some where?

CAG

 

[ansman]

Welcome! I had a similar story. Long story short, sold my 998 because I didn't ride it that much. Went to the Ducati web site and saw the 1098. I said to myself. " I want one!"

 

[gixxer_kidd]

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Cag, I purchased the led's from a local honda shop and made the brackets myself. The signals are made by LP racing and they're called Bat Ray LED.

Here is a link to them:

http://s7d2.scene7.com/s7ondemand/b...70&vc=instanceName=LockhartPhillipseCatalogLg

I used the following parts from home depot to make the bracket. It mounts to the frame under the tail.

-Thai

 

[BostonDucati]

Thanks for the info. That looks alot easier then some people who fiber glass the hell out of them. Theirs looks great but so do yours so I'm lazy and would go your way haha. Can you see the mounting bracket if you bent down and looked inside?

 

[gixxer_kidd]

Thanks for the info. That looks alot easier then some people who fiber glass the hell out of them. Theirs looks great but so do yours so I'm lazy and would go your way haha. Can you see the mounting bracket if you bent down and looked inside?

With the mesh in place and the bracket being behind the light it's really hard to see the bracket. You'll have to look real close. Most people don't even notice the lights until I point them out. I think it's pretty stealth and cleans up the rear. Can't complain for $40 and a few hours.

I took some pics during the install but I can't find them. If I find them I'll post up so you can see how it's done.

 

[BostonDucati]

With the mesh in place and the bracket being behind the light it's really hard to see the bracket. You'll have to look real close. Most people don't even notice the lights until I point them out. I think it's pretty stealth and cleans up the rear. Can't complain for $40 and a few hours.

I took some pics during the install but I can't find them. If I find them I'll post up so you can see how it's done.

How is the screen held in place?

 

[Malevolent Monster]

Ever make it down the SJ way? That's where I'm at. :moped:

 

[gixxer_kidd]

How is the screen held in place?

The mesh comes like that stock. It's glued from the inside to the tail. So you're all set.

Ever make it down the SJ way? That's where I'm at. :moped:

SJ way? Where's that?

 

[BostonDucati]

Nice. I don't have my bike yet so I didn't know it had mesh. Thanks for the trick and cost effective mod!

 

[dp1098]

Have you had any problems with the turn signals after the installation, i.e. blinking faster than normal or causing the front signals to not work correctly? Thanks.

 

[gixxer_kidd]

Nice. I don't have my bike yet so I didn't know it had mesh. Thanks for the trick and cost effective mod!

No problem. Good luck.

Have you had any problems with the turn signals after the installation, i.e. blinking faster than normal or causing the front signals to not work correctly? Thanks.

Both the rear LED's and fronts blink faster but they all work. If it bothers you I believe you can install a relay to slow down the blinking.