Yet another "time for a new bonk" thread by Brian

[Slide Panda]

The ability to swap throttle maps is cool and can be handy. The 690 has a selector under the seat that allows me/one to select from 3 maps. One's set up for mellow street that requires more initial twist of the throttle at low RPMs, one that's sporty basically a linear translation of the twist of the tube, and a 'soft' one for real slipper stuff that blunts the response and max throttle position.

ABS while proven to allow meny to stop faster, does haul a bike down more slowly than a skilled rider with normal brakes can.

[Lars D]

I would wait until the 4 valve Monster is available and then buy the 1290 StuporDuke.

[Lars D]

Another one to consider would  be the RSV4APRC tu-o-no at12995.

AF1 also has RSV4s still in the box for 12,695.

[DRKWNG]

I know you're looking for something Mo'Tarded, but...



For the MUTHAFUGGINWIN!!!!

Funny to think that I had an offer on the SC that would have allowed me to pay cash for that Ape and still had some left over...

[Autohag]

I'm at Ducpond...

[tocino]

I'm at Ducpond...

Cue tension-building music...

[DRKWNG]

Cue tension-building music...

[The Mad King Pepe']

Found this on CL :  2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 - $8500 (Mclean, Virginia) http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/mcy/3876228643.html 

[Slide Panda]

Traded some notes with B over the weekend and he's looking for the nicer suspension of the S or SP. There's a 0 mile 1100 SP Corse on ebay, from some dealer in Holland NY that I sent him.

I know he did some bad touch with the base 821 over the weekend.

[Autohag]

Yeah, sorry. Ran out of time to report back...

I demo'd the standard 821 late on Saturday. I had been out on the R1 all day so was feeling exhausted, but the hyper was pretty much like sitting on a couch. The ergos are a bit different from the older gen (from what I remember). A bit more upright and the pegs are a bit more forward. Comfortable.

The clutch is super light as others have reported. There's almost no friction zone and you have to give it some throttle on takeoff. Took some getting used to. Could be good in stop-n-go traffic, though.

The engine vibes like a duc v-twin but spins up faster and revs higher. My brain had only the S2R1000 for reference. I tried all 3 engine maps. The urban setting would be good where the asphalt ends, but is useless otherwise. Touring mode could be good for rain; the power is all there but the engine is slower to respond. I kept it in sport mode mostly and found it had more than enough power for my needs. Of course, I didn't get a chance to check out the ABS or traction control. Just chased Chad around some country roads for a while.

The suspension was good in back but the front dives too much. I'd definitely splurge for the SP for full adjustment. I think the engine maps are different on the SP, too.

Some other things worth noting: The mirrors are useless. The kickstand is a challenge to put down when on the bike; it needs a dohicky thing to grab with your toe. It sounds damn good with the stock exhaust. It's effortless to turn at any speed.

Overall, I had a smile on my face but wasn't inspired enough for a trip to the bank. Don't get me wrong - it's fun as hell - but I'm hesitant to pull the trigger. The next shipment of SPs is on the way to Ducpond so I'll head back out there for another demo.

Meanwhile, I'm trying to score a demo on an 1100 EVO SP at Coleman.

[Autohag]

I would wait until the 4 valve Monster is available and then buy the 1290 StuporDuke.

I am thinking about KTM, too.

I know you're looking for something Mo'Tarded, but...



For the MUTHAFUGGINWIN!!!!

Funny to think that I had an offer on the SC that would have allowed me to pay cash for that Ape and still had some left over...

That's a purdy bike. The ergos are probably kinder than your SC, too.

Lars' tip on AF1 got me thinking Dorsoduro, though. The 750 is on par with the new hyper in terms of power and technology, but a few grand less.

[Slide Panda]

Lars' tip on AF1 got me thinking Dorsoduro, though. The 750 is on par with the new hyper in terms of power and technology, but a few grand less.

You can quiz Randy and get his feelings on the Duro 750

[DRKWNG]

You can quiz Randy and get his feelings on the Duro 750

Yup.  He'll swear you off of an Ape though, based on the lack of support in this area alone.  Now as far as that RSV4 goes...  That thing is one bad mamma jamma!  I demo'd one last year and it pretty much knocked my socks off.  Here's a quick review that I put together on it:

It's no where near as comfortable as the RC8, but it definitely has that WOW factor that the KTM was missing.  The bike is really compact, and just feels so small with the possible exception of the area directly under the seat.  It flairs out slightly, but not really enough to be distracting.  You sit much more on top of it than you do the RC8 as well.  It's almost like comparing a 999 (sitting in) and an 8/10/1198, or my old Daytona (sitting on), with the Ape being a very committed seating position.  Over all I would say the Ape is an animal.  The power is REALLY there, but in a controlled sort of way.  It comes on a little soft until you get above 3500rpm.  From there, twist the wrist and it just builds and builds and builds, all while feeling very smooth about it.  It also handled a bit skittishly at lowish speeds, but open it up, and ride it aggressively, i.e. really put it into corners, and it is close to telepathic.  The thing is a homologated race bike after all, and wants to be ridden with just as much conviction.  I have always heard that they put a tremendous amount of heat, but it honestly seemed to run cooler than the KTM did, and that was with getting stuck in more traffic on the Ape as well.  And the sound...  Oh my the sound was amazing!  That little V4 snarling its way through the Leo pipe was just...  It really has to be the best sounding motorcycle I have ever heard.  To be completely honest, the only downsides I could see to owning one of these bikes is the potential for spotty after sale service and the fuel consumption.  We were out for something like 40 miles and the trip computer said that I averaged 21.1 mpg.  But hey, like I said; it's a race bike. 

[zooom]

perhaps to save some coin....get potomacduc's 04 Strada 1000DS the is selling and customize it a bit?

[Autohag]

perhaps to save some coin....get potomacduc's 04 Strada 1000DS the is selling and customize it a bit?

I've always been fond of the Monstrada!