[JerseyRider]

I am considering buying an '07 1098 (love that bike!!!). I have always drove Harleys and stayed away from sportbikes because of a healthy "respect" (okay, they scared the crap out of me..) for their power. I suppose most of all, my concern over keeping the front wheel down. I finally took the "sportbike" plunge and bought an S2R 1000 earlier this year. I was pleasantly suprised of how well it handles and how much fun it is compared to cruiser-type bikes. Would the 1098 handle more like a Japanese sportbike (...front won't stay down) or the Monster? And, I don't plan on racing the bike, so how is it for weekend enjoyment. Thanks!

 

[Yossarian]

Your right wrist is the best tool in keeping the front end down. No motorcycle produced wheelies without rider input.

The 1098's power delivery is smooth, though, and you should not have an issue with it.

 

[paul sonderfan]

If you keep your weight well forward and restrain your right wrist, it won't be a problem.

 

[NewDuc]

My bike, when running that is, is retarded. Slightly less power than a 1098 but revs very quickly for a Ducati...more like a Japanese bike. My wheel has only come off the ground a tiny bit ONCE...if I can accomplish that, you can do it with a 1098!

Not sure if it's by design, but when I rev my buddy's 1098 the throttle seems mechanically slower and tougher to rev too...not to mention smooth power unlike my bike. My guess is you'll be fine.

 

[DMc]

My biggest problem isn't keeping my front wheel down...it's when I'm moving through traffic and I glance down at the speedo and see I'm well above the posted limit. My 1098 seems to move forward so effortlessly and without drama that I'm more worried about riding too fast for conditions than I am about bringing the front wheel up during accelleration.

That being said, +1 to the above posts regarding control of the right wrist. You can also accellerate hard and push your body weight forward to help keep the front end planted. I heard of guys giving too much throttle (unplanned) and the accelleration causing their body weight to move rearward in the seat which lightens front end adding to the wheelie factor.

 

[NewDuc]

I hear ya...can imagine. Maybe because I'm new to bikes I don't ride that fast. Or at least unless my buddies go for it then I'll hang. For years I drove way too fast in cars, speeds up past 160. Now since I have been bitten I drive slower and with less passion. It's great for my ever-dropping insurance rates, but I swear it erodes my awareness. I felt sharper and more alert when flying around! That's why I need some track days to learn ultimate control.

Anyway, call me a pu$$y but 85 feels fast on my bike. In a way I'm glad because I'd be part of a jersey barrier if I rode like I used to drive with the minimal skill I've developed. I really don't have much riding advice yet, the only recommendation I can make is to try and not look at the speedo as much. Yeah that sounds crazy, but in that split second it takes to check speed, around here (Boston) a pickup truck will be in your path and you'll have much more to worry about.

Ahhhhh the struggle for balance right?

 

[Ten-6]

I am considering buying an '07 1098 (love that bike!!!). I have always drove Harleys and stayed away from sportbikes because of a healthy "respect" (okay, they scared the crap out of me..) for their power. I suppose most of all, my concern over keeping the front wheel down. I finally took the "sportbike" plunge and bought an S2R 1000 earlier this year. I was pleasantly suprised of how well it handles and how much fun it is compared to cruiser-type bikes. Would the 1098 handle more like a Japanese sportbike (...front won't stay down) or the Monster? And, I don't plan on racing the bike, so how is it for weekend enjoyment. Thanks!

JerseyRider,

I had the same fears, I had a few different bikes then
rode a harley for 10yrs. I never liked corners and thought
anyone leaning past 10 degrees on a corner was a "nut".
Then when I bought the bmw roadster I got a taste of the
twisties and was hooked. Now here I am. :naughty: