polished my bike yesterday, for 13,000 miles it is immaculate, I don't think it's ever seen rain, while I was polishing it I was thinking "why am I selling this"
Don't sell it. I sold a 1098s SF after only owning it a few months, being made redundant didn't help but I've always regretted that. Ducati don't really have a replacement for the street fighter yet imo, yes there's the higher spec monsters, but they just don't feel like a superbike naked to me (sorry) If they made a 1299 panigale lump version I'd consider the toss up between that and the Superduke, but if I had a 1098s streetfighter I'd keep it.
I have an 1290 and a 1098 SF and I don't consider they cancel each other out. They're quite different bikes. The SF is a fighterised sportsbike, the SDR is a purpose built streetbike. Its a better all-rounder but a fettled SF feels more focused. I find I have a place for both though the KTM is cheaper to run and easier to own and live with (and faster...) I can't help feeling if Ducati (at least under the outgoing regime) were to make a 1299 based streetfighter it wouldn't be a stripped Panigale the way a SF is a stripped 1098. It'd be a streetbike like the Superduke but with a borrowed, reworked, engine and civilised like a Monster not with a raw edge like a Superduke. Maybe things will change soon at Ducati HQ. The only current supernaked that shares the SF's sportsbike pedigree is the Tuono. IMO the S1000r feels like a different bike to the parent RR while on the Tuono and the SF you can still feel the original under the skin. But then I don't get I/L fours so I'm no judge..
I sold my mint SF1098 and bought a new Tuono. Bad choice. The Tuono is a better bike, easier to ride quicker, more safety tech etc but owning it was deeply unpleasant thanks to Aprilia. As soon as the 2yr warranty was up I sold it on and bought a new Monster 1200R. The closest approximation to the SF. The SF felt dated in comparison for sure, but it was a joy to ride, massive character, beautiful to look at and I enjoyed it's aggressive nature. I've said it many times. If Ducati produce another SF, stripped back sportsbike a la the Tuono I'd have it in a shot. However, I don't believe that bike will ever exist. People don't buy aggressive, challenging to ride, naked sportsbikes.
Well this comment drew my attention to it, so I investigated and heard my first bit of Manpig, which led me to Infest... Makes Black Flag sound a bit anaemic and half hearted. I wanted to like it but I'm just not that hardcore any more. I cannot think of a more jarring juxtaposition than between @nothingfaced 's avatar and @Flatfish 's signature. I'm going to listen to a bit more Manpig and then put on some Joe Walsh and see if I cry.
Does the streetfighter handle anywhere near as good as a sportsbike, like the 848 ? Got nothing at the minute but have had about 10 Ducati's, all sports models and I am looking at more comfortable options. I nearly bid on a cat D 848 streetfighter but he wants too much as you can get a straight one for £1k more. There is a 'too good to be true' 1098 on an 09 plate for £3800 on Gumtree, that doesn't seem right as it is too cheap. They aren't great sellers according to my local dealer but maybe that is just him. I also noticed a few have black frames for some reason while majority are red.
The gumtree bike does sound too good to be true, I was informed on hear that the early S models have gold wheels and frames latter S models have Black frame and wheels, I am sure someone will explain the other colour frames, prod down to the year as for not being good sellers, maybe true, my local dealer/sales man had never seen one, its only people that know about them that want them
The SF was not a commercial success, a niche bike with a high price tag compared to competitor offerings. They did not sell well, subsequently, there are not many on the second-hand market. People seem to get them now, and there's a reasonable demand, particularly for the big SF.
They do when set up right. The production Ohlins fitted to the S (I'm talking the 1098 here) is better than the standard suspenders but not as good as aftermarket production Ohlins. I had a TTX shock fitted to my standard SF and a K-Tech revalve up front. Absolute transformation. It would be even better with a full cartridge kit but as it is its still better than I will ever be so unless it becomes a track bike, which is most unlikely, I'll leave it as it is. Don't know what premium you pay for an S over a standard, but if its a grand or more then going from my experience I'd say go for a standard bike and upgrade the suspension yourself with "proper" Ohlins and get a pro set-up and a re-map. Personally I wouldn't be swayed by the TC on the S. It won't match the sophistication of the latest systems and if the bike is properly mapped it isn't needed anyway.
its a better Avatar now. I like it when people take constructive criticism without bitchin. That gains my respect, even if I dont understand the appreciation of Manpig, I know we are all different. Thats why there's scamblers, and Panigalies and some folk even have both!
