Looking for something a bit special, as the title suggests. 1st choice is a 1098R, ideally under 7k miles. I have up to £15k for the right bike with low miles and good history. I don't mind if it needs tyres and a service, I can get that done. Also LOVE the 1198 SE Corse, I know there are a couple at dealers, but I would rather buy privately to save a bit of money, I think £16k for one with 7k miles is a little steep. Finally, I have a soft spot for 748r (in red with black wheels). If there are any 996r/998r or sps, that members are selling, I would consider those, but they may be a little pricey for me. For all the above, I'd want great history files, great condition, but don't mind if a service/brakes/tyres etc need doing. I work near Ducati John, so he could sort all that out for me! I have my own van and ramp, so could collect from anywhere in UK Richard (North Yorks)
Good selection there sir. I take it you are refering to this - 1198 - at my local Ducati emporium. It's nice, but pricey, for sure.
Wouldn't like to name names! Another one closer to me was up at £15k with only 4000 miles from a Ducati store.
Yes I bought it, it was a great buy, and I LOVE IT! Just needs a bit more umpf (doesn't feel as quick as my R1). When I get an R, I will prob move it on and keep my R1 as it compliments the Duke nicely.
How old is your R1? I'm asking as I'd be surprised if an 1198 is slower than an older R1 however the nature of the big Ducati engine certainly doesn't give the impression it's going fast.
On a "speed test" the 1098 was actually 1mph faster, although I did get a good clear run. I think the R1 (2005) feels quicker at the throttle is sharper, and I only need to give it a 1/4 twist to go like hell... The 1098 needs winding on loads... The bikes are so completely different, so very subjective, will have to get a mate on one so we can drag race! (off road of course). The main thing is that I really like the R1 and appreciate the engineering, but I utterly LOVE the Ducati, and have done from the first moment I fired her up! It's just SO me
Ah OK, I haven't ridden the 1098 so I can't really say (went from 999 to 1200) but they're a few percent down on an 1198 across the range - probably about 6% on average. Yeah if it's your first big twin superbike you'll definitely have to learn how and where it's in the sweet spot if you're comparing them.
Ps. If you're finding the throttle not responsive enough you can easily fit a short throw throttle tube on it, and if you feel the bike's not peppy enough in the lower revs the bung a 14T on the front
