2009 Yamaha R1 vs 2008 Ducati 848

[R6_kid:Me]

Decision decisions...

Not a situation I ever thought I'd be in, well maybe not for another 5 years yet.

Has anyone ridden both? Whatever I get it will only be used for track riding and some 'weekend' road rides.

The R1's I've been looking at are all standard except for slip on cans and have between 4000km and 8000km on the clock. The 848 I have my eye on is exactly how I'd want it except for some fancy suspenders - has a fair bit of carbon, Termi slipons and has been really well looked after with 8000km on it. The only catch is that the 848 is about $2k more than the R1's I've seen.

What would you go for and why?

I've previously owned a Supersports 600 and a late model 1000cc 'Superbike' but have recently fell in love with torquey twins. That sort of makes me lean on the 848 (I don't want a 1098/1198) but that R1 with the crossplane cranckshaft really sounds horny and seems to have a fair bit of down low punch too.

[piston broke]

i wouldn't even think twice.
guess which way.

[tigertim20]

Decision decisions...

Not a situation I ever thought I'd be in, well maybe not for another 5 years yet.

Has anyone ridden both? Whatever I get it will only be used for track riding and some 'weekend' road rides.

The R1's I've been looking at are all standard except for slip on cans and have between 4000km and 8000km on the clock. The 848 I have my eye on is exactly how I'd want it except for some fancy suspenders - has a fair bit of carbon, Termi slipons and has been really well looked after with 8000km on it. The only catch is that the 848 is about $2k more than the R1's I've seen.

What would you go for and why?

I've previously owned a Supersports 600 and a late model 1000cc 'Superbike' but have recently fell in love with torquey twins. That sort of makes me lean on the 848 (I don't want a 1098/1198) but that R1 with the crossplane cranckshaft really sounds horny and seems to have a fair bit of down low punch too.

in the last couple months, Ive seen this question asked soo many times, on a variety of different forums, with the result (from what Ive seen) favouring the R1. Only way to know, find a dealer with both in stock, and ride them back to back. Its hard to recall from memory how a bike was, so I can only suggest riding them back to back

and then bring them to my place so i can give ya a second opinion!

and I want pics when you buy!

[SMOKEU]

How fast do you want to go? On paper the R1 does have a lot more power than the Ducati. Buy the R1 and with the $2K change you can afford a decent set of adjusties for it.

[piston broke]

How fast do you want to go? On paper the R1 does have a lot more power than the Ducati. Buy the R1 and with the $2K change you can afford a decent set of adjusties for it.

or get the duck and not need to spend $2k to get a sweet bike.
or 1198

good luck with your choice

[tz tony]

848 for me thanks

[CHOPPA]

r1, 848 is the girls version of the 1198

[piston broke]

r1, 848 is the girls version of the 1198

yet but the r1 is the menstraiting version of m/cycles

[Marmoot]

I used to have a 2005 Jap litre il4. Then I downgraded to 848....or upgraded...I still don't know.

The Honda was blisteringly fast, easy to ride fast, easy to live with, and was definitely joy to ride.

The Ducati was quick, hard and tricky to master but very rewarding once you know how to handle it, and when you ride it proper it is simply satisfying.

Surprisingly, I was a whole 4 seconds faster at Puke on the 848, despite it being 30kph slower than the Honda at the backstraight (265 vs 295, all speedo figures not actual speed).

So, there you go.

For me, the 848 gave much more fulfilment, but only when I get to do it properly.

The 1krr was joy everywhere, but not as extreme as the 848 although if you look at the average it may compete or be even better. But I'm not someone who settles for mediocrity.

As far as living, Honda was a joy to live with. Ducati is very tempramental and service is a bit on the expensive side relatively speaking. Also, in my 2 years owning it I've had 2 voltage regulator blowouts, an exhaust servo motor blowout, and lost a few screws due to vibration.

Do I miss my Honda? Yes, sometimes.
Would I sell my 848 and get another litre bike? Not sure.

Sorry to make it even more difficult.

Final note: You can buy a litre bike for what it does, but if you buy a Ducati it has to be for what it is.

[Scouse]

If your are a six footer or taller the Duc will be very hard on your back

[Kiwi Graham:Me]

A bloody cheap 2010 here
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-312652687.htm

[DMNTD:Me]

i wouldn't even think twice.
guess which way.

Yeah....the R1, easily!
Have ridden both, have owned the R1. I preferred the R1 over my 1098S I had despite the fact that I LOVED my bleck Duc. I could also ride the R1 faster,easier too.
The '09+ R1 is the first Jap litre bike I've owned or ridden that I thought had some 'character' to it.
Pulls like a 'V', sounds insane especially with a pair of 2 bro's cans.

[White trash]

If you're after torques G, the R1 will smash the 848 hands down.

However, as Randy has very well pointed out, you'll get pride of ownership from the Ducati that despite it's shortcomings, you'll find difficult to live without.

Personally, I'd have the R1 (if I couldn't get a GSXR) simply because I don't believe Ducati have built a bike yet that could deal with teh day to day abuse I tend to inflict on bikes

[CHOPPA]

If I had the choice for a road bike between a 10 or 1198 and an r1 id go for the duke for pose value and cause the v twin I think is better for the road.

I wouldnt go for an 848 though, too slow

[kiwifruit]

675

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