1098 or 848 for me?

**LiberianGurl** · 09-09-2010, 12:20 AM

I want a ducati! That much I do know, but which would fit me better?? Right now I own an 04 R-1 and before that a Gixxer 1000. I am about 220lbs and ride 75% in town. Was dead set to get the 1098 until I read how much more street-able the 848 is in the new mags and reviews. Would the 848 just be way too under powered? I am thinking the torque would satisfy my needs.... maybe. Also.. how much more maintenance really is there. As bad as a Harley or something?
I look forward to any input

**~~megan~~** · 09-09-2010, 08:46 AM

I just came off of a 200 mile day on my 3 day old 1098 and all I can tell you is GET A 1098! It has loads of torque, handles amazing, and all the crap you hear about it having too much brakes is just that. Like saying that hot 20 yr old your dating likes sex too much! And if you are coming off of an r1 and a GSXR1K than you will need that extra oomph. I just came off of a stomping built hayabusa and I spent most of the day riding with the fella that bought it from me. The only time I didn't smoke him was when we were on the freeway and I did not feel like riding like an idiot in traffic, but hey, maybe that made him feel better. Get the 1098, you will not ever regret it.

**Lumberjack Jake** · 09-09-2010, 05:02 PM

+1

Congrats on the new bike BTW. Swap out that exhaust if you really want to see what she can do. My guess is you'll be keeping up with your old Busa till about 170....or he hits the NOS button. (cheater)

**iwontrest** · 09-10-2010, 12:11 AM

Two weeks ago I tested the 848 and after riding it I ended up picking up a 1098S with Termi slip-ons on Saturday, on blind faith that I'd like it. The 848 is nice, but the 1098 is much more of an experience. I'm totally in love with it after my first ride.

My last sportsbike was an R1, and I think if you're used to the power of a 1000cc Japanese bike than you won't be overwhelmed by the 1098, but you'll love the extra bottom-end pull that the twin produces.

I did 400kms yesterday on it and once I got used to the firm ride all I can say is that bike handles, stops and motors like nothing I've ever ridden before, I can't wait to get it on the track!

I agree with one of the last posts, I read the magazines and internet reviews before I bought the bike and most make it sound as though the brakes are deadly on the road. The brakes are just great brakes, if you ride with any sort of finesse than it won't be a problem. If you grabbed a violent handful of any of the latest model sportbikes brakes you'd probably lose the front. They're stronger than the R1 but in a good way.

I think as long as you're a reasonably experienced rider and used to high horsepower bikes, you'll be much happier with the 1098. The 848 felt a little nimbler, but not enough to forego the rocket motor in the 1098.

Keeping in mind my opinion is on a comparison between the 1098S and the 848, I can't account for the standard 1098, but I'm sure it's not that much different in handling.

**johncoolgun** · 09-10-2010, 06:00 AM

thanks, I am saving for that exhaust package as we speak, I am in love with this machine, fast, refined, and a very visceral, mechanical, riding experience. Riding it today taught me a lot about how lacking in personality and passion a japanese bike is. Ducati hit this one way out of the park.

**another yahoo person** · 09-10-2010, 07:09 AM

BrettC63, that fella played a character appropriately named "Pauly Walnuts" in the tv series the Sopranos. He was a mobster.
Can not sleep, had to get up and look at my Isabella for about 20mins, and then check the Spot!

**fgjfjfjn b** · 09-10-2010, 07:28 AM

I would get what is going to make you happy. The 848 is a nice bike but going from a R1 or 1000 GSXR I think the 1098 would be better suited to what you are use to riding. With that said, I am not knocking the 848 because it’s a great bike too.

If you can afford the extra $$$, get the 1098… Hell why stop there, get the 1098R as anyone who watched SBK this weekend would be stoked to own that bike!

Jason

**chandu** · 09-10-2010, 01:51 PM

Pretty much what everyone said. The 848 will feel like a 750 coming off a Japanese 1000 bikes. I have a ZX10R and it pulls so hard I have yet to own a bike like it, but I love my Ducs more on the streets and on the track, go for it and re-finance your home for a 1098!!!!

**[email protected]** · 09-10-2010, 06:20 PM

Wow, thanks for all the input. Looks like 1098 so far. Years ago I had a honda 900 punched to 945, flowed head, carbs, cams... the works. Was a fun bike no doubt but the maintainance! ugg! So I went to a 99 gixxer 750 and had a blast on it. Keeping up with the 929's at the time was a challange but I liked it. To say that the 848 is only like a 750 is actually quite a compliment. I have ridden a new gixxer 750 and is an awesome balance between power and handling. I would just bet that any ducati would take it a step further.

**edff1** · 09-10-2010, 10:42 PM

So i guess i kinda have the same question. I only weigh 136lbs.

Im comming from a 1994 BMW R1100RS with these figures:

90 hp at 7,250 rpm
70 ft lb at 5,500 rpm
526lbs WET

And that for me was alot of power. It would get up and go quick. The boxer engine provided fistsfulls of torque in pretty much any gear.

So i guess the real question is this....do i NEED a 1098. Or will a 848 be PLENTY AND a step up from my old bimmer.

I just like the torqueyness of the engine...And 90hp and 70ftlbs seemed to get ME and the 526lb bike going just fine.

I guess how diffirent is an 848 going to feel between my legs with:

134 hp @ 10,000 rpm
70.8 lb