2009 Ducati 1198- yay or nay?

[250gpracer]

dude, don't listen to this crap. Haters gonna hate Go for it, it's an awesome machine with enormous low RPM torque you gonna LOVE =)

Yea that's exactly what the voice in my head that wants me to write the check to the dealer sounds like. Very tempting, for sure.

 

[Archimedes]

I've only had my 848 for a short time, but I'm in love with it like I've never been in love with a bike before (save maybe my 84 RZ350). Every thing about it just feels right when I ride it. But again, it fits my frame really well. I'd make sure you can live with the riding position before you buy.

 

[250gpracer]

My 848 isn't expensive to insure and I don't find it uncomfortable to ride either. However, it doesn't matter how pretty a bike is; if you are not comfortable on it, you will grow to hate it. I'd take a long test ride on it before deciding.

Based on what I heard from other customers, I was lucky enough to have gotten the short test ride that I was able to on that bike (it had 0 miles before I test rode it), but I absolutely agree with you that I would need a longer ride to get a definitive answer on the comfort & overall fit for me. My first impression was the breath-taking torque, my second was the nut-kicking uncomfortable seat/tank.

 

[MOCKBA]

I bough mine in June 2009, it never failed me. I ride it pretty hard (17K high-quality high-RPM canyon miles, track days, etc). Just don't service it at the Duc dealership, take it to Jim's shop (Advance Cycles), he's a true Duc guru. He will only charge $480 for a major 7.5K mile service (valve adjustment included). Compare it to $1K service fee at Sunnyvale Moto Cafe. Plastic is more expensive, true, but everything else is not as much. It's a beats, you will love it =)

 

[AkatomboRR]

you should sell your R1 first... how much are you selling it for?

 

[MOCKBA]

also, think about getting a 2011 model -- for only $2K more (OTD) you'll get a bike with a DTC, quick shifter and a 2 year warranty.

 

[250gpracer]

you should sell your R1 first... how much are you selling it for?

haha... nice try! The R1's not going anywhere. She is the love of my life. I just need a mistress on the side.

 

[Aluisious]

I have no need for one sportbike to ride on the street, never-mind two.

+1

I appreciate the 1198 for sure. But I wouldn't want to ride it on the street because it'd be like dating a psycho model. And I wouldn't want to ride it on the track because it's too nice. If I won the lottery, I'd track it.



and ride it to Santana Row to pick up psycho models.

 

[250gpracer]

also, think about getting a 2011 model -- for only $2K more (OTD) you'll get a bike with a DTC, quick shifter and a 2 year warranty.

I imagine the traction control is a necessity for a bike with that level of torque. The 09' 1198 I'm looking at has no traction control or ABS or quick shifter, but it does have the full 2 year warranty.

Thanks for the advice regarding Advance Cycles - I read some reviews on yelp; sounds like he's the best for reasonably priced Ducati maintenance. If it truly is $450 for major service with valve adjustment that's in the same range as a Japanese inline 4.

 

[rydmohr]

Don't be a pussy....buy the damn thing. You only live once, have you ever seen a u-haul following a hearse.

 

[Ducposer]

Why the hell not?!

 

[Burning1]

I have a hard time just owning two street bikes. There's always been a little overlap between bikes... I had the GSX-R and the Rockster simultaneously. GSX-R sat. I also had the Rockster and the GT simultaneously... Rockster just sat.

 

[Caddywumpus]

get 2 different style of bikes. why have 2 sport bikes, when you can have a sport, a dual sport, a standard, a supermotard, a dirt, a cruiser... ect

 

[kgmoto]

The only reason I wouldn't buy that bike is if it would interrupt my mortgage payments.

 

[Whisky_Richard]

Termi's are obligatory, aren't they?

I thought the order sheets came with that box already checked...

Seems like having just as many cons as pros would be reason enough to not get a bike. I couldn't think of a reason not to get my daytona.

 

[JO EBRMC]

Why the hell not?!

$15k

 

[V4]

1198 is a gorgeous bike and i'd say it's worth the experience of owning a ducati...

dunno if it's gonna be a practical bike but since ya already have an R1, it's good to have an eye-tallion mistress garage queen....

 

[fast4d]

$15k is not a good price for a New Old Stock 2 year old 1198.

 

[sally101]

I swear Bayliss wears guy-liner..

 

[silverbelt]

I'm not even a ducati fan, but if I had the money, I'd buy a 1098/1198.