Ducati Monster Forum

I stopped by one of the local Ducati shops, just "kicking tires".  First let me say that I really know deep down that the 1098 is really not the best street bike for me.  I don't need anywhere near the performance the 1098 is capable of (does anybody on the street?).  Plus, since I broke my right wrist many years ago, riding a bike with clipons can be painful after about 30+ minutes in the saddle.

But....

The shop has a '07 1098S in the beautiful Ducati red in on consignment.  It only has 3800 miles on it (the owner has multiple bikes and cars) and I'd rate it at 99.5% condition.  Full Termi system with tuner and air cleaners.  Everything else is stock.  They were asking $16K.  Turns out the salesman's father is the owner.  The next day I get a call that they will sell it to me for $16K out the door.  It's not a screaming deal but the bike would be mistaken for new by the casual observer.  The M1100 I have is total fun and I think it's a beautiful bike but...

This 1098S is just screaming to me on an emotional level.  Help me out here guys.

BTW, they also have a black S4RS on consignment that is also about 99% for $8500.  This sounds like a great deal but the S4RS isn't screaming to me like the 1098.  I think I really prefer the air cooled Monsters anyway.  Ah he11, they are both screaming at me; the 1098 is just so beautiful in the red paint but the S4 would be more practical.  The fact is, I really don't need either... HELP!!

If you weren't looking for a bike, I'd say pass. That's not a bad deal on the 1098s, but you can do better (or maybe they can come down). Of course, I'm biased towards the sbk's, so if they'll come down at least $1k, I'd say pull the trigger  [evil]

And if the question is just whether you want a 1098s, then the answer is "YES!"

So you are saying it should be $15K out the door.  They already came down $1200 from their original asking price ($16K + TTL) to $16K OTD.

The S4RS has plenty of power for street.  For me, I had to ask myself if running on the highways, streets and backroads at breakneck speeds was worth the risk.  Although the S4R I purchased can easily cruise well over 100 it becomes uncomfortable with no protection so that, at least I thought, offered a little insurance.  When I rode the 1098 I was rushing past 100 just on the on ramp to the interstate and didn't even feel it in relation to the S4R.  Personal choice, just my experience but remember your hand is something to consider as well.   IMO that price on the S4 is too good to pass. Good luck and post pictures whatever you decide.  

I´d go for the S4Rs, get the DP Termi kit on her... and a 14T front sprocket. Everything else you do to it is just magic... fully floating front brake discs, 520 pitch chain (kit) and if you´ve got the cash there was a kit that DP sold for the 999s that upped the power to near 999R levels (pistons, cylinder heads, valves etc. etc. ) that will fit.
 [evil]

Get the 1098S and a set of Heli-bars. There. Problem solved! Oh yeah, get them a little lower on the price to help pay for the Heli-bars. OK, now it's solved. [thumbsup] [moto]

you might end up being that guy who buys it for 16k OTD, and sells it back for 9k, and it goes on sale for 12k as used... dont do it if your not going to ride it.

Understood, but blue book retail on that bike is about 14.8. IMO, their asking price was unreasonable and is therefore irrelevant. I personally don't pay retail for vehicles, especially used. The fact is, you don't have to have a bike now or this particular bike. That gives you the advantage in today's market. When that "s" sits in the showroom for another month or two, they'll change their minds. Of course, if you think you'll regret it if someone else gets the bike, then I guess you should go ahead.

You used "need" and "want" in the same post.   [laugh]

Wait a month.  Then you'll know if you really 'want' it.  Besides, there are lots of 1098s out there right now -- winter and a serious economic downturn.  It's not like this will be your only opportunity.

Me?  I wouldn't get either.  If I was going to spend that $ on motorcycles, I'd buy a 916, a track-prepped SV, a dirtbike with dirt gear and if anything was left over, I'd allocated it to a track budget.

I know your pain.  I did not "need" an 1198s for a ton of reasons, but I wanted one and felt I could manage the power.  They are intutitive to ride and with some mods to accomodate your hands, as well as suspension tuning, you could overcome your wrist issue.

I wish you the best and hope you get your "dream" bike.  

Thats for a used unit in like new condition.

Right, I still think he could do better on price. And "need" isn't a factor with sbk's; there's always a need  :)

I wish I could buy an S4Rs for $8500-00 Aus!!! :'(

Get an air cooled Monster for the street and a 1098 for the track! [evil]

Koko64:  If you read my signature, you will see I do have a M1100.  That is one reason the 1098 is screaming at me more than the S4.

Muskrat, Trouble, NuTTs:  I know the S4 is mucho more powerful than the 1100 and that the S4 is a much better "real world" bike but I much prefer the look of the air cooled Monsters, especially after all the work I've done to mine.  Again, why the 1098 is just drawing me.

Swampduc:  $14.8K doesn't take into account the full Termi exhaust and DP tuner/air cleaner.  I know that upgrades usually don't keep resale value but that is why they are pushing it at higher than KBB.

He Man:  I guarantee; if I buy, I'll fly!!

I forgot to mention, the 1098 has the open clutch cover and slipper clutch.  Did the 1098 come with a slipper?

I had Heli-Bars on my '99 TL1000S; they helped but didn't completely eliminate the problem.  I usually have the most trouble with my wrist in slower traffic such as around town.

I know I don't need a Ducati SBK.  It's kinda like sex; you can live without it but what fun is that.

The shop was closed today so I'll see what I can do on the price tomorrow.  I know it's a buyers market (in fact I pointed that out to the salesman and he agreed).  I'll bring that up to him again when he calls me tomorrow.

It sounds like it's pure lust.


If you're not buying it cash or mostly so, I would walk. Lust wears off, then all you have is an annoying payment.

You have to be realistic and ask yourself "how" you ride.

You gonna take it to the track?  120mph on the highway?  Or are you in a blessedly curvaceous area of the nation to liberate that bike's power?

The reason I ask is that I had a dream bike in the shape of a 748.  I ended up selling in because I couldn't take advantage of what it offered in the area I lived.  It was crampy, did not like traffic and always wanted to go faster faster faster.

Which is the blessing as well as the problem.

be realistic.  And if you can't use 75% of what that bike brings, walk.  It's better to ride a slower bike fast that a faster bike slow.

But I sure am hoping I move to a spot where I can use a Streefighter some day.

No, it didn't come with a slipper. That's a nice touch. I'll bet that even with that and the termi system, you could ride out at a lower price. I personally can't see regretting a duc sbk with full ohlins, unless the regret is over money. Good luck whichever way you go.

Sorry mate, well that explains everything.

Maybe sell the HD and Kwaka to reduce repayments. Or keep 'em all.

If you can afford it why not? As they say, can't take it with you.

Maybe look for a retired Ducati superbike racer for a track bike and keep your licence? Or a smashed 1098/1198 at the auctions to turn into a track bike.

It's great to have a bike that can be set up for the track with no compromise and no road gear on it to smash. Means you can go as fast as possible. You can relax and not worry about smashing your lovely road bike at the track.

what you need is a dark 1098

I too liked the air cooled only but the S4 grew on me personally and I for one like all the plumbing exposed, adds character IMO.  Whatever you choose ride it first but a bad wrist might be a bummer after some $15+k spent.  Oh, and I don't hate you because you own a Hardley - so do I.  [moto]

well here's the thing... when you are so old you can only sit on the porch and think about your past experiences... would you want to say...

1) I'm glad I didn't get that Superbike for reasons 1, 2, 3 etc.
2) I'm glad I got to experience the Superbike for reasons 1, 2, 3, etc.

Personally, I hope I don't make excuses when I'm there for things I never did.

Just get yourself the one that screams the loudest ....... seems to me its the 1098 ......

Well said.

If I got a 1098s I wouldn't be in a position to think about past experiences for very long. A very wise person once said that it's easier to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. With the words "fast" and "slow" being obviously relative.

Not to threadjack, but I tell this story all the time, at my own expense - I went from a Suzuki GS500 to a Katana to an SV650 to a Hayabusa (I was, for a time, a Suzuki loyalist). Ultimately, I settled on a M695. It does what I want it to do, at speeds that are always manageable and occasionally ridiculous (when I want them to be), has plenty of pinache/soul, and is loud enough to summon Lucifer. The Hayabusa (say what you will about it, they are excellent machines) made me feel like I could drink a cup of coffee and read the paper on it at 100MPH. That's what cars are for.

I don't think there's anything more you could do on the 1098S than (any) Monster that would qualify as even remotely legal.

$.02

Well sir, that's probably one of the main reasons I'm considering the 1098.  The emotions say this is the ultimate of sexy machines (not just the 1098 but Ducati SBKs in general).  I'm now 54 years old and I am thinking I want the experience before it's too late to do so.

Hillbillypolak:  (Love that handle).  The area I live is one of the main reasons I say I won't be able to use the bike to anywhere near it's potential (besides my own limited ability).  I'm near Houston so it's pretty flat and there aren't a lot of curvy roads unless I ride a while to get to some.

Wonked:  That is the other reason I hesitate.  Even on my M1100 it's kinda like I can hear the bike saying "common, why you so slow; LETS GO!"  Again, it is coming down to emotional want more than any kind of need for more potential.

To everyone else: I have had my own business for the last 21 years and it has been what I consider successful.  I'm by no means rich but I'd say comfortable.  Have some retirement set up and if I can collect at least most of the money owed my company during the current economic bad times, I should be pretty much set by the time I retire.  Only reason I'm hesitating is because my dream is to buy around 20 to 50 acres in the country to build a retirement home on.  Every time I buy another bike I set that dream back.  I have no debts currently (all vehicles, home and weekend property paid for) and I'd pay cash if I get the 1098.

Round and round I go... I still don't know...

Hi dennisd,

I had a similar experience to you, stopping by my local duc shop, and made the mistake of going for a test spin on the Streetfighter. Immediately realized I was in deep, deep doo-doo, and would have to buy the damn thing.

Being about the same age as you (OK, older) I find the full-on sportbike ergos really limit my fun after more than a half hour of riding. So for me the SF really fit the bill: amazing performance in a day-to-day friendly package. Of course the 1098 is a more beautiful bike than the SF, but for me I was willing to make that tradeoff.

At any rate, even though it wasn't a rational decision (who really needs 155hp on the street?) I haven't regretted the purchase for a second. I'd go for it again in a heartbeat.  That's my story, YMMV.

My opinion should probably be mitigated by the fact that I couldn't afford the 1098 if I wanted to (unlike you), so perhaps I am rationalizing. That said, as I get older I am really trying to learn to be happy with less.

I completely agree with that was said here.  I saw my pops go through life afraid to spend any money, and in effect live, and do nothing but save for that proverbial rainy day.  It was funny because at the time I was the complete opposite of that.  Now as I get older I find myself turning more and more to that philosophy and it kind of worries me.  If you are in a position that you can buy the toy with cash, and not set yourself back by a significant amount than I say go for it. 

And on other front, you do have quite a few bikes in the garage.  How often do you ride them?  If you don't use one, or a few of them, all that much, let them go to offset to cost of your dream.

I ride at least one just about every day (rain is the only stopper).

All the hoping and dreaming, planning and scheming; agonizing and thinking; inquiring and drinking (hey, I had to rhyme) was for naught.

I did receive the call from the salesman this morning like expected.  However, he started off by saying he had bad news.  I figured someone else came in after me and bought the 1098.  Turns out the owner (remember, it is the salesman's dad) decided at his age he knew he would want another liter bike before his riding years ended.  He said he didn't want to have to drop another $30K into replacing it at some future date so they pulled the bike off the showroom floor and he's keeping it.  I don't blame him.

I'm still thinking about the S4 plus the salesman said they just got a pearl 1198 in with low mileage and the remaining warranty and that they also have a black 1198.  Neither will work for me though; a Duc superbike MUST be red.

Sorry it didn't work out, Dennis. If you don't mind a base 1098, I know of one in good shape near me (New Orleans). Good luck.

And Raux, that was a nice summation of why I just bought a 1098  [thumbsup]

Thanks for the tip Swampduc but if I'm going to get a 1098 or 1198, I believe I MUST get an "S".  That is of course, if the standard 1098 is a steal of a deal, then I might be interested.

I think fate may have steeped in here to give me time so I can make sure I make the right decision.

Rumor has it that Joel has a 1098D for sale.  ;)

I'm kinda new here; Joel?

BP

OK thanks, I thought so.  Just don't know if I can get past wanting red.

Someone on another forum helped me think things through a little more.

I have owned and ridden a few SBKs from the land of the rising sun but that was quite a few years and bikes ago. But never one of the Italian flavor. So maybe this 1098S being pulled off the showroom floor was done by the controlling hand of some higher power in order to save me from myself.

I guess 2 Monsters wouldn't be that redundant since one is air and the other water.

If it were me, I would think that having two monsters would be a bit too...  similar I guess.  I would hold out for a SBK if that is the bug that has bitten you.

What I meant is that it seems like a higher power has given me more time to decide.

id get an 675 or an r6

I used to have a 675.  It was an absolute great bike, but I honestly feel it is better suited as a track bike than a street bike.  And I say that regardless of the overall power it creates, but more due to the fact that most of its power is in the upper rpm range.  When do you expect to cruise on public roads while pushing it over 10k rpm?

I can't get over the subject line.

Do I really want a 1098S?

That's like asking, do I really want  [bacon]

[laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]

I really want a 1098R.

I won't be purchasing one any time soon.

MMMMMMMM  [bacon]



OOOOOOOOO 1098R

 [thumbsup]

You're selling it already?

[laugh]
no. I was talking about another one I found in my search of craigslist all over the south

Im selling mine...PM for info.

(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm228/ducducgooseme/S4r/_DSP6768.jpg) 

PM sent

That is a nasty gorgeous machine.  Ducati really did it right when the 1098/1198 came out. [bow_down]

<drool>

That is just mean mean mean to "catch" that bike under such lighting conditions!! 

How much are you asking?  Feel like delivering it to Hawaii?  ;)

i'll pipe up..

i have a 2008 1098s with open clutch, adjustable levers, full termi system, ducati billet slave, heli bars, adjustable link, and gold 1098r wheels.

was thinking of using it to trade in for my next car purchase ( only rode it 6 times last summer)  anyone interested?  offers?

from what you are saying unless youare buying the bike above, i would say you really don't want the bike.

you may "lust" after it, but you don't "want it".

reasons:

you have set up so many limits with the bike, it must be red, you won't sell another bike to get this one, you know you won't ride it much, you said its ergos might not be the best for you, you know it will set your "dream house" idea back a bit, etc.

listen, follow your instinct you are a sucessful guy, your instinct has probably served you very well. 

Your instinct is telling you this is a bad idea.  Yes you are lusting after it because it looks cool and such, we all do that.

If you really wanted it that bad (provided you really have the funds to comfortably pay for it), you would not be asking us why you should get it or giving you reasons not to get it.   In the immortal words of Nike you would "JUST DO IT".

Don't get the bike enjoy your bikes you have and get that dream home you want sooner not later.  You are really a lot more fortunate than others to be able to even consider doing such a thing, go after it and get that cool house and relax you worked hard enough for long enough so get ready to sit on the porch and have that cool drink on a hot summer day.

I've decided that unless I come across a screamin deal, I'm going to be "smart" and enjoy the bikes I have.  Is there a 1098 or 1198 in my future?  Only time will tell.

Thanks for all the input guys!!!

exactly unless you find that 1098 in perfect condition and is someone just throwing the bike away so to speak dont' get it yet.   You will get one, just wait a couple of years these bikes are going to be on the used market and will come down i price, there is nothing "limited or special edition" about the standard 1098s or such. 

by then you will probably have that dream house and have more than enough room to put a pristine 1098s in the garage to go with the house.