test rode a 1098

[Statler]

OK, this is the moto stuff area, so we need some moto threads.

Couple weeks back my dealer called me and told me to come down in my leathers.   He threw me the keys to a 1098 (base model), had me sign the standard paperwork, and said go have fun...unlimited mileage demo ride.

All my comparisons are to my bike, which is not exactly stock.

Motor first.   from idle to 8 grand, it felt like my bike.    That's a compliment as the RS with the Termi kit is not a pussycat.   From 8 to 10 it ripped the lungs out of my bike.   Holy Shit!   Can't imagine what one with the full 70mm system feels like.    This would get me in soooo much trouble. The motor combined with the fairing made highway riding license risky.   60 to 140 was like a light switch.  roll on 140.  roll off 60.  roll on 140.  roll off 60.  weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

suspension.   Not so great.  Both harsher and softer than mine all at same time.   Now we didn't fiddle with them, so I'd have to play with settings, but I want better legs.

Steering.   It steers like a bus.  Again, we didn't raise the reer or fiddle with suspension.   And it might be unfair to compare it to a set-up RS with BST wheels (I think that's the real issue).

Comfort:   Sooooooo much better for me than a monster.   The tank is just so huggable.  You go through turns and you can just lock your leg into the tank, your outside arm can touch the bike, your midsection can touch the bike.   It's perfect for cornering.   And I find the elbows on knees position better for commuting too, but I admit I am in the minority here.    I have my monster set up with slightly less leg room, and my bars are slightly wider but at about the same height.    It's that tank that makes such a difference.

Brakes:  Same, which is to say great.

Digital dash....I like the speed digital, but not a huge fan of the tach.   Not a big deal as shift light makes it moot.

Little stuff on demo bikes is annoying like levers and foot controls at the wrong angle for an individual.    The first thing everyone does with their own bike is set everything to fit them right?  right?  (none of you are riding around with shift and brake levers where you hate them and clutch and brake levers cramping your wrists up at high angles I hope)

exhausts dump a lot of heat out.  Ass and outside of thighs got very warm through the leathers.    Carbon covered cans might help that.

Mirrors suck.  Worse than the little Rizomas on the RS.

transmission:   didn't really notice it so it was fine.  I'd like to ride one with something like Sato rearsets on it...aggressively knurled pegs and better feeling shifting on my bike made me love them...and I didn't think there was a problem prior to changing...but it's better.   (must stop making wish list for Duc sbk mods in head).

I did leave the dealership happy with my bike and not really wanting anything different (except the 1098R sitting there...hhmmm...sell the rims, throw on some BSTs...some nicer adjustable pegs, a double bouble windscreen..... NO NO NO NO...don't need or want it)

I think an 848 with BSTs and some suspension work might be ideal (Chris, stop it and go ride your bike...it's perfect for you and you love it).

[ducati culture]

this sounds like the kind of toy i would enjoy!  dr::

[ScottRNelson]

I took an 848 for a test ride on Saturday during the Ace Motorsports openhouse in Concord.  Unfortunately, it was a group ride run at a pace that would be appropriate for Harleys or Goldwings.  Or maybe a bit slow for those too.   

I remember the Ducati ride leader mentioning that Ducatis don't like to run below 3000 rpms.  The Hypermotard was perfectly happy down at 2500, but the 848 seemed to need at least 4000 before it smoothed out.  I don't quite understand why this is.

I was mainly comparing it to my 888.  The 848 puts more pressure on my wrists than the 888 and the mirrors are less useful as well, both significant weak points of the 888.  The engine is wonderful and I wonder why anyone needs a 1098 when an 848 seems to have sufficient power for any street riding.  Unfortunately I wasn't able to really wind it up.  The bike seemed very stable.

I must be getting old or something, since I seem to prefer a more upright riding position.

Where's that old guy smiley?  Oh, here you go:

[Kaveh]

When I rode BP's 1098 for a day, I found the bike very comfortable while in the twisties.  The engine definitely pulls the whole way throughout the rev range but gets noticeably faster in the upper revs.  Front tire gets very light in the first three gears.

I definitely do not want one, I would have waaaaayyyy to many speeding tickets if I had one.  Like you said, roll on the throttle, next thing you know you are doing 150mph.  1098 is not for me on the street.  I would love to have one for the track, or a 848.  A dedicated 848 or 1098 for the track would be freaking awesome.

I did notice the heat coming up through the seat as well, same as when I ride my buddies 636 Ninja.  Under tail exhaust, it's one of the drawbacks (on summer days, during the winter I would consider that a plus!)

[NuTTs]

Nice write up Chris! The 1098 is a beautiful bike but with our after sales going down the toilet in my neck of the woods i´m not giving Ducati any more of my hard earned for now. I am booked to test ride a Bimota DB7 at Albacete on 18th June so I´ll write up about that once I´ve tried it out.
Man, could you image that 1098 motor in a Monster?
The UK press don´t stop saying "the bike wants to spin itself around the rear spindle" regarding the 1098.. must be a hell of a ride. I´d like a basic one in yellow with the Termis or a black 1098s... Mmmmm   

[silentbob]

Chris, all of your questions will be answered when you come to San Diego for a test ride on my 1098. 

Full Termi system
BSTs
CRG mirrors
Ohlins shock
Sato rearsets

If you come on May 19th or Sept 15th you can even try it on the track.

[jackalope]

I have an 848, mostly stock, that you can test ride.  I'm thinking the full termi kit and some acculign rearsets in the near future.

I'm not that far, let me know.

[DRKWNG]

I have an 848, mostly stock, that you can test ride.  I'm thinking the full termi kit and some acculign rearsets in the near future.

I'm not that far, let me know.

I was looking at picking up an 848, but ended up getting a Daytona 675 instead.  Good thing no one had a 1098 down here at the time, as I might have had to sell one of my kidneys for it. 

[c_rex]

Mirrors?  We don't need no steenkeeng mirrors!

Thanks for the read/review boss.  Interesting to hear the ride comfort thing;  defies all reason but I think it mirrors what SB has had to say in the past. 

cheers!

[Statler]

Rob and Jackalope, very generous offers, thank you.  Rob, I'll get out there eventually.   I'm going to be heading to Texas right around that first date, and I scheduled a two day camp with CSS around that second date, so that's it for time away those times.   But we'll figure it out.   I'll talk to G now and start setting up a few days escape for me next year.   Or over the cold season here  when I can't (won't) ride  .      Jackalope, it would be interesting to feel that motor.

The comfort thing:   For me, sit up and beg is fine, and elbows on knees is fine.  But for me the stock monster is neither....Ok height, but too far forward reach.   With that stretch for me it's just better to be down low and hold myself up with core and tank.   If you ride with arms straight the sbk will kill you, but with the proper loose arms and elbows bent it becomes magical.

[NuTTs]

Rob and Jackalope, very generous offers, thank you.  Rob, I'll get out there eventually.   I'm going to be heading to Texas right around that first date, and I scheduled a two day camp with CSS around that second date, so that's it for time away those times.   But we'll figure it out.   I'll talk to G now and start setting up a few days escape for me next year.   Or over the cold season here  when I can't (won't) ride  .      Jackalope, it would be interesting to feel that motor.

The comfort thing:   For me, sit up and beg is fine, and elbows on knees is fine.  But for me the stock monster is neither....Ok height, but too far forward reach.   With that stretch for me it's just better to be down low and hold myself up with core and tank.   If you ride with arms straight the sbk will kill you, but with the proper loose arms and elbows bent it becomes magical.

So any plans to come over to Madrid and try the HP2 Sport? You´re gonna like it.. oh yeah you´re gonna like it. Bad thing is it comes with everything minus performance exhaust.. I´ll send you some pics when I pick her up next week.

[Statler]

So any plans to come over to Madrid and try the HP2 Sport? You´re gonna like it.. oh yeah you´re gonna like it. Bad thing is it comes with everything minus performance exhaust.. I´ll send you some pics when I pick her up next week.

twist my arm.


I should start a thread titled "invite Statler all over the world to come ride cool bikes"


 be::

[sugarcrook]

I've had my 848 for about 10 days and can't say enough about her.  Just so willing to do whatever I ask.  That said, there are some problems.

As stated, the mirrors are less than useless.  I can tell you I have sultry elbows because that's all I can see out of them.     One company makes 2" plastic extenders, but they're always sold out and cost $122.  i've considered putting barends on there.  Any success with that? 

The second problem is she seems to be all over the place in the turns.  I'm not sure if this is because of new tires or a harder suspension.  The dealer told me to take it easy on the tires for the first couple hundred, so hopefully she'll become more stable over time. 

Overall, LOVE the bike. 

[BastrdHK]

twist my arm.


I should start a thread titled "invite Statler all over the world to come ride cool bikes"


 be::

I'm sending in my application for sidekick on any upcoming trips.....donut/coffee fetching, umbrella duties, etc.  before test rides!

[silentbob]

I've had my 848 for about 10 days and can't say enough about her.  Just so willing to do whatever I ask.  That said, there are some problems.

As stated, the mirrors are less than useless.  I can tell you I have sultry elbows because that's all I can see out of them.     One company makes 2" plastic extenders, but they're always sold out and cost $122.  i've considered putting barends on there.  Any success with that? 

The second problem is she seems to be all over the place in the turns.  I'm not sure if this is because of new tires or a harder suspension.  The dealer told me to take it easy on the tires for the first couple hundred, so hopefully she'll become more stable over time. 

Overall, LOVE the bike. 

I put CRG lane splitters on mine and they work great.  Try backing off the preload on the rear spring.  They come delivered too stiff.