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
Suspension was nice and precise, the brakes had great feel, Loved the sound
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....

[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!
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!
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!
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!
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.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.

[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.

[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.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....