Joined
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795 Posts
After almost exactly 3 years of ownership, 8k miles, and 6 trackdays, my SV went home with its new owner last night. Of those trackdays, 3 were Novice & 3 Intermediate, and it greatly improved my riding abilities by focusing on corner speed rather than relying on hp in the straights. I really enjoyed riding and modifying it, but I came across a great deal on my dream bike, and I pulled the trigger. Although I probably won’t post much on here anymore, I’ll still be lurking from time to time.
The replacement: 2008 Ducati 1098. I've been lusting after a Ducati Superbike since I first saw the 916 on the cover of Cycle World about 18 years ago, and this one did not dissapoint. ;D As you can see it is far from stock, so part of the “deal with the boss” was that I wouldn’t be modding it. It definitely doesn’t need anything.
Comparison to SV: I've only really ridden it once for about 70 miles this past weekend, but there aren’t many similarities. The first thing you notice is how narrow the tank is. Swapping with my friend’s CBR1k felt like I was sitting on a horse. The reach to the clipons is long, but overall the riding position is not a whole lot more uncomfortable than my SV’s setup (GSXR clipsons). Once you start it up the sound of the 70mm Termi system and dry clutch is intoxicating. Once you get moving, the bike is constantly wanting to go faster. It is not as smooth as the SV or my old TL down low. It is really doesn’t like to be between 3k-4k, but it really comes to life above 6k. The gearing is stock, so cruising at 65 mph is only 4200 rpm in 4th gear. You can get into 5th, but it’s more comfortable in 4th (see above). The gearbox is much tighter than a Japanese bike. I would say it takes deliberate input, which just takes some getting used to. It has a Duc Performance slipper which works seemlessly. It puts the stock slipper on my 07 GSXR to shame. The suspension (Ohlins 25mm w/Attack triples, TTX w/Duc Shop link) is unreal. Overall I would say it is very composed, both in corners and in a straight line. Although it is firm, it soaks up bumps like nothing and is rock sold mid corner. My friend riding with me commented that when he was following he could see that the bike hardly moved over bumps. Finally, the power…I don’t even know where to start. It’s not stock: Pistal hi comp pistons, Carillo rods, balanced crank, etc. As I said earlier, it is always wanting to go faster. Once it smoothes out about 4k it is quickly past 6k, and you’d better be holding on after that. Minimal throttle in 1st gear will bring the front end up and continuing on in 2nd will get you past any US speed limit. With its boat loads of torque, there is no need to approach the rev limiter, particularly on the street. As much as I said my SV was “just plain fun to ride,” this Duc is fun on a whole new level. I can’t wait to get it to the track this Sat & Sun (Grattan with STT). I can’t remember the last time I was this excited (and nervous) for a trackday. I’ll post up my track impressions afterwards.
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The replacement: 2008 Ducati 1098. I've been lusting after a Ducati Superbike since I first saw the 916 on the cover of Cycle World about 18 years ago, and this one did not dissapoint. ;D As you can see it is far from stock, so part of the “deal with the boss” was that I wouldn’t be modding it. It definitely doesn’t need anything.
Comparison to SV: I've only really ridden it once for about 70 miles this past weekend, but there aren’t many similarities. The first thing you notice is how narrow the tank is. Swapping with my friend’s CBR1k felt like I was sitting on a horse. The reach to the clipons is long, but overall the riding position is not a whole lot more uncomfortable than my SV’s setup (GSXR clipsons). Once you start it up the sound of the 70mm Termi system and dry clutch is intoxicating. Once you get moving, the bike is constantly wanting to go faster. It is not as smooth as the SV or my old TL down low. It is really doesn’t like to be between 3k-4k, but it really comes to life above 6k. The gearing is stock, so cruising at 65 mph is only 4200 rpm in 4th gear. You can get into 5th, but it’s more comfortable in 4th (see above). The gearbox is much tighter than a Japanese bike. I would say it takes deliberate input, which just takes some getting used to. It has a Duc Performance slipper which works seemlessly. It puts the stock slipper on my 07 GSXR to shame. The suspension (Ohlins 25mm w/Attack triples, TTX w/Duc Shop link) is unreal. Overall I would say it is very composed, both in corners and in a straight line. Although it is firm, it soaks up bumps like nothing and is rock sold mid corner. My friend riding with me commented that when he was following he could see that the bike hardly moved over bumps. Finally, the power…I don’t even know where to start. It’s not stock: Pistal hi comp pistons, Carillo rods, balanced crank, etc. As I said earlier, it is always wanting to go faster. Once it smoothes out about 4k it is quickly past 6k, and you’d better be holding on after that. Minimal throttle in 1st gear will bring the front end up and continuing on in 2nd will get you past any US speed limit. With its boat loads of torque, there is no need to approach the rev limiter, particularly on the street. As much as I said my SV was “just plain fun to ride,” this Duc is fun on a whole new level. I can’t wait to get it to the track this Sat & Sun (Grattan with STT). I can’t remember the last time I was this excited (and nervous) for a trackday. I’ll post up my track impressions afterwards.
