[Ducati] Demo Ride experience of 848 (1098?)

[Rardin & Carroll Architects]

This past weekend I went to pick up my 1999 Ducati Hybrid (748/996).  After a long three years of a roller coaster ride, up and downs and several, several  thousands dollars later since I blew up my 748(853) motor at Road Atlanta track day.  2006 and 2007 mostly in the shop than me actually riding it,  I began to get discourage about the bike and consider breaking our relationship and starting a new one.  This bike was my FIRST motorcycle ever and we have grown up a lot together and she was paid for and we shared a lot memories.  I still have the 748/853 motor,  just trying to figure out what I want to do with it.  Anywho, this was my last chance to determine if I wanted to keep her or let her go and start a new relationship.  My closest Ducati dealer is about 2 1/2 to 3 hours away.  So maintenance and service was becoming a real strain on my relationship.  I was spending a lot of money on travel and putting the bike in the shop and was still not getting the problem resolved or any real ride time at the track days or even the street (to and from to work).  When I picked her up and she is running like old times.  Her engine was music to my ears and we greeting each other with open arms.  After my ride with her I decided to test the 848 to have a real comparison between the 996 motor and the new 848 characteristics.  This will help me to determine whether to buy a 848 or 1098.  I do not want to make the same decision when I bought my 748.  I got us to the power of the 748 and wanted more.  

Since I do mostly track days my 748/996 bike has been transformed into a track bike with a occasional ride to work every now then.  Since I the blown 853 motor,  the 996 motor seems to have been a better fit for me NOW (remember this was my first bike).  The 996 motor has given more confidence in the bike and my riding ability.  But with the arrival of the new bikes I am stuck with a decision of 848 or 1098.  My heart saying to get the 1098S but after my demo ride on 848 and talking with others,  maybe the 848 will do the job and supply my needs (keeping the smile on my face).  Not having the opportunity to ride a 1098,  the 848 is a awesome bike to ride.  Unfortunately I was not able to test it in the conditions I would prefer to ride it in (track day).  After reading article after article after article about the new 848 and all it offers,  what they say is true.  What really took me by surprise was its agility and available power.  I have learn its not the straight's when you blow pass somebody that are the most enjoyable but much like the 800cc MotoGP bikes (the corner speed).  I was at Jennings GP track and I saw a guy on a 250 crushing the 1000cc bikes.  The sales man felt that the 848 would be a better fit for a track day bike than the 1098.  He explained that in the corners the 848 would be a better and enjoyable track day bike than the all powerful 1098.  He felt the 1098 may get some people in trouble.  Any opinions anyone?

The one down fall I notice between my 1999 748 and the 2008 848 was the sensitivity in the throttle.  My bike in the neutral position,  if I twist the throttle there is instant engine response.  On the 848  I started to twist nothing a little more nothing then finally the bike comes alive with a response.  I wonder is this the same with the 1098 model?  Can the sensitivity in the throttle position response be adjusted?

But for all those out there who have not had the opportunity to throw a leg over the 848,  everything the magazines say about the bike is true.  Now that I have said that will they come out with one in a S model or R.  Larry Pegram has a great platform to start out with for the 2008 season.  Maybe we may see Ducati contend for a title in Formula Extreme.  Its got me second guessing my future purchase of a 1098.  I am by no means a AMA or MotoGP racer, (in my mind and dreams maybe) so I am sure riding the bike at it true limits is beyond me.  But I am still willing to learn but not risk it all at a track day.  Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

 Willie F. Spight Jr.
 Voice: 423-894-3242
 Fax: 423-894-2839
 bill at churchdesigners.com on 2/4/2008
 http://www.churchdesigners.com