Mark RS4

I'm looking at a 1098, but am curious about street use.

Thanks

ELEVENS

For stop-and-go traffic it's a killer because you have so much weight on your hands. Best to keep it moving above 60-70mph to let the wind lift the upper body.

But the clutch is great and the bike's light-weight/flick-ability is excellent around town. It's just so much fun to ride and loud as all hell. Torque is the best of any superbike, so it makes it easy to wheelie at nearly every stop, just a low floater and the tach doesn't get above 3-4K. No commotion, just results.

There are far better commuters out there, but get the 1098S away from traffic and it literally gives me an adrenalin rush every time. As long as it keeps scaring the **** out of me, it keeps me interested.

You got a Duc aleady, no?

Mark RS4

Somewhat different bikes, but the Duc really grabs my attention. I haven't owned a Duc but I've had several sport bikes. I haven't ridden in 10+ years though and am wondering if I'll tire of the 1098 if it's too harsh (I'm in my 40's). I'm kind of torn...the 1098 should be a rush and is a great looking Italian bike while the BMW is more comfortable (with performance) but is more bland than a 1098. A friend has a K1200RS so I have feedback from that side, but I don't know anyone with a Duc to compare the two.

Thanks for the feedback.

ELEVENS

Sent you an email

JonRS4

performance benchmark and would compete with the other no holds barred literbikes like the R1, CBR1000RRs, GSXR1000.

The BMW 1200S is a superbike and would be more about top speed performance and all day street riding focus. It'll hang with the Haybabusa and the ZX12R and do quite well in that crowd. These bikes are heavier but more ergo friendly than the track rockets. To my eyes, also a lot uglier. Depends on what you want. The superbikes are all 4 cyl which to me is a show stopper. The V twin approach is the right approach with bikes IMHO. I've got four ducatis in the garage right now and I know I will never ride a 4 cyl again. It's all about the sound and torque. And of course they are beautiful.

Ducati does have nice "standard bikes" (Monsters & Sport Classics) and decent sport tourers (ST series) and possibly the best all round bike out there (Multistrada) but it's the 1098 and Desmosedici that get all the press and it's easy to see why.

Enjoy your return to two wheels!

Mark RS4

Thanks for the input Jon