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103 Posts
I just picked up my '08 base 1098! Apparently the first of this kind in NorthWest Montana...
thoughts thus far-
likes:
motor: unbelievable and i haven't even gone passed 6k rpm...it is so different and so much easier to drive vs inline 4 bikes. It gains speed so fast with so little notice that it clearly will take an active effort to stay within posted limits
handling: i have always had acclaimed bikes when it comes to this category (FZ600, GSXR 750, etc) but this is so much lighter steering, I just "will" the bike to where I want it. At first, I felt like I had jumped onto a ten-speed bike! The suzuki felt like it weighed 150 lbs more than this thing, although they are identical in wet weight.
suspension: it seems to soak up minor bumps fine and certainly handles roads well, inspiring confidence. My buddy had an M3 BMW and 35mph curves could be done at 60mph with no drama...very much akin to this, only better. I'm sure the ohlins suspension is top-notch, esp. on the track, but for me, at 135 lbs, the showa's are great.
looks: every guy 15-50 years old stared at this bike and slack-jawed. Also, the only ducati sportbike I have ever seen in this area passed by the dealership as i was mounting up and immediately waved and horned...he could tell the pedigree straight away
sound: having spent untold hours on inline fours, I wasn't prepared to how good the noise is. The stock pipes make a wonderful racket and spectators certainly hear it and sense the difference...already thinking termi's at 600mile checkup
thin: again, think ten speed bike. At 5'8, I could flat-foot the ground and waddle to turn it around in parking lots without trouble-much easier than previous wider bikes. Much more comfortable when riding as well.
transmission: the easiest foot lever and gear shifting i've experienced
less-likes
mirrors: appear to be merely a legal consideration. Even with the "elbow tuck" move, i can't see behind me. They also vibrate quite abit when thottleling up from idle
heat: it's not just the pipes. the engine definitely sheds its share. On country roads, it is fine, but in town, it commands attention. Around town, the thermostat floated 210-219. At speed, around 185
fairing cut-outs: can really pinch hands if trying full steering lock at slow speed
stall: so far, just once about 1/4mile from dealership...40 more miles fine, but I thought about it each time I came to a stop
my driveway: my driveway is off of gravel county road. The actual driveway is 3/4 miles long, gravel, and gains about 350 feet in the first 1/2 mile...the scariest part of my day with the best bike i have even ridden!!
age: this bike reminds that i am not 18...the riding position isn't bad, but it is no UJM. the seat is firm, the clutch handle needs a manly grip and the hands carry some weight due to position...still, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Can't help but feel like a hero on my first duc
rob
thoughts thus far-
likes:
motor: unbelievable and i haven't even gone passed 6k rpm...it is so different and so much easier to drive vs inline 4 bikes. It gains speed so fast with so little notice that it clearly will take an active effort to stay within posted limits
handling: i have always had acclaimed bikes when it comes to this category (FZ600, GSXR 750, etc) but this is so much lighter steering, I just "will" the bike to where I want it. At first, I felt like I had jumped onto a ten-speed bike! The suzuki felt like it weighed 150 lbs more than this thing, although they are identical in wet weight.
suspension: it seems to soak up minor bumps fine and certainly handles roads well, inspiring confidence. My buddy had an M3 BMW and 35mph curves could be done at 60mph with no drama...very much akin to this, only better. I'm sure the ohlins suspension is top-notch, esp. on the track, but for me, at 135 lbs, the showa's are great.
looks: every guy 15-50 years old stared at this bike and slack-jawed. Also, the only ducati sportbike I have ever seen in this area passed by the dealership as i was mounting up and immediately waved and horned...he could tell the pedigree straight away
sound: having spent untold hours on inline fours, I wasn't prepared to how good the noise is. The stock pipes make a wonderful racket and spectators certainly hear it and sense the difference...already thinking termi's at 600mile checkup
thin: again, think ten speed bike. At 5'8, I could flat-foot the ground and waddle to turn it around in parking lots without trouble-much easier than previous wider bikes. Much more comfortable when riding as well.
transmission: the easiest foot lever and gear shifting i've experienced
less-likes
mirrors: appear to be merely a legal consideration. Even with the "elbow tuck" move, i can't see behind me. They also vibrate quite abit when thottleling up from idle
heat: it's not just the pipes. the engine definitely sheds its share. On country roads, it is fine, but in town, it commands attention. Around town, the thermostat floated 210-219. At speed, around 185
fairing cut-outs: can really pinch hands if trying full steering lock at slow speed
stall: so far, just once about 1/4mile from dealership...40 more miles fine, but I thought about it each time I came to a stop
my driveway: my driveway is off of gravel county road. The actual driveway is 3/4 miles long, gravel, and gains about 350 feet in the first 1/2 mile...the scariest part of my day with the best bike i have even ridden!!
age: this bike reminds that i am not 18...the riding position isn't bad, but it is no UJM. the seat is firm, the clutch handle needs a manly grip and the hands carry some weight due to position...still, I wouldn't trade it for anything. Can't help but feel like a hero on my first duc
rob
