1098?

keep the 999 or buy the 1098?

i was late to ducati and late to the 999. i bought my 999R from the lads at Ducati Glasgow in the summer after years of drooling over 916s, 996s, 998s and 999s. I am of the view that visually the 999 is great, probably because it is so unusual. I think that it is good to look at because it has loads of trick bits (especially the R) and interesting design features. This is definately the case when compared to the Japanese superbike alternatives (just don't mention price!!). That's even before you get to the uniqueness of the V twin motor in terms of physical dimension, power delivery and sound.

Against all those criteria the 1098 looks pretty interesting to me. More power, lighter (better handling) and so, so fantastic to look at from the rear (swing arm, rear wheel, tail light)! The front end has lost its quirkyness to my mind. It is elegant maybe, but definately not such a stand out design as the 999.

Pictures are one thing, but how it looks in the real world is what really counts. I guess we have to wait until the demonstrator arrives at the dealerships across the country. I will reserve judgement until then.

For the hard core amongst us, quite rightly they will look at the suspension set up and how it rights and judge it mostly on that. The 999 is always accussed of being too soft when ridden hard. Not by me by the way, I'm just glad to get home in one piece everytime i go out. How will the 1098 fair in this respect?

When Martin has the 1098 and the Desmosedici in the showroom in Glasgow together at the same time, i'll decide whether to chip in the 999R for one of them, but not until then!

best

Mike
 
Personally, I think the 1098 is what I've been waiting for from Ducati, I've never been a fan off the 999/749 styling and am really pleased to see the single sided swingarm is back! Ultimately its down to personal opinion and I will wait to see one in the 'flesh' before signing on the dotted line but I am very impressed.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder........
 
1098TRI1.jpg


yes please :)
 
All hail the new Conqueror

:lol2: Stickin oot or what!!! I'm for the 749 version with the right suspension tho.. Think I'll wait a year or so to make sure. Shame that it looks like they have regressed a bit due to adverse reaction to 999. If they come out with a vibration free single then thats what I'd really go for. See Gilera Nouvo Saturno.... I love my S and every time I uncover it I draw breath. 20 years ago we got the same reaction as CZ from the great unwashed.
 
...see, now in my humble opinion - if they made the Tricolore in these colours then it would be some very very special indeed.

Martin, I hope you've got you paintshop guys primed and ready, to repaint your Sedici RR when it comes!!! :) ;)
 
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john said:
:lol2: Stickin oot or what!!! I'm for the 749 version with the right suspension tho.. Think I'll wait a year or so to make sure. Shame that it looks like they have regressed a bit due to adverse reaction to 999. If they come out with a vibration free single then thats what I'd really go for. See Gilera Nouvo Saturno.... I love my S and every time I uncover it I draw breath. 20 years ago we got the same reaction as CZ from the great unwashed.
That's not regression - the 749/999 are butt @@@@ ugly - the paying public said that! It's called redressing the balance, aka profit!
 
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