To 1198S Or Not To 1198S?: That Is The Question

ArabicaMan · May 30, 2009, 11:33:01 AM

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...

MAXdB · May 30, 2009, 11:49:47 AM

wow, that is a hard decision to make...what type of riding do you do?

lwszabo · May 30, 2009, 11:51:27 AM

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!

lwszabo · May 30, 2009, 11:52:06 AM

also dont the 848 have a wet clutch ?

Popeye the Sailor · May 30, 2009, 12:42:25 PM

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

DucDodgers · May 30, 2009, 12:42:50 PM

Skip the 1198s and get the 848 and keep the Monster.

Uncle Mofo · May 30, 2009, 01:13:20 PM

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

ArabicaMan · May 30, 2009, 01:43:11 PM

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

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!

lwszabo · May 30, 2009, 02:46:37 PM

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?

Pedro-bot · May 31, 2009, 12:20:17 PM

Go for the 1198S!!

Traction control!!!!!!

*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.

psycledelic · May 31, 2009, 02:18:40 PM

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!

DucatiBastard · May 31, 2009, 02:20:51 PM

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!

TAftonomos · May 31, 2009, 02:45:39 PM

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.

Labbedds · May 31, 2009, 04:47:08 PM

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

nikkimonster · May 31, 2009, 05:26:35 PM

i personally would keep the s4r...more comfortable for everyday riding.

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To 1198S Or Not To 1198S?: That Is The Question