I just got back from my dealer who, knowing my lust for a Superbike, put together a deal whereby I could slide onto a new 1198S and not end up paying much more than I currently pay for my S4Rs (though obviously for a bit longer). While he was running numbers, he sent me out on an 848 to play around (how thoughtful!). What an incredible rolling chassis and engine; how Ducati has managed to make their new dry clutch actions so smooth is just beyond me. The deal he put together is one I can live with and he can have the red 1198S here in a few weeks. But...
My current 2007 S4Rs is beautiful and lovely and I adore it, but sadly my garage won't fit another bike. So if the 1198S comes home, the S4Rs has to move out. I realize they're distinctly different types of bikes, but I've always lusted for a Superbike. Then again, I'd always lusted for an S4Rs. So my question is...
Am I making a mistake? Is it silly to give up my S4Rs for an 1198S? If you could only have one in your garage, which would it be? Decisions, decisions...
wow, that is a hard decision to make...what type of riding do you do?
if you want a superbike get a superbike! I like the Monster more but that is me. If you are willing to go the extra time on the loan do it. (but do not just look at the extra months or years, figure in how long you have paid on your bike!) Either way keep us posted!
also dont the 848 have a wet clutch ?
Quote from: ArabicaMan on May 30, 2009, 11:33:01 AM
While he was running numbers, he sent me out on an 848 to play around (how thoughtful!). What an incredible rolling chassis and engine; how Ducati has managed to make their new dry clutch actions so smooth is just beyond me.
They made this one special by running it in an oil bath. That's why the *ahem* dry clutch is so smooth :P
Skip the 1198s and get the 848 and keep the Monster.
My dealer attempted the same on me with a 1098 or a 1198s first at 3.9% then with the Streetfighter for a not so good rate....
After riding both bikes I sure love the extra power but neither fits my riding style.
I ride 300 to 400 miles a day on my days off. Once I did 600 [moto] the most I could do on the 1098 was a 130 miles I then gave the bike back.
A friend who rides a 1098 daily told me that I will get used to the riding position eventually..
But I love my s4rs and I just did a bunch of upgrades. It also doubles as my track bike for now. So I'll keep the s4rs and buy a used track bike when I'll find one for my budget.
I suggest to consider your riding style and the money you invested on the s4rs on mods.. Plus our pre-2009 monsters are classic now [thumbsup]
Quote from: MrIncredible on May 30, 2009, 12:42:25 PM
They made this one special by running it in an oil bath. That's why the *ahem* dry clutch is so smooth :P
Wow, don't I feel like a dunce. Well I guess that explains why I haven't seen an 848 with a perforated clutch cover. Double duh. Well, uh...it sure is smooth, though! Yeah, that's it!
Quote from: ArabicaMan on May 30, 2009, 01:43:11 PM
Wow, don't I feel like a dunce. Well I guess that explains why I haven't seen an 848 with a perforated clutch cover. Double duh. Well, uh...it sure is smooth, though! Yeah, that's it!
what is a perforated clutch cover...one you can rip of quickly like the old workbooks when I was in middle school? ;D
Go for the 1198S!! [evil]
Traction control!!!!!! [bacon]
*Disclaimer*
The opinion posted above does not reflect the values of the DMF or is representative in any way shape or form the ideals in which the DMF operates. Keep in mind that Pedro Bot has ridden neither the 1198 S nor the S4Rs. The opinion formed for the above post assumes neither your riding habits or preferences. Following advice from this post on this forum, or any post from any forum is done at your own risk. Author of this post accepts neither liability or praise if following this advice leads to an unpredicted experience. So basically, don't listen to me, I'm just another person with an opnion and opinons are like a**holes, everybody has one. ;D
Just keep in mind that the SR Monsters are no more and Ducati will always be making a Superbike (I hope). With that being said, damn what a decision. Good luck Brother!
The Harley guy I work with just traded in his full dress UltraClassicFatGlideSpringerSpecialLowFLXTHCMRKS thing in on a Buell 1125R. He was all excited because his payments would be less but shit a brick a few weeks later when his Insurance Co. told his his premiums would triple.
I doubt your rates would go up that high, but they would increase, something to think about...
But if you want the thing, get it!
I used to have a done "past the nines" 999s. Built motor, ohlins (superbike/real ohlins....not stock/OEM stuff) front and rear, BST's, billet triples, monoblocks, everything.
As soon as I rode the s4rt home, I knew the 999's days were numbered. Sure, it doesn't look like a superbike. But for everyday riding/weekend terror, it's MUCH better (for me) than a SBK could ever be. Since I couldn't afford to rebuild the 999 in the event of a crash, I sold it before I got addicted to track riding. It was such a waste on the street, much like a 1098 would be.
Keep the s4rs, if you want a hybrid sbk, just get some clip-ons and rear sets, you'll have the best of both worlds :)
i personally would keep the s4r...more comfortable for everyday riding.
Do like I do, buy something different every year. Sometimes you move up, sometimes back, sometimes sideways, but change is good. Don't get complacent, the grass is always greener under a new set of tires.
I'm with Grifo. I love my S4RS. just did 300 mile on Sat. cleaned it on Sunday, and I mean cleaned it, near 3 hours.
loved every minute of it,
I too like 1098 or 1198 when I see it on the road or in the showroom, but I have to hold myself back. I tell myself, you don't need all that power, but again, I have enough in my S4RS. It will be a wast in the streets, unless you live in some sweet twisties, and there are no cars on that road...
pay off the S4Rs you will be a happy man. get a cheap track bike like a 748, 749.. heck even an R6 or GXR
my thoughts...good luck on yours
how much more monthly and how much longer? motorcycles are fragile things to finance.
I'd keep the Monster and buy the SBK.... [evil]
I had the opposite dilemma 5 weeks ago when I was trying to decide whether or not to trade off my 1098 for an 1100. I pulled the trigger on the 1100 and haven't looked back.
For me personally, if I had both bikes side by side in the garage, the monster would probably fade into the background as I stared at the 1098 for hours. I also find myself knocking on the rev limiter's door every now and then and I'm not as confident in the twisties with the monster yet having been used to the superbike. With that being said, the monster is far and away a better all around bike (IMO). Without drifting into a rambling dissertation here's how I see the bottom line between these two bikes:
You can have a shit load of fun on the 1098 10% of the time
or
You can have a lot of fun (which is a wee bit less than a shit load) 90% of the time on the monster
Also, keep in mind that being miserable in stop and go traffic on the monster is bush league compared to the hand numbing agony of the 1098.
Good luck with your decision, either way you're riding a duc!
I owned an s4rs and now own a 1098. I disagree that it's not as much fun as the Monster or a waste on the streets. Mine is sitting in the parking garage right now because I ride it to work. I've also pulled some long stints in the saddle. Only about 250 miles or so but I never did more than that on my Monster anyway. It is a crappy bike to ride in traffic but I don't worry to much about that. Bottom line is I wish I had bough the 1098 first. The premiums insurance wise were the same for me and this was 6 months after I had totaled the Tricolore. Listen to your gut. I know that they are all Ducati's but a Ducati Superbike....yum.
I've had my s2r 800 for just over 2 years now, and i love it. Last spring i purchased a 999. I have been on the monster twice since i purchased the 999. The longest ride on the 999 thus far has been just over 320 miles, and it was fantastic. The extra power is not overkill on the road, at-least where i live, and the bike is a friggn animal on the track. Like everyone else is saying - figure out what you want out of your motorcycle - and get it. I know i do not regret getting the 999 at all! - I can only imagine the pure joy one would have while riding an 1198S - Goodness - Enjoy yourself!
Quote from: ducpainter on May 31, 2009, 06:14:56 PM
I'd keep the Monster and buy the SBK.... [evil]
+1
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Quote from: wingnut on May 31, 2009, 06:15:42 PM
Also, keep in mind that being miserable in stop and go traffic on the monster is bush league compared to the hand numbing agony of the 1098.
and a$$ roasting, can't imagine the 1098 is any better than my 748
Quote from: XJDAVE on June 02, 2009, 12:56:46 PM
and a$$ roasting, can't imagine the 1098 is any better than my 748
Oh, but they are better. It's still warm down under. Make no mistake about that but still better than the previous bikes. For overall traffic & road manners I'm liking my 848 far better than my 999 and, dare I say it, better than my M900.
Personally I'd keep the S4Rs if I could only have 1 bike...but I think the SBKs suck on the street. They're hot, uncomfortable, and it's too much engine to use on the street (at least without risk of having your license taken away). They're great on the track...but I don't live on a track. :-\
First, thanks to everyone for their commentary and perspectives. I was frankly quite surprised by the distribution of opinion on this question, which turned out to be pretty well 50/50. I made my final decision last weekend and called my dealer on Monday. So what did I decide?
Well, I decided to pass on the 1198S at this time and stick with my S4Rs. The contributory reasons were typically numerous and varied but came down to:
- My unwillingness to stomach the first year depreciation on my current bike, and;
- The fact that my insurance with Progressive would more than double.
But really, the final decision came to me on a 130-mile ride this past Sunday. It was a perfect (though hot) day here in the Midwest and I had the most glorious ride with a group of my sportbike buddies. Long, open stretches of pavement; twisties over hill-and-dale; a bit of highway riding; and some riding in town. And during that ride, I contemplated this decision, and the conclusion I came to was: I just totally love my S4Rs Monster and I don't want to get anything else. And that's the bottom line.
(Though in the future, when my garage space allows it, adding a Superbike is certainly appealing...)
Quote from: mac900 on June 03, 2009, 09:43:18 AM
For overall traffic & road manners I'm liking my 848 far better than my 999 and, dare I say it, better than my M900.
HOORAY!!!!
Sorry for the enthusiasm, but I too am looking forward to riding his 848 when I get back home. Might spell the end of my 675...
If you ever want to sell the S4RS let me know