Streetfighter ????

[sbui]

So was looking at the bike online, and was curious to know.  Since the machine is basically a 1098 with no fairing could you get the origianal 1098 exhaust system.  Meaning can you get one that will fit under the tail section of the bike like the 1098's. 

[flynbulldog]

It's not a 1098 with the fairings removed, its a whole new bike none of the parts are the same (except the engine).
I doubt the exhaust will fit without some serious modification - but fear not, I'm sure there will be undertail systems available for it very soon after it's release.   

[scduc]

+1 look at how fast the 696 and 1100 are getting their exhaust changed. I think Ducatisti truely want the exhaust to go under the engine and above the wheel. It is kind of a trademark.

[vw151]

It's not a 1098 with the fairings removed, its a whole new bike none of the parts are the same (except the engine).
I doubt the exhaust will fit without some serious modification - but fear not, I'm sure there will be undertail systems available for it very soon after it's release.   

Looks like the same frame?  Not being a smart ass but, is the geometry and wheels and front end not the same?  Does anyone actually know? 

[Triple J]

Looks like the same frame?  Not being a smart ass but, is the geometry and wheels and front end not the same?  Does anyone actually know? 

The wheelbase is longer than the 1198/1098. I believe the rake is different as well. They made a point of mentioning this during the open house...as it would be near impossible to keep the front wheel down without these changes.

Look it up on Ducati's website...all the tech data is there.

[vw151]

interesting.  Just curious.  I heard a lot of rumblings that it was the same as a 1098.  Guess the rumblers were wrong.  Not really surprised. 

[flynbulldog]

No, all of the body parts are new and according to Ducati it has a purpose built frame (not just the rake).
The swingarm is also different and will accommodate a wider range of sprockets than the 1098.
The wheels are similar to the 1098 wheels.
I've seen it in person and got the chance to sit on it, I really spent some time going over the bike.
I also talked to one of the Duc reps for quite some time about the bike.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I've seen it in person and got the chance to sit on it, I really spent some time going over the bike.
I also talked to one of the Duc reps for quite some time about the bike.

....and? Did it inspire no opinion or....?

[flynbulldog]

....and? Did it inspire no opinion or....?

If you don't mind going over to Ducati MS...
I posted there because I was invited to the preview party from that board and because I can post pics there.

http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=56107

[Kopfjager]

I posted there because I was invited to the preview party from that board and because I can post pics there.

You can post them here as well. 

[flynbulldog]

I might as well copy the text to go with the pics... Here it is:

Now for the first impressions...

The very first thing is that the bike does look better in person, its funny but I took a few shots with my digital camera and standing in front of the bike I could look from the photo on the camera to the real thing and the style just does not translate in two dimensions! It looks better in person!

Some of the bodywork has some of the styling of the 1098 but nothing is the same. It is an all new bike not a parts-bin special! There is no question, this bike is a streetfighter and has a streetfighter style. There's no other type of bike to compare it to and if you want to compare it over-all to monsters or superbikes I think you are missing the point, it's not meant to be those things. With that in mind I will use some ques from both bikes to describe the Streetfighter because both the 1098 and the monster are known to us.

The bike does look slightly longer than a 1098 and the front is slightly raked out in person but neither is objectionable.

It's obvious that the air intakes for the fuel injection are a bottleneck. I think there are a few ponys there waiting to get out.

We were very lucky to get the chance to sit on the bike. (it was not allowed during the premier or during the IMS show)

The seating position is similar to a monster but the foot pegs are slightly lower with more leg room. The bars are low but not uncomfortable. The angle should put the rider in an aggressive controlling riding position yet allow for relative comfort. Similar to the newer Monster 1100 but more aggressive than the previous generation of Monster.

The seat has more padding than the 1098 but still has some of the forward rake found on the superbike.

[ added info: The right side exhaust is in the way of your foot, you almost cannot put your foot on the peg in the "ball" position. I can tell this will get very annoying and I hope some of the aftermarket systems address this issue]   

I do not like the view over the bars, the gauges are too low for me leaving a clear view of the pavement directly in front of the bike. The feeling is one of floating with nothing under you, its something I'll have to get used to.

The bike does not feel small like a Brutalle or a superduke, I feel like I fit on it well (I'm 6'2" - 200). It is very slim and roomy giving a very nimble impression.

The Number one all time biggest surprise was the weight! Guys this bike is silly light! I'm not kidding it feels like your on something extremely race prepped. Straddling the bike it felt like I could tilt the bike on either side to the ground and pick it back up. Of course I didn't try it but Wow! I was impressed!