Are Ducatis really worth it?

[sAsLEX]

There is a write up in the latest TWO mag comparing the 998R and the new 1098.


He keeps going back to the emotive feel the 998R has, plus the fact its only 3Hp down on the bigger 1098.......


One thing they did with the 1098 was increase service intervals and have tried to steer away from the mechanics as riders thing of Ducati's past only time will tell I guess...

[slowpoke]

He keeps going back to the emotive feel the 998R has, plus the fact its only 3Hp down on the bigger 1098.......

I'm in lust with the 1098 and busting myself to score a ride on one.....but the dyno tests don't show the quantum hp leap most duck-lovers were hoping for. Real world conditions might be different (I hope so) but even a comparison with a stock 05 999 doesn't look too impressive.

Here's some comparisons done by a respected Aussie Ducati specialist:
http://www.moto-one.com.au/performan...termihomo.html

[The Pastor]

Thinking about that duke i linked to, (has 70 000km) would you shy away from it because of the high kms?

[gsxerthou]

I own a 999 and no it won't keep pace with a late model Jap litre bike in a straight line but yes under barkes and through the corners, no problem. Gearing is way to tall and only sound any good with the full Termignoni exhaust. Ducati race ECU is also required to get anything close to decent performance. Be prepared to pay huge dollors for these, No change out of 4 grand and yes you will still require a good power commander.
Clutch rattle is hard to get used to if your a jap bike rider.

Yes the Ducati may not be a reliable as a Jap bike, but you know what, even sitting on the side of the road they look classy as all hell. And whats more the bike has put fun back into riding for me, will never ride another Jap Bike.

[sAsLEX]

I'm in lust with the 1098 and busting myself to score a ride on one.....but the dyno tests don't show the quantum hp leap most duck-lovers were hoping for. Real world conditions might be different (I hope so) but even a comparison with a stock 05 999 doesn't look too impressive.

Here's some comparisons done by a respected Aussie Ducati specialist:
http://www.moto-one.com.au/performan...termihomo.html

998R is three horse down on a standard 1098, the 1098R is going to be special at a guess.

[et al]

.. the 1098R is going to be special at a guess.

Yes - I suspect the current 1098 is an "Intro" model with expectations of higher performance to come I am sure. The homologation 1098R/"1200" model when it arrives is going to be something else again and if Ducati stick with their model development path like they have done in the past then some good stuff from the race model is bound to be included on later base models.