The Duck side

[jltownshend]

Hmmmm...

I'm contemplating an 848 (I had a test ride today)...

Seems like it's what the R1200S should have been from my brief excursion (didn't have time for proper twisties)

Excepting the mirrors of course.

I have another test ride planned with both a 1098 and an 848...

Any constructive thoughts or comments?

(and luggage is not a valid topic )

John

(who found a cheap[er] Aprilia RSVR quite alluring as well)

PS I would keep the 1100S (which felt like a GS after the 848)

[Ade B]

I came close to swapping for 999 a while back.

I didn't for the following reasons

a. I expected it to get stolen from my drive
b. I expected it to get stolen from a london parking bay
c. I would be paranoid about it getting damaged in a london parking bay
d. I expected it to be even less tolerant to my 'relaxed' cleaning regime than the S
e. The trade in value on the S was depressing
f. I decided the S was actually ok for the amount of use it got, and, ahem, I bought a car with the money....

Having said all that, if I was in the market for a new bike, it would be italian as my long 2up trips are now all but over for the foreseeable future.

Ade

[GeordieBoy]

John
(who found a cheap[er] Aprilia RSVR quite alluring as well)

You can probably guess which one I'd go for, John! Most Italian bike mirrors are more about form than function, but I've just fitted some excellent extenders to the Ape which have cured the problem (£30). Best bike I've owned bar none, and sounds like a Lancaster bomber with aftermarket cans

Mark

[jltownshend]

I know what you mean about theft...when I see all these people chaining their bikes up outside a pub...(when they sit outside as well!)

I have an Me109 (apparently) with the Laser race cans, and was rather taken with the 848s (sort of) supercar sound, so not sure about moving from a fighter to a bomber...

Though my interest has also been captivated by the possibility of a full race system on the duck.

Anyway, having another test on Saturday (hopefully with more twisties and a 1098 to compare).

Or, as posted elsewhere, it's back to an off-roader and an old van...

John

[jltownshend]

Disappointingly, the 1098 wasn't ready to test, and the roads were too damp (round Essex) to give the 848 a real go (especially as I was being led around by a Skyline GTR).

Anyway, though a lovely bike, I can't help but feel that it's not enough.

I looked up the torque figures yesterday and it would appear to claim the same as the 11S.

Though it's lighter than the 11s, handles beautifully, has terrific brakes and looks rather nice...

I'm afraid I will now have to test the 1098...and see just how sensitive those Monobloc Brembos really are.

John

[winger]

I'd ride a 1098 before you do anything,Blades,Gixxers,1098's ain't my thing from a rideing position piont of view and if one is better than the other,i'm certainley not good enough to make the difference tell.

I've done a fair bit on a 1098,if you ride/buy one,have the S version,you'll only regret it,although i have to say most people buy that version anyway,i got involved in an advert darn sarf before christmas,that will appear on the box during the year,(no names no pack drill) can you do a burn out for us??,just blip the throttle bang the clutch out and instant smoke,as i keep telling e'm can you put me a 1098 in the new Multistrada when it comes out.

[Archie]

I'd also try and ride one for a while if you can. I sat on one and it reminded me very much of the 916 I had, which was farking uncomfortable, mainly because the bars are low. Jap bikes are much more comfortable IMHO.

If you can cope fine, but for me it meant I didn't ride it much at all. Just gazed at it instead......

I love Ducatis, but not to ride any distance.

[jltownshend]

A "S"??? The dealer has intimated he doesn't understand why people go for them...

Though I have to say that I do actually fancy a Black one...with the red frame...which is an "S".

I found the riding position surpisingly OK (I'd set my expectations low and have been doing a few exercises to strengthen my back!!!). I think it helps that I could brace my knees against the fairing lip when "cruising/posing" (ie no weight on wrists).

We shall see. I think I might have to wait a couple of weeks given this weekend's forecast.

J

[iandunn1100ss]

Have ridden both the 848 and r1200s and after half a day on both the ducati was the clear winner if you want the best sunday toy 9k can buy,but if you only want one bike to do all things i would be looking for none of the above. these are my thoughts and i ride a lot of bikes as i have close friends at 2 big dealers in my area and do not mean to upset anyone here.
ian

[BMW-Fahrer]

A Duck is like a one night stand.Fun like a testride but if you try to turn it into a long time commitment it turns 99% into a full blown headache...
A 848 for sure is a nice toy for the track.Riding on the street/owning/using it I would not.
Then rather a MilleR.Except for the parts problem at least you get japanese or even better reliabily and save some money on top.
That is also the problem with the R1200S.As a track toy the 848 is probably more fun.For the streets the R1200S is almost as impractical.With options like two up bench,luggage rack,centerstand and such as for the old 11S there wouldn't have been such a dilemma nd BMW would have had a fun and capable bike for track and street duty...and much better sales!
Now if you ask which one to buy the 848 or HP-S I probably would say 848 unless you are a die hard boxer fan.They are both toys.The Duc is the cheaper one and you can still buy used Transit to get home if it let's you stranded on the track...
The HP-S you don't have money left for the Transit but you won't break down unless you bin it...English weather and italian electrics.Not a happy couple...
Cam belts,tensioner pulleys and flaking rocker arm can be a headache in sunny weather,too...
Ducatis are more to be enjoyed if you are rather filthy rich or as a poor working man if Bayliss or Stoner are riding...
Of course you can always pretend to be part of the lifestyle of the rich and famous and eat "poorich/porridge" behind closed doors;or peanutbutter/jelly sandwiches if you live in the states...

[GeordieBoy]

Then rather a MilleR.Except for the parts problem at least you get japanese or even better reliabily and save some money on top.

The parts problem seems to be a thing of the past, now that Piaggio have taken over. I ordered a right hand mirror recently and it was at the house within 48hrs. There are 500 items for the RSV on ebay as we speak aswell.

[iandunn1100ss]

I use speedaway for my aprilia spares as they are the main importer and they have had the few spare i have needed and on the doorstep the next day.
ian

[jltownshend]

Ermm...

I think I said no luggage?!??!



Anyway. To re-iterate:

1. I *am* looking for a toy that gives me a serious and special thrill when I see it and when I ride it.

2. I *am* keeping the 11S

I looked at the torque figures on a GSX750 last night...

John

[jltownshend]

Oh dear...

Dear, oh dear, oh dear...




'cept black...

[Dog Tyred]

Oh dear...

Dear, oh dear, oh dear...




'cept black...

Go on, wotcha done??