looking to buy a 1000

[ep191]

I'm in the process of trying to figure out a bike to buy and i want something that has some serious balls. I've always been a honda guy but lately ive been looking at the ducati 1098. I love the look of the bike and the v-twin is pretty nice but i couldnt help but notice it doesn't have as much power as some of the jap bikes. I've heard that hands down ducati makes the best sports bikes so im assuming all the other features besides the power must be head and shoulders above the japanese bikes to make them so good. Basically somebody convince me why i should spend 16-17 grand on a ducati.

[primalmu]

These are the bikes your looking for a first bike? Oh boy, you've just opened a BIG can of worms...

[weezerfan84]

Don't spend that much money on a Ducati, unless you have someone that can work on that bike when it has problems. They are terribly overpriced and very uncomfortable. If your desperate to get a liter bike your best best bets are the Kawasaki ZX-10r or the CBR 1000. I've heard both of these bikes offer very good performance, but also remember that any liter bike will do the job. They have power in all the rpms and can really scream up and down the road. Personally I haven't been able to understand the thoughts behind getting a liter bike, unless you were able to get it for a really good price. You're never going to need that much power on public roads, and it would be a pretty good drag/track bike. I think the GSXR-750 is a good bike or the CBR1000. For most; however, a 600 will be a good bike for any rider, unless they just want to have 170+ hp under them. The only time I've ever been compelled to purchase a liter bike was when I felt I was getting a really good deal, and could sell it for more down the road.

[Schneiderman]

I'm in the process of trying to figure out a bike to buy and i want something that has some serious balls.

The way you worded this makes me think that you've never had a bike before, and that you probably never should.

[badmonkey]

Originally Posted by ep191

I'm in the process of trying to figure out a bike to buy and i want something that has some serious balls. I've always been a honda guy but lately ive been looking at the ducati 1098. I love the look of the bike and the v-twin is pretty nice but i couldnt help but notice it doesn't have as much power as some of the jap bikes. I've heard that hands down ducati makes the best sports bikes so im assuming all the other features besides the power must be head and shoulders above the japanese bikes to make them so good. Basically somebody convince me why i should spend 16-17 grand on a ducati.

Well, assuming that this isn't your first bike, it all depends on what you want out of your liter bike.

the ducati's don't make as much peak horsepower as the japanese bikes, because the ducati is a v-twin. the gsxr, r1, cbr1000rr, zx-10r are all inline 4's. The main difference is that the I4's will make more peak horsepower and not as much torque, but will rev higher than the ducati. the ducati will make more mid range torque but have a lower redline (which is still sky high for a twin, thanks to the desmodronic valvetrain which enables the duc to rev so high).

The main difference will be in power delivery. all of these bikes are so performance oriented and balls out fast, that you can't say that one bike is substantively better than the other, especially if you're not a pro racer. The power delivery of the twin will be more torque down low, and not have the same top-end power. the I4's will have an on-off switch at around 9000 rpm, where the motor comes alive and you hold on for dear life.

There are a lot of subtle differences between all of these bikes, but I will say, that if you don't already know why you would want to spend 40-60% more for a ducati, then there's no reason that you should buy one. And i'm not saying that to be a ducati snob (because i'm not, and think duc's are overrated)--but you're paying a premium to get a bike that rides like a ducati. If you just want a fast 1000cc bike, get a CBR or a gsxr.

[ep191]

thanks for all the responses, and yes i guess you could say this is my first bike. I've ridden motorcross bikes for over 6 years and have been on/off riding my fathers buell thunderbolt and my brothers honda 919 for a little while(over 6 months). I have also ridden my friends zx6r and im still debating whether or not to get the 1000 so i guess we will see. As of right now its the cbr600 or 1000, mainly because everyone and their brother has a gsxr around here and i hate the look of the ninjas. I dont mind the look of the r6/r1 though, anybody have opinions on those?

p.s. I understand why everyone is responding about the bike with big balls comment, i expected it, but trust me i know what im getting into (the 919 is no slow bike)

[weezerfan84]

Had a buddy ride the new r1 and said the power wasn't really all that impressive and it was very uncomfortable. He did say that the R1 handled very well. He has a 03 Busa so he's no stranger to what power can be on a bike. He and his buddy both rode the Ninja ZX10 and said it was a very fun bike. I still haven't heard anything greatly negative about the GSXR-1000, ZX10, CBR1000, or R1. Most is rider preference and overall asthetics of the bike. I'm a personal fan of the CBR1000, GSX-R600, 750, and 1000's, and the ZX-10. You really can't go wrong with any of these bikes, but I would definitely steer clear of the Ducati. It's expensive to own and expensive to maintain. Jap bikes are alot easier to find local mechanics who want to work on them as well.

[badmonkey]

Originally Posted by ep191

thanks for all the responses, and yes i guess you could say this is my first bike. I've ridden motorcross bikes for over 6 years and have been on/off riding my fathers buell thunderbolt and my brothers honda 919 for a little while(over 6 months). I have also ridden my friends zx6r and im still debating whether or not to get the 1000 so i guess we will see. As of right now its the cbr600 or 1000, mainly because everyone and their brother has a gsxr around here and i hate the look of the ninjas. I dont mind the look of the r6/r1 though, anybody have opinions on those?

p.s. I understand why everyone is responding about the bike with big balls comment, i expected it, but trust me i know what im getting into (the 919 is no slow bike)

If you've been putting a lot of miles on the 919 and the t-bolt, i wouldn't say that you're a "new" rider--but I will suggest you stick to a 600 or a 750. A 919 is pretty ballsy, but still nowhere near the same performance level as a 1000, or even a 750.

I had a 750 track bike that i rode in anger for about 6 months, and I didn't like it. It had a ton of power (probably about 125-ish whp, meaning ~140 bhp) though--more power than i was comfortable using. Which is not to say that i don't like power, but, it was a handful to ride. Might be just me, but i prefer lighter bikes with less power but easier to toss around.

With the amount of power that 600's and 750's are putting down, i guarantee you won't be bored. Add in the added agility (1000's are 20-30 lbs heavier than a 600, which is a huge difference on 2 wheels) and i just think they're alot more fun.

[CB750F]

Just buy the 1098. At least it'll sound cool when you say nonchalontley "I totalled my 1098".

Personally, if i were to buy a liter bike it'd probably be the new CBR100rr. I just like the looks of it.

[Slim Johnson]

Originally Posted by weezerfan84

Don't spend that much money on a Ducati, unless you have someone that can work on that bike when it has problems.

You're never going to need that much power on public roads, and it would be a pretty good drag/track bike.

i disagree... i need that power every day!!! i love it!
i own an 02 FZ1. same motor as the R1, but its tuned for more mid range growl than top end. and the upright seating means that it wont kill your back on a long ride. ducati has to be maintained at a great expense. although i cant say i wouldnt take a monster.
i would also add that a liter is likely too much power for a newb, and you would be better suited on an older 750 or 900 to start. trust me... it will hurt your pride less if the bike you wreck is 2000 rather than 16000...

[badmonkey]

also, for a little perspective, the current 600's are making as much power as the 929rr, while weighing almost 50 lbs less. They don't necessarily have as much torque, but they're definitely faster than a 929.

[slimalicious]

Ducati and Aprilia both are disigned to be ridden on the track. The Ducati 1098 is not as demanding on engine work as it use to be. Pre 07 Ducati bikes you would have to service valves often, now you go in at 600 miles and then again at 7500 miles. I am 6 foot tall with long arms so any crotch rocket is comfortable for me to ride. I looked at the Ducati, but I couldnt get myself away from Aprilia. I am glad I went the way I did. If you are gonna have a passenger, the 1098 will not be enjoyable to ride as the rear sits up alot higher than other bikes. Way too much pressure on your upper arms. Its the end of the season and you could get a great buy on a 1098 too!! Go for the Ducati, not everybody has one. Why should you spend 16-17 grand on a Ducati??? Why not? Its a Ducati!! How many people do you know have one? I guess thats what seperates an actual motorcycle enthusiast over a motorcycle rider. In the end, buy what you like and feel comfortable riding.

[badmonkey]

Originally Posted by slimalicious

Go for the Ducati, not everybody has one. Why should you spend 16-17 grand on a Ducati??? Why not? Its a Ducati!! How many people do you know have one? I guess thats what seperates an actual motorcycle enthusiast over a motorcycle rider. In the end, buy what you like and feel comfortable riding.

What separates an enthusiast from a rider is the willingness to spend 16K on a bike solely based on the reason that "not everybody has one"?

what's the difference between an enthusiast and a rider, anyway?

[CB750F]

I believe the difference between an enthusiast and a rider is a rider is someone who just rides on occasion for fun. They enjoy doing it but can go months without riding. An enthusiast would be someone who lives, breathes, eats, and sleeps motorcycles (e.g someone who is enthusiastic about motorcycles). Whether you work on your own stuff or not shouldn't matter but an enthusiast would know their way around a bike and not worry about getting a little wet or going too far from home.

I don't think how much money you spend or brand goes into the equasion. I would consider someone who rides whatever bike they can afford and isn't scared to go on a distance run loving every second an enthusiast as much as a dyed in wool Harley guy who has rode half way across the country to Sturgis and rides his motorcycle everywhere or a person who rides the snot out of their Italian exotic and doesn't worry if it gets a rock chip or 3.

[slimalicious]

Originally Posted by CB750F

I believe the difference between an enthusiast and a rider is a rider is someone who just rides on occasion for fun. They enjoy doing it but can go months without riding. An enthusiast would be someone who lives, breathes, eats, and sleeps motorcycles (e.g someone who is enthusiastic about motorcycles). Whether you work on your own stuff or not shouldn't matter but an enthusiast would know their way around a bike and not worry about getting a little wet or going too far from home.

I don't think how much money you spend or brand goes into the equasion. I would consider someone who rides whatever bike they can afford and isn't scared to go on a distance run loving every second an enthusiast as much as a dyed in wool Harley guy who has rode half way across the country to Sturgis and rides his motorcycle everywhere or a person who rides the snot out of their Italian exotic and doesn't worry if it gets a rock chip or 3.

Couldnt have said it better myself CB... I consider myself an enthusiast...I waited 6 years to buy my Aprilia. All the while searching, educating and researching the bike I was going to buy. I knew back then it would be an Aprilia based on looks. Then I went on to educate myself on the dynamics of the bike itself. Cost was not a factor as I was ready to spend 20K+. I don't care what bike a person rides, I will ride with em if they have their wits about them. Don't just jump in and buy any bike....spend time to educate yourself about each product. Touch, smell, feel, sit, ride...flood yourself with info. the good and the bad...and then make your purchase. Just dont be the guy who cruises down the road in shorts and flip flops and a wife beater. Squids!!

[badmonkey]

Originally Posted by CB750F

I believe the difference between an enthusiast and a rider is a rider is someone who just rides on occasion for fun. They enjoy doing it but can go months without riding. An enthusiast would be someone who lives, breathes, eats, and sleeps motorcycles (e.g someone who is enthusiastic about motorcycles). Whether you work on your own stuff or not shouldn't matter but an enthusiast would know their way around a bike and not worry about getting a little wet or going too far from home.

I don't think how much money you spend or brand goes into the equasion. I would consider someone who rides whatever bike they can afford and isn't scared to go on a distance run loving every second an enthusiast as much as a dyed in wool Harley guy who has rode half way across the country to Sturgis and rides his motorcycle everywhere or a person who rides the snot out of their Italian exotic and doesn't worry if it gets a rock chip or 3.

hehe, well i'm an "enthusiast" and i only get to ride about once a month. I'd love to ride more, but since i've given up street riding and can only make it to the track 8-15x a year, that's all the riding i get to do.

you may disagree of course, or ask me how i deal with it, i do go a little bat-**** b/w track days. but street riding isn't the same for me anymore, and it's not necessarily worth the risk. i may or may not get a street bike in the future, and do weekends in the canyons--but since i'll never push it in the canyons it's really not the same as the track.

[PassioneDucati]

These posts are getting long. I'll make it simple.

If you want a 1000, buy a Japanese I4 (Honda, Kawi, Suzuki, Yamaha)

If you want a Ducati, buy a 1098.

Ducati: Sexiest bike ever created, ridiculous torque, tricky but godlike handling, dry clutch, hardcore, balls-out, expert bike for expert riders (no offense, but you're not an expert rider)

Japanese: Screaming, mental, insanely fast and scary high rpm banshee death machine. Good for squids and ppl who want to impress their friends with wheelies and such. Easier to ride, live with, maintain, and in general own than the Ducati. Practical. Sensible (if you can call a literbike sensible). Cheap. Smart choice.

Buy a Jap.

[badmonkey]

Originally Posted by PassioneDucati

Japanese: Screaming, mental, insanely fast and scary high rpm banshee death machine. Good for squids and ppl who want to impress their friends with wheelies and such. Easier to ride, live with, maintain, and in general own than the Ducati. Practical. Sensible (if you can call a literbike sensible). Cheap. Smart choice.

Buy a Jap.

A japanese literbike is not easy to ride. the linear powerband of the ducati twin makes it easier to ride. if you've ever hit 9000 rpm on a liter bike when it's leaned over and you're on the throttle you'll understand.

they are cheaper, easier to maintain, and easier to own, though.

[CB750F]

Ducati's avoid the dirt.

[PassioneDucati]

Originally Posted by badmonkey

A japanese literbike is not easy to ride. the linear powerband of the ducati twin makes it easier to ride. if you've ever hit 9000 rpm on a liter bike when it's leaned over and you're on the throttle you'll understand.

they are cheaper, easier to maintain, and easier to own, though.

You're absolutely right. The power of an I4 is more dangerous than that of a Twin. Either way, as I see it, a new rider has little hope of controlling the incredible power of a modern 600cc supersport, much less a literbike.

That's why I plan to buy a Ninja 250

[Slim Johnson]

Originally Posted by PassioneDucati

You're absolutely right. The power of an I4 is more dangerous than that of a Twin. Either way, as I see it, a new rider has little hope of controlling the incredible power of a modern 600cc supersport, much less a literbike.

That's why I plan to buy a Ninja 250

right on the money!!!

[Slim Johnson]

Originally Posted by CB750F

Ducati's avoid the dirt.

lol stoners are better riders!!!

[JCLAMPITT]

ok...im gonna come out with it...my first bike was a 1000cc...and ill admit...its to much for me...but i have a head on my shoulders and try my best to keep it out of the powerband...that joker comes alive around 8000rpm....and you are just a passenger at that point and you better hold on...and the inline 4 is harder to maneuver in parkinglots b/c of the lack of torque at the low end...its not smooth trying to taxi around...but if i had to do it again i would still get the R1 just b/c you can say you have one...even though i dont ride it like one can be ridden..go w/ the jap though..and my advise to you is get a 600 or the 750 gixxer ..even though EVERYBODY

[JCLAMPITT]

OOPS...i hit the wrong button and it posted...ne way EVERYBODY has a gixxer...get the cbr or an r series yamaha

[Justin989RR]

Ducs just had a recall on there 1098R and 1098S models for the ECUs catching fire too. Plus they are just way over priced.

[GSXR600K2_925]

Get a gixxer 06 02 yellow and black with a yoshi carbon exhaust. It will kill you in a heartbeat!