V-twin virgin no more

[Ralph]

Today I decided to finally get on a V Twin to see what they're like after talking about it for ages. Never rode one before so thought it might be worth it.

The bike was the new Ducati 1098 see below. Hell of bike for my first ride on a Twin.
Thought the inline four and V Twins are like chalk and cheese. Only had it for a couple of hours but it made an impression :yes:
Suspension was nice and precise, the brakes had great feel, Loved the sound :2thumbsup
Not sure if they're the bike for me yet (a V Twin that is) so will have to test ride a few more. They require a totally different set of skills I thought with the different power and nice smooth delivery, by the end I was just starting to get the feel for it and that it's not really all about revs. Could take a while to get use to the vibes.
Found the 1098 riding position not bad but didn't think there was much room and was kinda glad to get off the seat. The rest of the bike did live up to my expectation of Ducs so that was good, and the clutch didn't even bother me which was a shock. But the 1098 wasn't the bike for me.

[Maha]

Meke as bro'....ya may have to get out of the slums now....:pinch:

[MotoGirl]

Not sure if they're the bike for me yet (a V Twin that is) so will have to test ride a few more. T

Awesome stuff Mike. So what's on your list to ride next?

[Ralph]

Awesome stuff Mike. So what's on your list to ride next?

Everything....Short list right.

[MotoGirl]

Everything....Short list right.

I recommend you ride the everything then! :rofl:
Shame you started with the Duc cause anything Japanese will run and handle like a bag of shit in comparison.

[Ralph]

I recommend you ride the everything then! :rofl:
Shame you started with the Duc cause anything Japanese will run and handle like a bag of shit in comparison.

Not sure the bike was still being run in so it was a bit tight I'll take a more used out one day.

[YellowDog]

I recommend you ride the everything then! :rofl:
Shame you started with the Duc cause anything Japanese will run and handle like a bag of shit in comparison.
I agree, starting with a top bike like a Duc was not such a good idea.

Let us know what you think of the others.

Will be interested.

[enigma51]

cant go wrong with a yellow bike

[98tls]

I recommend you ride the everything then! :rofl:
Shame you started with the Duc cause anything Japanese will run and handle like a bag of shit in comparison. Yep.....something i am reminded of when i watch the Wanganui st races every year.:innocent:Very easy to own anything you want but "anything Japanese will run and handle like a bag of shit in comparison" makes me think of the late model very expensive Duc owner in the most expensive leathers you see at every rally who by the look of his tyres would have more fun on a Wide Glide Harley.Still,no doubt in his world hes the king of the hill.

[n0regret5]

HOLY CRAP!! now THATS a bike to lose your v-v-plates to..of course now everything else you ride is gonna feel like a GN250..

[Bardman]

The japanese V twins on the market are sports/tourers so of course the wont handle quite aswell, and deliver the same power. mmm so what does that leave us with the ducati, the rsv1000 and um er. Im sure someone will add some more. For your kick arse sports bike experience i reckon that top end pull you get from the jap multis is magic and with the handling to go with it.
:rockon:

[MotoGirl]

Very easy to own anything you want but "anything Japanese will run and handle like a bag of shit in comparison" makes me think of the late model very expensive Duc owner in the most expensive leathers you see at every rally who by the look of his tyres would have more fun on a Wide Glide Harley.Still,no doubt in his world hes the king of the hill.

OK, so I should've phrased it "any stock Japanese twin". I know your one isn't stock and I didn't want to imply that the italians are superior to it. :hug:

[MotoGirl]

mmm so what does that leave us with the ducati, the rsv1000 and um er.

There aren't that many aye.
Right now I can only think of these bikes that aren't cruisers:
- KTM Superduke
- Ducati Monster
- Moto Guzzi Griso
- Buell XB12
- Falco.

[idb]

Yep.....something i am reminded of when i watch the Wanganui st races every year.:innocent:Very easy to own anything you want but "anything Japanese will run and handle like a bag of shit in comparison" makes me think of the late model very expensive Duc owner in the most expensive leathers you see at every rally who by the look of his tyres would have more fun on a Wide Glide Harley.Still,no doubt in his world hes the king of the hill.

Oi!!!
My bike's not that late and I shopped around for my leathers thank you very much!!!

[boomer]

I've had the pleasure of riding one and they are a true weapon. A scalpel in comparison to a $10 pen knife.

So much power and torque from the get go; you soon forget theres only half the revs available to that of an IL4. She goes EXACTLY where you want and need it to, with little or no input other than a subliminal suggestion. She's very anorexic and the sound of the after market pipes are sublime. I too enjoyed having my head over the side of the tank listening to the brakes do there thing .. and boy do they do there thing!

Smooth, sharp and effortless to ride fast and well....

[Dodger]

cant go wrong with a yellow bike

Yep, that's one nice bike.
If only the lottery's commission would buy me one.

[Ralph]

Well I only had the Duc for a short time and wasn't paying that much attention to the handling but I did notice how easy it was to turn and change a line in a corner, but then again I noticed that on the 07GSXR and I'm sure I'll notice it most new bikes, also with the absolute fair of dropping it I didn't push it.
Had a hard time adjusting to the different power so will have to try a few more. Found it easier to take off than the IL4 after a couple of failed attempts of not giving it enough gas and when I really had get it going it needed a full hand full but there I go comparing it to IL4 which is not fair.
Did find the VT was able to sit at both open road and city speeds a lot easier than my GSXR.
I'm not just interested in sport bikes even though I've always chosen them,
The GSXR has been my first real sport bike and 1000cc bike and it has done me well so I'm not in a hurry to replace it.
But when that time comes I'll have a better idea of what to look at if I get out there and try different engine configs and styles of bike whether it be naked or fully faired.

[Ralph]

There aren't that many aye.
Right now I can only think of these bikes that aren't cruisers:
- KTM Superduke
- Ducati Monster
- Moto Guzzi Griso
- Buell XB12.

All on the list except maybe the Guzzi, I might ride one I just don't think I could own one. I like the look the sound the design but I just couldn't own one for some strange reason I'm not sure of :scratch:

[slowpoke]

Hey, I'm as big a Ducati-whore as the next bloke and but for a lack of readies I'd have another one in a flash.....but, wouldn't it be interesting to set up a swag of bikes with a generic tank, instruments and triples to enable a completely blind test and don't let the rider see what they are testing before they are sitting astride the machine. Sure you'd pick the different engine configurations but not knowing for sure exactly what you were on would make you look at 'em a bit more objectively.

[Goblin]

.....but, wouldn't it be interesting to set up a swag of bikes with a generic tank, instruments and triples to enable a completely blind test and don't let the rider see what they are testing before they are sitting astride the machine. Sure you'd pick the different engine configurations but not knowing for sure exactly what you were on would make you look at 'em a bit more objectively.Oh no...the Jap bikes would still run handle like bags of shit. Apparently there's no comparison. They write off VTRs with scratched fairings and a broken indicator dont you know. European bikes run and handle so much better they dont crash you see....and of course they look so much better too.

But yeah...I'd be very interested to see a few people on here do a blind test.

[Ralph]

Hey, I'm as big a Ducati-whore as the next bloke and but for a lack of readies I'd have another one in a flash.....but, wouldn't it be interesting to set up a swag of bikes with a generic tank, instruments and triples to enable a completely blind test and don't let the rider see what they are testing before they are sitting astride the machine. Sure you'd pick the different engine configurations but not knowing for sure exactly what you were on would make you look at 'em a bit more objectively.

That could be interesting, I have a pretty open mind when riding a new bike and I'm certainly not writing Ducs of the list, just the 1098 wasn't the right seating position for me. Plus it will take a few more VT's to know whether or not I like riding VT's.
Not sure if I could justify that 38K price tag for a new one.

[MotoGirl]

I'm certainly not writing Ducs of the list, just the 1098 wasn't the right seating position for me....Not sure if I could justify that 38K price tag for a new one.

The $38K is a determining factor for many. It's not surprising there's so many Japas on the road considering you can pick up a brand new VTR for $12,500 (http://www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz/attachments/public-pricelist-11-feb-2008.pdf) and could own three of them for the price of one Duc.

[boomer]

it's all about looking good mate...!!! nothing more nothing less :niceone:

The SP1, 2 or a Super Dukes get my blood bubbling. I like my k7 thou but theres something about a thumper that reawakens the senses.

[boomer]

The $38K is a determining factor for many. It's not surprising there's so many Japas on the road considering you can pick up a brand new VTR for $12,500 (http://www.honda-motorcycles.co.nz/attachments/public-pricelist-11-feb-2008.pdf) and could own three of them for the price of one Duc.

yeah but in all honesty teh VTR handles like a sack of king edwards

[MotoGirl]

The SP1, 2 or a Super Dukes get my blood bubbling.
I always loved the look of the SP1 and 2 but it's a gay Honda. :shutup:


yeah but in all honesty teh VTR handles like a sack of king edwards

Oh no, apparantly it's equal to its Italian counterparts :Pokey:

[98tls]

OK, so I should've phrased it "any stock Japanese twin". I know your one isn't stock and I didn't want to imply that the italians are superior to it. :hug: :niceone:Thing is though they are:crybaby:

[jim.cox]

but it's a gay Honda.

Are there any other sort?

[Bardman]

There aren't that many aye.
Right now I can only think of these bikes that aren't cruisers:
- KTM Superduke
- Ducati Monster
- Moto Guzzi Griso
- Buell XB12
- Falco.

I reckon the japs would be on par with this lot:clap if not better!!!mmmabey.
Like the look of those XB12s. These would be more comfortable than the 1098 or RSV1000, if that is a factor in what you buy.

[boomer]

Ummmmm....not even close

I'm hearing ya....!!

[Unit]

try the superduke r, theres one in Strada needing a ride

[idleidolidyll]

less cylinders rule!

singlespeed's are the best of all

i want a 1500cc single that doesn't vibrate, maybe with a Ducati Supermono design

125 kg, 250 kilowatts, 4000 revs

flat torque from 83 revs to 4000

but since there isn't one, i'll stick with my 950

[Bardman]

A guzzi griso better than what the japs can offer, yeah ok:laugh:

[Unit]

theres something about a thumper that reawakens the senses.
Why do you think so many girls like v-twins? When I bought my Ducati and mum challenged why the hell I was getting back into bikes, I said, hey, Im single and is the best vibrator I could find :msn-wink: (true story)

[idleidolidyll]

vee twins are way better road bikes and Ducati's win in GP1 shows they're kick arse race bikes too.

[Clivoris]

I love a good v-twin but when the four cylinder litre boys start talking about 160+ ponies at the wheel, I can feel a little inadequate. I know that it's more about how you use it rather than size, but still...<_<

[idleidolidyll]

them 160 ponies aint much use at 75kph between clevedon and hunua, you only need 50 if you're any good

[idleidolidyll]

are they just trying to compensate....????

[BarBender]

I love a good v-twin but when the four cylinder litre boys start talking about 160+ ponies at the wheel, I can feel a little inadequate. I know that it's more about how you use it rather than size, but still...<_<

Dont think that way Clive...:no:
C'mon bro...Snap out of it! :lol:

[98tls]

I love a good v-twin but when the four cylinder litre boys start talking about 160+ ponies at the wheel, I can feel a little inadequate. I know that it's more about how you use it rather than size, but still...<_< Chin up Clive:nono:come downunder and do the ride from Fox to Hoki,you could have 300 horses,still be no good to you.

[Clivoris]

are they just trying to compensate....????


Dont think that way Clive...:no:
C'mon bro...Snap out of it! :lol:


Chin up Clive:nono:come downunder and do the ride from Fox to Hoki,you could have 300 horses,still be no good to you.

:lol:Thanks for that bro's. My blood-alcohol must be a bit low. Not thinking straight.

[DMNTD]

:lol:Thanks for that bro's. My blood-alcohol must be a bit low. Not thinking straight.

LOL...:apint:

For the record, my last ZX10 had 176rwhp yet I could still ride both my Superdukes and RSVR faster and smoother where it counts...corners!

[BarBender]

:lol:Thanks for that bro's. My blood-alcohol must be a bit low. Not thinking straight.
Bourbons all round. :drinknsin
Your shout Chris.



LOL...:apint:
For the record, my last ZX10 had 176rwhp yet I could still ride both my Superdukes and RSVR faster and smoother where it counts...corners!

Yep...
Hot ZX14..170+
Tuono...120 ish

I know which I'd rather ride....