Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > Stop press...it's official. Speculation is now dead on 1098

[beancounter]

Originally Posted by Martin Ducati Glasgow

Well what can I say?

The bike in MCN (if indeed it is the final version, I honestly don't know) is absolutely stunning.

To me this bike has addressed exactly what a huge number of customers have been asking for in spectacular style.

If you ingore the styling for a few moments, the power and performance figures are absolutely fantastic. I have also been told direct from the factory that the torque and power delivery from the new engine is truly jaw-dropping.

As to the styling, in my opinion, the bike pictured is a direct evolution of the iconic 916 style. The pictures in MCN are far more revealing in terms of angles and objective than anything we have been able to see so far.
If you take a picture of a 916 and put it next to the 1098 (as I have done for some time this morning) you can see the obvious transition from one design to the next.

I have also seen some suggestions that it is too Japanese. I can see how some may feel that considering the 999 was so unique. BUT if you cast your mind back to bikes of the mid 90s, slab sided with either round or square lights the "fox eyes" of the 916 were a very new approach and arguably some other manufacturers followed suit and developed them until what they are now. To me the 1098 is an evolution of that design. And it is VERY Ducati, those headlights are straight off of the Desmosedici - a lineage and relationship very few bikes will ever be able to hail as having.

The 999 is an awesome machine, both to look at and ride but we are all aware it hasn't quite stolen the hearts of the mass buying public. The factory have obviously been aware of that and have resolved those issues. If you read back to any of the original (or even latest) criticisms of the 999, every one has been addressed in this new design, bar none.

I'm really excited about this design, it's stunning from every angle. In the same breath i'm really sorry to see the 999 go as it is beautiful in its own right. I'm glad to know there are still fans of that design as it will help residuals and support that bike for many years to come.

Irrespective of the gorgeous looks, the power of a 1000cc inline 4, with the torque of a twin and the handling of a Ducati - I mean what else can we wish for?

Just my opinion

Oh dear oh dear oh dear.

Seldom have I read such cobblers on this message board!

I hope it at least earns you a few brownie points from Ducati UK.

[Martin Ducati Glasgow]

Originally Posted by Twinfan

They'll be the lights Ducati nicked from the Honda NR750 then?



I'd wait for proven weight and power figures and a review of the handling before I'd be that bold. The critics also reckon the 999 wasn't as iconic or beautiful as the 916. The 1098 is worse on that score - it won't be as iconic as it doesn't tread new ground and I'd say it was a fair bit uglier than a 916...

On your first point, I know Honda did it too. But the styling was better on the Ducati (personal opinion of course). All I said was that it was new approach, not specifically Ducati's new approach! However they did "rubber stamp" the look as such. After all they used it for nearly a decade. How long in comparison did the 'onda last?

On your second point, you're right, I should have clarified that statement. I was referring to looks only. BUT suffice to say after speaking to the factory directly - power, weight and especially torque will keep us all grinning.

Originally Posted by beancounter

Oh dear oh dear oh dear.

Seldom have I read such cobblers on this message board!

I hope it at least earns you a few brownie points from Ducati UK.

Ahh, completely destructive and dismissive crticism - in your expert opinion!

As I said, just my opinion. In my position I have ridden all the Ducs you could shake a stick at and honestly love most of them. I'm just a big Duc fan! (surprisingly!! )

As a lot of folks know on this board I have a 749R at the mo' (after a string of other 74* and 99*'s) and have held onto that for the last three seasons because it's fantastic but on seeing the 1098 in MCN (the pics on the net are nowhere near as good or as clear) i'm thrilled to bits.

So cobblers? No.

I've heard all too often, opposition on the showroom floor from people about the looks of the 999 and how it should be more like the 916. Well thats what we've got. I thought I would back that up with my thoughts.

Mart

[beancounter]

I'm sorry, I just haven't got the energy to be constructive today.

Destructive and dismissive was all I could manage!

And (as a long term BUYER of Ducatis, both new and "pre-owned") - my opinion is just as expert as anyone else's.

[749er]

Originally Posted by VanDaMauler

And the shoe box end can on a 999 looks nice???

Well its certainly got us all debating...

the end can of the 999 was shaped in a wind tunnel.

[beancounter]

Originally Posted by 749er

the end can of the 999 was shaped in a wind tunnel.

Gasp.

[Gaz 748]

I like it..............Big time..............

In the showrooms in "a couple of weeks "

1098 = £12,000

1098S = £14,000

[Martin Ducati Glasgow]

Originally Posted by beancounter

I'm sorry, I just haven't got the energy to be constructive today.

Destructive and dismissive was all I could manage!

Fair 'nough mate - I have days like that too!!

Originally Posted by beancounter

And (as a long term BUYER of Ducatis, both new and "pre-owned") - my opinion is just as expert as anyone else's.

Perhaps - i'm simply trying to offer is a view from someone who has dealt with literally thousand of queries, questions, complaints and praise for the whole of the Ducati legacy and as a long term buyer myself I can associate with the rest of the buying public, albeit from a different point of view.

Take it for what it is mate, i'm only trying to help.

[749er]

Originally Posted by beancounter

Gasp.

I take it you did not know that then?

[749er]

I had a look at the pictures in MCN today and it looks better there than the pictures on this thread, they give a better idea of the look from the back. I look forward to seeing it in the metal

[pedro]

once we have all calmed down with these masive power figures & styling bits etc etc,ducati say the have gave us what we want? i remember reading "most" ducati (& non ducati owners) wanted a bike thats cheaper to service?