Testrode the 1098 SFS today. - Ducati.ms

Lawrence84 · Oct 5th, 2011, 4:55 pm

I don't have a huge background regarding Motorcycles.. Yes I give you the right to call me a Noob , a fast noob that is

Anyhow.... I'm looking for a new Ducati , The Streetfighter is a Machine I have been looking at for years but didn't give it a try because of inexperience.
Right now my experience counts with a Hornet600 and M696.. I can hear you through my screen "Oh god no he didn't...." Yes I did. I testrode the 1098 SFS ,

My hands were shaking afterwards..because of the adrenaline. I'm in Love with it , but my mind said "No". The power is instant and without even trying I was riding on 3rd Gear around 160km/h when the speedlimit is 70. I had to push my M696 to reach between the 160/200km/h. The Streetfighter wasn't even trying.... This machine is so brutal , I can't even discribe in words.. Let me say that it is impossible to stay under the speedlimit.. Absolutely impossible.

The Streetfighter felt so nimble and easy to turn , But with my lack of experience riding such brutal machines alot of corners/turns surprised me.
Because even with a slight input on the trottle your speed is way higher then you realize.
With my M696 I took sharp turns at high speeds , I could easily manage my speed without even using the breaks. I might be inexperienced , but trust me when I say excuse me "write" this. My cornering ability is clean and fast (practicing hours upon hours.....upon hours).
There are plenty of experienced riders with higher spec machines who had a hard time keeping up with me.

The 848 Evo , a 140hp beast - A machine few will realize it's full potential with. After testriding the SFS the 848 Evo felt so relaxed and easy to ride.
Therefore I have 90% decided to buy the 848 Evo unless the heart still decides to disagree.

One of my main complaints regarding the SFS was the Hard clutch.... Had to grab it with all fingers.. While I'm used to using a few fingers to switch gears or roll on 1st Gear. I was dreading every slow car or red light.... Heard that this was a trait for Dry Clutches. Could someone explain this to me please ??

Take care everyone !!

Gilly · Oct 5th, 2011, 5:09 pm

Clutch is like any other clutch... you can swap the slave out, but time on the bike is what will make any clutch easier.

pcoakle1 · Oct 5th, 2011, 5:20 pm

Glad you enjoyed it Lawrence. I enjoy mine a bit more every time I ride it!

The clutch is a harder pull than prolly most others. To ease the pull, you can either increase the size of the slave cylinder or maybe do an adjustable lever. Or you get used to it... I still have mine stock. Don't mind it unless in serious stop & go city traffic.

Maximmagnum · Oct 5th, 2011, 5:38 pm

honestly, you get used to clutch pull...don't be a pansy

. You talk about the 848 evo, but you know that there is a brand new 848 streetfighter coming out, right? I mean there are only like 4 active threads talking about it right now....

cts · Oct 5th, 2011, 6:53 pm

dont worry about the clutch.all mean machines have a hard clutch! :-P

seriously now if the clutch is the problem, you just buy a Clutch Slave Cylinder like oberon and you will pull it with 2 fingers...

FlyingQ · Oct 5th, 2011, 7:32 pm

Welcome Lawrence! Buy it (the F1098S). Have fun.

The clutch pull is no better than nor any worse than any other Ducati. It's just being a Ducati. There are many, many slave cylinder options that will help reduce the pull some, but honestly, you just get used to it. A non-issue in my view.

Yep, the SF is a beast....in the best of ways.

Cheers.

LessPeople_MoreRobots · Oct 5th, 2011, 8:00 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lawrence84

This machine is so brutal , I can't even discribe in words..

Oh don't worry, you've come to the right place. Everyone in the SF forum is going to know exactly what you're thinking, so there's no need to fully describe it.

You've been bitten by the liter twin bug, I'm afraid. Prognosis is bleak.

Of course you know you'd hear this, but whatever you choose, BE CAREFUL. You can kid yourself all day, but we all have and love these machines because they're ridiculous. Without a lot of experience though, its amazingly easy to lull yourself into a sense of safety.

jzsf · Oct 6th, 2011, 6:17 am

Get the streetfighter, then hand your licence in....

Oh, and youll get used to the clutch, never really found it that heavy myself

DucDuk · Oct 6th, 2011, 9:28 am

Lawrence,
I went from a '95 M900 to the SFS - I did the smart thing and started out riding it with the DTS on 7. I have had it for about 18 months and I still ride it between 3-4 depending upon the road conditions and temperature. And even at this level - expecially coming out of corners - the front wheel can and will dance on you if you are not careful.

Go with the 1098SF - you will not regret it unless, like LessPeople - More Robots stated, you lull yourself into a sense of safety.

achung123 · Oct 6th, 2011, 11:52 am

Welcome to the world of SF!

I know exactly how you feel - but I think 'brutal' is too strong of a word. SF-S pulls strong and alive; but the power delivery is manageable without being snappy (except the 3K dip). The first time I put my leg over the SF-S, it was a test ride hosted by Ducati. The route was short and I can only go 3rd gear the most. But that's was enough - I know the SF-S is 'the one'. I tested with 848 back-to-back, and in comparison, the 848 feels lazy, especially coming out from a corner. It still better than my 06’ Sport 1000; but I expected a lot more for a brand new 4 valve water cool bike than a older 2 valve air cool bike - so I decision was pretty easy and clear. After close to 10K mile on my SF-S, the only regard I have is I should get it much sooner