bwhip

I got a call from my buddy at the local Duc dealership today, letting me know that they'd finally received a 1098 (already sold, of course). He knew I wanted to check one out "in the flesh" when it came in - not because I'm thinking of buying one, because I'm not, but just because I love browsing in their "museum" of bikes from time to time, being a Ducati/Triumph/BMW/Aprilia/Moto Guzzi dealer.

From the photos I'd seen so far, I really liked the bike, but I can't say that I was particularly moved by it. I think it would have been a nice evolution from the 916/998. I like the red frame, the single-sided swingarm, the wheels, the brakes, the underseat pipes, and the performance looks absolutely awesome for a twin. I like the more aggressive lines of the seat angle, and the gauges look great as well.

Seeing it in person, I think it looks like a fabulous bike, but it didn't really change my opinion from what I'd seen in the photos. Maybe it just looks a bit too much like the Japanese bikes to look totally revolutionary, like I'd expect or hope of a brand like Ducati. That was one of the main reasons I liked the 999 series. It was just so - different. And beautiful in its own way. The only thing I didn't like about the 999 is that while it was very beautiful (to me) from some angles, from others it looked kind of weird. Obviously it was a controversial design, and many Ducatisti hated it.

The 1098 is a great looking bike. I'd love to ride one - I'm sure it's incredible on the track. I guess I was just hoping for something a little more revolutionary in design. My anyway...

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Leelover

I would think that a 1098 would compliment an Aprilia SVX 5.5 rather nicely...

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gthotchkiss

Yup, those things are comfy and sexy... Had a chance to sit on one at the international motorcycle show.

Heavy-Dee

I saw a 1098s at the dealer the other day (saturday). By monday it was gone.

I'm still just as infatuated as ever.

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Epic Fail

CBRVFR

Keep working out and watching the calories, then..

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Heavy-Dee

I need to be watching my bank account. My last tuition payment is coming up and it's the most painful yet....

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Big_Kahuna

Yeah, they are nice machines. I buddy just picked one up and we went out riding last weekend.

ND4SPD

How does he like it?

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Big_Kahuna

I really don't know, he wouldn't stop smiling long enough to talk to me about it. I got the idea that he was loving it!

soon2b954

Please give us a ride report once your friend lets you take it for a spin!

Big_Kahuna

We were going to swap for a bit, but eventually ran out of time.

NorthernRR

I was at a "local" dealership the other day that had one. Pretty nice looking. I would ride one, but if I had to pay for it, forget it. Almost double the price of my bike plus 4 times the up keep and imagine the insurance.

I'll stick with the jap stuff for now. (or a least this is what I will tell myself until I can afford one...)

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oldfogey

Just stop talking about the **** 1098, wil you? Grump, jealous, should know better

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