Do I really want a 1098S

[dennisd]

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!!

[swampduc]

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 

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

[dennisd]

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.

[muskrat]

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.  

[red baron]

since I broke my right wrist many years ago, riding a bike with clipons can be painful after about 30+ minutes in the saddle.

This would be the best reason not to but a superbike.

You could easily put risers on the S4RS. [moto]

[NuTTs]

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.
 

[fastwin]

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. [moto]

[He Man]

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.

[swampduc]

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.

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.

[Spidey]

You used "need" and "want" in the same post.   

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.

[Max LeanAngle]

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.  

[He Man]

Understood, but blue book retail on that bike is about 14.8. IMO, their asking price was unreasonable and is therefore irrelevant.

Thats for a used unit in like new condition.

[swampduc]

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 

[koko64]

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!

[dennisd]

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.