Ducati Monster Forum

so my bike is totalled I just need to find out how much the salvage will cost me as I may be parting the rest of it out
but I almost have enough for a 999R but am seriously considering the RSV Factory  ;D
I also test rode a D675 and an 848

so many choices  ???

any first hand experience with any of these

Dan...

More info please. Riding style and experience, mix of track and street, etc.?
Oh and address so I can come and snag this hypothetical R bike or RSV4  ;D

There can be only one:

 RSV Factory  Grin

how about a used 1098?

 [thumbsup] ;)

how much is the 1098??

experience:
I am 44 soon to be 45, I have been riding since I was 17
my first bike was a 1973 Triumph TR6 650
not sure how much track time I will be doing in the near future.
I wanted to get my novice racing license next year, but after doing some research
I feel it is financially not feasible
I entertained the idea of doing one season of racing
since my recent high side at Fontana I am finding it difficult to convince my wife that the
track is really safer than the streets
I am not to crazy about the SSSA of the current Ducatis  but I really like the white 848
I don't like the clutch and I don't like how it feels like a japanese bike
I think they went too far
but maybe I can get used to it

I think the 999 style feels more like a true Ducati

I am pretty old school that way
the sound of the D675 is unbelievable but that too is pretty Japanese
my first choice would be an 888 SBK but I think it is time to step up to newer technology

if I keep my '95 supersport the I can use that as a track only bike
since I may not be able to register it for the street
then I could trade in or sell my Monster and have the next bike for street canyons and maybe in the future some track

as it is I don't think I will be able to ride for at least 2-3 more weeks
I got my casts off yesterday and my wrist is so stiff I can't even twist the throttle   :-\

Dan..

i dont know i think bobspapa is selling his. you should ask him. lol

also i wouldnt get a 999R. It is my personal opinion that the 999R engine is pushed to its limits and isnt approriate to put on the street.

but i agree 999 > 1098 in my book

 :'(

really you could ride any of those bikes but if i had to pick one..........well used 1098  [cheeky]

But that aprilia looks like a really really nice bike.....if you are set on a 999 then go with a 999.  That is a lot of choices and i think you should go look at every one and demo any that you can.  Find the one that moves you and makes you get a huge grin every time you look at it!

If you're willing to try something "new", try the BMW S1000RR. Mine's just arrived.. in BMW Motorsport colors. Brutal and quite attractive when viewed in person. Make sure you try one out with a quick-shifter if possible.

but the 999 is so cool looking!!!

I would def get the triple 9, OR  the RSV, OR the Beemer.  Good luck w/ your pick.  Just remember to post pictures after you bring your new baby back home.

Are you looking to drive it ? On the track ? or the show room classic ?
I would say the RSV is the best choice if function is what you are after.
The Duc is classic but outdated...and the beamer...uhhhh

Good idea i would try that too personally!  That is one sweet ride!

you got yours already?  mine (san diego) isn't scheduled to be delivered until maybe february.

have you found a way to cover up the udder?  i'm hoping some kind of heat-resistant undertray
is produced.

I know it's a Ducati board and all but I'm thinking the Aprilla. [thumbsup] Even with my Ducs and jap sbks I would go with the RSV4.

I agree...Aprilia!  [thumbsup]

(if you have a good dealer nearby)

don't like the angular look of the KTM  
never even considered the BMW don't think I like it at all

is there no love for the 848 ??

Dan..

I used to own one (nice bike) and I'd get it over the 999R for street riding.  [thumbsup] I'd just get the Ape over it if cost isn't an issue.

It's really a toss up......

999R is wonderful and among the three has more character but at the same time I Think she is the more difficult to ride (and is no longer produced...)

848 is probably better for a "normal" use if you want to stay in the Ducati "club"...but I remind you that she has no Dry Clutch...

RSV4 is the newest of the lot, 4 cylinders ( so I take that she is easier to handle) and what a breathtaking design! ......I reckon she costs a fortune! (while you will be able to get the above mentioned for about 15,000 bucks)


However I think that all that horsepower on the road is almost totally wasted  [leo] [leo] [leo] [leo] [leo] [leo] [leo] [leo]

RSV4 all the way.  Too many 848's running around.  The Triumph is too Japanese looking.  And the Ape is a friggin V4!

well so far it looks like the Ape is first choice

I am not sure about having so much money invested in a bike but I think the Factory upgrades far out weigh the
price difference of the R model
even though I may never be able to take advantage of the adjustability of the frame. swing arm or steering

I got the final number from my insurance co. and I get to keep my supersport for around $400.00   [thumbsup]

I may repair that for track only use since they will not let me re-register it for street use  :-\

or I could part it out  or put all the goodies on my Monster !!

anyway I just need to sign the insurance documents and wait for the check

looking forward to the Cycle World bike show this week end   [moto]

all I can say is State Farm is great to deal with

Dan....

Easy fix.  [thumbsup]


Slipper dry clutch kit for 848
Slipper dry clutch for 848, prevents rear wheel from locking even under aggressive downshifting. This complete kit consists of primary gear, hub with clutch drum, clutch housing, plates set, pusher plate and billet aluminium cover.
 

Come on,
(http://www.motoplanete.com/media/2008/ducati-848-white.jpg)
That is all

Be forewarned, the Cycle World show does not have half as many manufacturers as you might think. The one that came through Dallas/Ft. Worth did not have BMW, Aprilla, KTM, Triumph, Guzzi, and several others. It was a real let down for everyone that went. There were the 4 Japanese makers, Ducati and Harley, that's pretty much it. I didn't even bother going and I don't think I missed a thing. Everyone said the Ducati area was the best. I wanted to see the KTM RC8R and the Aprilla but why go if they are not here?

It arrived on 27th November but, the registration/title is taking a while to come through. I'm hoping to have the bike on the road this week.

You know there is only one way to get shot of that udder... Akrapovic  [evil] !!!

+1.  If you are looking for a bike that will see most of its use on the street the 848 is pretty hard to beat.  I would probably be looking at the APE or or 999R if you planned on using either at a track as much, or more though.  The 848's (relative) light weight, low reciprocal mass and light (ish) action wet clutch make it a sweet street bike.

is there any truth to what I have been reading about the 999R being over tuned to the point of grenading ???
are there any reliability issues ??? 

I did revisit the 848 at the show this weekend and it was pretty sweet  ;D
I road tested one a while back and didn't like the clutch engagement
but I guess I could convert it to dry clutch  [thumbsup]

Dan.

One of the local DFW board members installed the dry/slipper kit on his 848 and he recently finished a track day hosted by Advanced Motorsports. His board name is bryant8. Drop him a PM, he hasn't been real active on our local board because he's been very busy with work but I am sure he'll take the time to give you some good 848 clutch conversion kit intel. I doubt he has kept up with this thread... damn work! [bang] [laugh]

The 848 & RSV4 really don't compare no matter where you ride. The RSV power is in a complete diff world than the 848. I'd say with your riding ability you would prolly go around a race track a bit quicker on the 848 but you would not be able to wipe the smile off your face after a few laps on the RSV4 or a 1098. I do not race or even go to the tracks any more & I ride the street pretty conservative but smaller bore bikes bore me cause theres nothing like pulling 3rd gear power wheelies when you feel like it. I have been through a shit load of bikes and my all time fav is my 03 Aprilia Tuono due to it's raw power & build quality. I can't speak for the RSV4 but my Tuono has been thrashed pretty hard &  zero problems 17,000 miles & still ticking strong. I sat on the RSV4 & could not belive how small it is, I've had 600's that were bigger. You should check out AF1 racing's Apriliaforum.com there is a great topic on the RSV4 pro's & con's. The bikes on your list are fantastic just buy the one that give's you the biggest wood.

Best advice ever

Hey, it is the same NuTTs from TOB. Welcome back!! Keep us posted about the new ride(s).

+1!

Still looking? Saw this.

http://www.indyducati.com/used_bikes/view.asp?id=287 (http://www.indyducati.com/used_bikes/view.asp?id=287)

I've not owned any of the bikes you mention but I've ridden the 1098, 999 and 848 (I hope to get out on a Aprilia at the dealer this weekend).  I've seen the dry-clutch conversion on the 848 Bryant has at it turns it into another animal.  The styling of the 999 is unique and IMO it is the best looking of the bunch.  I do pretty much all street riding and the 848 wins in my book plus I've seen them flogged and they do run.

Yea, the man has owned some serious rides.

I just hope he has much better luck with this one than the S4RS and the last BMW he had.

LA

I am still looking
but........
since getting the cast off my arm I have developed carpal tunnel syndrome  :'(
since the last week I wake up 4-5 times a night with pain and numbness in my hand
waiting for H.M.O. to authorize my referral for nerve testing

I would not be comfortable testing bikes without having full confidence of my hand applying the front brake lever

I revisited the 999R at the shop and it comes with DP carbon fiber 5 spoke wheels (made by Dymag) plus the original wheels
it is an 06 model

I sat on the RSV4  Factory and it is taller than the 999R

I also looked at a 1198S but am not too crazy about the styling and that SSSA is HUGE !!!!!

so I have the money in the bank but I have to get my hand sorted out

Dan..

If you could post some pictures of the S1000RR, that would be great.

dansamp,

Get that paw sorted out first. You aren't going to be physically comfortable on any of those scooters with a gimped up limb. Trust me I know...

Dan, sorry to hear about your trouble. BTW, I use Nuerontin(Gabapentin) for chronic nerve pain. It works pretty well, and it is non-narcotic. I'd talk to a doc about getting a perscription. Doesn't slow me down much at all.

Thought my ears were burning... talking about me...

IMO on the 3 bikes in question here, the Ape wins... sexy and more than capable

848 ---- great bike but lacks the options that the other 2 bikes have... damper, upgraded suspension, and displacement.  The 848 has good torque but pales in comparison to the other 2.  Like I said, a great bike, but you'll probably have to spend a good deal to get it where you want it.  The others out of the box may be a better choice.

A few gratuitous pics of the clutch conversion

(http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs208.snc1/7528_1229697268379_1407514757_30683918_4545850_n.jpg)

(http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs208.snc1/7528_1229696028348_1407514757_30683913_8201995_n.jpg)

Sweet bike Bryant! Haven't seen it lately. What kind of rear sets are those?

Hi, I have just posted some pics today on the bmw thread on the first page.

Regards

Thank-you!  That is a gorgeous bike!

Well,
I test rode the Ape yesterday  [thumbsup]
they wouldn't let me take the Factory so I rode the R
the fly-by-wire throttle would work out great for my 'jacked up hand"
and the brakes  too very, easy to apply

the bike accelerates very quickly and smoothly (almost too smooth ) compared to my 2 valve Ducs
the exhaust is cool and over-all the engine is very "snappy"
the engine does not have that intake "honk" like a 2 valve Duc though

I found it very hard to tuck into the windscreen and when I finally did I couldn't see where I was going  :(

I didn't like the cable operated clutch, and the way it clicked every time the lever was engaged
the guy told me it was due to the slipper clutch  and that they all do it  ???

either way I didn't like it (pretty annoying) but I guess I could get used to it ??

I couldn't test ride the 999R because it is on consignment and they need to check with the owner
but they will let me know 

overall the Ape feels good, makes you feel like a kid  and I can imagine you could get yourself into a lot of trouble
I think I prefer the more classic look of the 999R and older Ducs in general
I am not too fond of the current Duc line up though

anyway, the search continues

Dan..

999s are great. I love mine. Like most, the looks (compared to the Tamburini bikes) didn't win me over when they first came out but they grew on me to the point I had to have one. Mine's an '05 and I am partial to the later models. I only wish I had listened to the salesman. I went back and forth between the base model and the "S". He tried to convince me to go with the "S" and he was right... I was wrong. I got the base model and a great deal on a full 57mm Termi system. It was that or a "S" and no exhaust. Always choose full Ohlins boingers and radial Brembos over a dumb exhaust. You know why you never see prestine 999S models for sale? Because the owners aren't stupid enough to sell them!!!! I love my bike but I regret my buying decision. [bang]

You might spend some time looking for a '05-'06 "S". The only '07 models were the PU "S" bikes. All the good stuff of an "R" minus the $$$$ carbon bodywork and some engine bits... stuff you would never notice on the street. The only down side with 999 is the under seat exhaust in warm/hot weather. Like most under seat exhaust bikes it will ROAST your ass and thighs at stops and slow going. :P

Good luck with your search. Your input on the 'priller was interesting.

OK,
I found another 999R this one is an '05 with 6k
it has ported and polished heads full Termi system and ti- rear sets

the first one I was looking at is an '06 with 3k
it comes with Dymag made DP carbon wheels and the stock wheels and tires and a Termi half system

both bikes are about the same price
what to do ??

Dan..

RSV4.

Performs better than all recent superbikes, service schedule is extended, and no timing belts!
Moto journalists worldwide rave about this bike in comparison to others.

Do it and I'll meet you up top.  [thumbsup]

Beware of hot rodded motors on the street. I would FOR SURE ride the hot rodded one on a nice slow street ride. Lots of horsepower is great on a dyno sheet but your world is full of school zones and stop signs. Trust me, I bought my 916SPS with a very hot rodded motor and did not take that pre-purchase street ride. Mistake! It would stall, die and sputter like a SOB. It was only happy with the throttle pinned wide open and rowing through the gears. Sure it's fast for a 916 but that's not good street behavior. [leo] I've thrown lots of money at it trying to detune it and make it more streetable with only fair results.

I'm kinda liking the sound of the second one! [thumbsup]

OK,
just wanted to report the latest events in my hunt for my next bike.

I revisited the RSV4 needless to say they are not dealing, they offered peanuts for my M900 and I would need to trade it
in if I hope to get the RSV4 Factory.
if I get the RSV4 R I know I would regret not stepping up to the Factory

I tested a 91 851 SBK and it felt soooo smooth and comfortable, not much power but the price is good and I could
upgrade it to my liking  [thumbsup] it is all original with 16k miles

then I road a 999R  ;D wow what a ride !!!
then the salesman convinced me to try out a n 1198S  [evil]

the 1198S is unbelievable way too much torque power etc.
it pulls much more than the RSV4

I have read some people say they prefer an 848 for the track because the 1198 is too much
and it certainly is too much for the street,
so where would you ride this bike ???

but now I am contemplating a 1098S I found on C/L  and there is a base model on Ebay

both of these are still owned by the bank so I am hesitant about purchasing them,
it seems like a lot of leg work and am afraid the transaction could get sticky

any thoughts on this ??

I keep going back to the 999R with the carbon fiber wheels and the 999R would be more exclusive and that
interests me.

I am getting exhausted searching and thinking etc. etc.   ??? ???

Dan..

So many options, you are all over the place. What do you really want to do with your bike. Commute, 2-4 day sport touring, track days, weekend day rides, Thursday night bike night stunting?? Thread is too long to go back through it if you mentioned this earlier. Help us get a handle on what you REALLY want. There are a million opinions out there. I'm still thinking '05+ 999S. [thumbsup]

The big torque hit of the 1098 and 1198 are not so different front each other especially in the mid range. Finding a good 999S would not be such a bad idea but it'll yank too. You can learn to deal with it. I love my 848, and it handles far better than my 999 ever did, but once in a while I miss that really big bore scoot. Like the others have said, be really honest about exactly what you want and where you are going to ride. For me the 848 is one hell of a street machine. I could have bought the bigger bike with the difference I've spent on mods but then I would have had to spend more $$ to mod the big bike.  ;D

well,
initially my quest was for a 999R not 999S or RSV4 or 848

I have found several, an 06 999R with DP carbon fiber wheels and stock wheels
an 05 999R with hot rodded motor
and also an 03 999 R with full exhaust

if I get the RSV4 I would need to use it also as a commuter since I would have to sell or trade my M900

if I spend less than 15k-16k I should be able to hang on to the M900

I am added other bikes and making more confusing and difficult

I mentioned the 91 851 since I had one long ago and I wished I never sold it

the RSV is the bike to have at the moment but I know that moment will pass
also there is a lot of talk at the Aprillia forum regarding noisy chain tensioners on hot starts which they may or may not
have acknowledged at this time

one cool thing I discovered is that the guy that designed the M900 is the same person that designed the RSV4

I thought to myself when I road the RSV4  "it feels like a big fat Monster"  now I know why   [moto]

anyway sorry for all the ramblings  [drink]

Dan..

why 999R and not 999S? The extra omph in the motor is hardly worth breaking the bank, especially when youll have some spare dough to make the bike how you see fit...ala suspension and small bits here and there.


As far as buying the bike off a guy with a lien. There is only 1 way I will buy the bike...If the bank is local/nearby and you can get the lien off ASAP. The owner should have the title and it should be in the banks name and if you cant go to the local bank, then you should atleast be able to take hold of the title, and a bill of sale in hand. Then have him try to pay it over the phone via E-check or something. THen they can fax the bill that states the lien is clear and you can take it to your DMV without issue.

the bank is not local so I am hesitant on that bike , it is a 1098S


Dan..