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1098 Sf - Commuter?

Discussion in 'Streetfighter' started by Ascalon, Oct 18, 2019.

  1. I had an ST4s that I ran for 8 years and put more than 50k miles on.
    I did a fair bit of maintenance on it myself, including reassembly after having the heads rebuilt and and some of the usual mods, from an Oberon slave cylinder to PCIII fitting and tuning.

    I now am looking for a new bike and top of the list was a Z1000sx. However, I have also spotted a 2009 1098SF with Termis that is within budget.

    Would I be mad to have a 1098SF as a general transport, everyday machine and commuter?

    I spend a fair bit of time filtering on congested motorways, as well as trips through the city. I don't tour but would occasionally do heavy days of 500km + in the saddle.

    Would it simply annoy me, or be an absolute hoot every time I take it out?

    Lay your wisdom on me, SF riders.

    A
     
  2. IMhO no, it would t be suited. Salt, crappy roads, water....

    ‘But, if you want it enough, any bike can be a commuter. You just need to be able to keep on top of maintenance and expect the running costs to be higher than the kwak.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  3. I have never owned a Kawi or Japanese sport tourer for that matter. However I do have a 2010 1098 SFS and absolutely dig the bike. The bike appeals to me aesthetically so much that I am willing to ignore any shortcomings (are there any?)))

    I have done long distance on the SFS. There is no wind protection, quiet helmet is key. Sitting position is great (for me), storage is non-existent. I rode an MV Brutale 1090RR just prior and like the SFS more. disclosure: i live in a warm climate with riding weather 48 weeks out of a year...
     
  4. Perfectly practical/comfortable to commute on, but I wouldn't ride one through Winter. It will be difficult to keep clean and salt etc. will take a toll on the bike.

    I guess if you're happy to let it go cosmetically that's not such a problem, but it would be a shame!
     
  5. I love mine but wouldn't want ruin it with winter weather - other than that no issues
     
  6. To be honest, this would be a five year keeper based on a 2009 bike. And yes, I would be running it consistently through winter.
    I would also readily admit to not being the most fastidious about cleaning.
    That said, the ST stood up well to that treatment.
    So, I would expect the residual value of the bike to be negligible by the end of it.
    My main concern is whether the 155 bhp is in a controllable enough package to make it anything less than a complete pain in the arse for filtering and town work. I know it will be an absolute peach everywhere else.
    It is in the budget, but there would not be much left for a Power Commander and a map, should it prove horrible.
    It's low mileage, less than 20k, and apart from the Termis, seems unmodified.
     
  7. The power isn’t an issue unless in snow ;)
     
  8. Other than looking after it in winter don’t see an issue if you like it buy it and use it - I ride mine where ever - Italy or work ( but I’m a fair weather tart )
     
  9. Yeah, it's not so much headline power that would be a worry, it is more the delivery and general manners.

    I had a Fazer thou that had much the same power figures, but was beautifully fuelled with loads of low range torque. But it was a big old bus, and despite Ohlins front and rear was not as agile as I'd like.

    The Streetfighter would be used in all weathers, everyday and reliability would be key. But I know the usual stuff with Ducatis, such as starter solenoids, charging, oil pressure switches, connectors etc. I've also done desmoquatro belts, I'd imagine testastretta belts can't be much worse, and I've got most of the specialist tools I'd accumulated still.

    I was looking at 2011-2012 bikes up to this, but a '09 with such low miles would not bother me.

    What should I look out for? Are there any particular weaknesses or pain points?
     
  10. Your right foot falling off the footrest all the time will be an issue :thinkingface:
     
    • Like Like x 1
  11. The 1098 sf does t seem to suffer with gearbox and bottom end problems the 1098 superbike does. They seem reliable enough, from what I have read and people I have met. Usual stuff: relays, battery, corrosion!
     
    • Like Like x 1
  12. I used a 1098SF for three odd years as a commuter. To me commuting = using a bike on the roads. Social riding = using a bike on the roads. Don't really see the difference.

    I don't have time at the weekends for ride outs, so my fun is had during the week.

    I never sell my bikes so the mileage i put on is irrelevant. It got nicked though, ended up in Lithuania. I then went to an 1198s. This had loads of battery/starting related issues, so then went to an S1000R.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  13. As a rough comparison I started biking life with a M900 (unfaired version) and did a couple of reasonable tours in all weathers and general hooning and commuting, I then bought a ST4 which has had less in the way of touring and hooning but gets commuted when I can, I do my own maintenance and don't intend selling any time soon.
    In reality the ST4 is more powerful and probably more fun that the Monster but I don't really notice much difference in weather protection (I'm sure there is).
    If you like the 1098 SF go for it - sensible does not always equal fun :upyeah: it will commute, tour and hoon to your hearts desire :D
    Not sure about the gearbox stories but that may be more down to abuse of a fragile component than a time bomb - others will know better.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  14. Cheers all. That clears things up a bit.
    Eh? Not following you there.
     
  15. See foot in a rather classy stripy sock (not smelly).
    See foot is parallel and in natural comfortable position.
    See heel is against heat shield even with no boot.
    See foot is only half on the footpeg.
    Foot fall off footpeg or twist foot into uncomfortable position.



    IMG_6124.JPG
     
    • Like Like x 1
  16. Right, got ya there now.

    Hmm, my day to day boots are a hefty pair of TCX, so this might be an issue.
     
  17. scrap it...
     
  18. Yeh, is has over 1900 miles on it now anyhoo :thinkingface:
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  19. Don’t find it an issue after you get used to it - tend to lean your heal against the cover
     
  20. I had one back in 2010 and the footrest issue used to drive me up the wall, you end up positioning your foot at a strange angle!
    I must say I would like another, I think they were before their time and possibly a future classic.
     
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