Anyone Ridden the 1198s yet?

[NormanBurrows]

I'd be interested to hear views from 1098 owners who've ridden the 1198.

Not in the current snow of course.

Norm.

[PeteB]

Surely ideal conditions for testing the traction control:D :D

[Dementor]

I've had the pleasure :D

The 1198S is more refined than the 1098, I'd say more towards the R, VERY easy to ride fast. The engine is very smooth and Ohlins superb. Traction control was useful yesterday and worked without any dramas.

[NormanBurrows]

Many thanks for that. I have a 1098s and await a 1198s. Not having a test ride is open to criticism I know, but I like the 1098 a lot and took the chance.

My long-distance bike is a ST4s. The Ohlins is so good on that it prompted me to go for the S every time.

Thanks again.

[Dementor]

You won't be disappionted.

[Gbyte666]

Sounded superb as you blew up the road from Petes yesterday. Loverly loud burble. Almost turned off my heater in the cab so I could hear it better..Almost I said :lol:

Still I liked the picture of you thawing yourself out by the fire when you got home.

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/5064/coldroyqd4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Craig

[bradders]

you think he was cold....!!

what you really want is a stealth beemer ;) no noise, no fuss, just wafts along

[Gbyte666]

Indeed Paul

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/9573/fartyo0.png (http://imageshack.us)

Craig

[bradders]

nothing like blowing your own trumpet Craig ;)

not sure about the pre-season training tho, shouldnt that have an oil catch tray??!?

:lol:

[duc daz]

I'd be interested to hear views from 1098 owners who've ridden the 1198.

Not in the current snow of course.

Norm.
Im very happy with my 1098 and have no intension of getting rid of it until the next generation of the bike comes along ....

[smilo006]

tried a 1198S at Snells the other day. The weather was cold but the roads were at least not wet. This is the first 10-11 I have tried. I currently have a 996R.
First impressions. The bike itself is of course a major leap forward. Feels much more modern, well put together and thought out. The riding position is still much the same but it somehow feels less agressive. Seat feels like sitting on a plate.
The clocks I think are great. Good info and clear.
The engine is really strong and unfortunately sounds less exciting that mine. however clearly it has superb pulling power and seems to pull evenly across the rev range. It is very fast without feeling that it is. 90mph seems to come very quickly.
Steers more quickly than the 9 range as well. Lighter wheels perhaps.
Brakes exceptional but the noise of a landing millenium falcon is really annoying.
I think it had regular suspension settings and seemed to be "bouncy" in that guise.
Throttle response and injection seem to be faultless. Tried to upset it without success. Even the gear change has improved significantly.
Fortunately some things remain the same. The mirrors can only be used in a "elbows out, riding a Suzuki Fizzie" position and the steering lock is ****.
All in all I think it is a brilliant bike. Really takes it to the Jap 4s but still distinctly Ducati and some of the 9 quirks have gone so more likely to be attractive to jap 4 defectors.
Not sure how much better than the 1098 it is. Dealer said the differences were traction contol (which accoring to one mechanic doesn't work with slick tyres) and the engine being smoother. Is that a benefit though?

[banoffee]

"elbows out, riding a Suzuki Fizzie" position

do you mean Yamaha fizzy or Suzuki AP50? ;-)

seriously though last Ducati I had was a 996R a few years ago and now considering an 848 so read your post with interest!