What would you do? 848 or 1098?

[Kawtipping]

I am contemplating trading in my ZX6R and ZX10R on a new 848 or 1098. As of right now my thoughts are to track the 996 and use the new bike as mainly a street bike for a couple years until turning it into a track bike. Everything I have read on the 848 suggests it is the better of the 2. Maybe not as much power, but really, it still has enough to get me in trouble. I have a dealer that is willing to discount a "left over" 1098 close to the price of the 848. It makes it a tough choice when you look at it from a shear value perspective. But then again, the 848's seem to be flying off the floors where the 1098's are still readily available. To through yet another wrench in the works, the dealer also gave me a good price on a 1098S. Sure the Ohlins would be great, but the more I think about it, the less I need it. I think a $4k difference could easily be made up with some after market goodies instead. After all, Showa suspension is rather good once you do some modifications to it.

So some opinions would be greatly appreciated! I would love to hear from owners of the 848's and 1098's as well. What types of problems have you had? How do you like the bikes? I still have two feet of snow in my yard, so I won't get to ride one for a bit. So ridding impressions would be great as well! If I am going to make the purchase, I would be looking to do it this coming week.

[desmo2]

First, I would post a poll in the appropriate section of the forum!

The 848's are flying off the showroom floors this year...just like the just-released 1098's did last year. I think Ducati has maximized their sales by staggering the release of the two models by a year.

I don't think anyone is saying the 848 is "the better of the two". IMO, the 848 is a better track bike, and it has plenty of power for street use (HP numbers comparable to the '03-'04 999).

I might be very tempted to pick the 848 over the 1098. Since I am not faced with that decision, I really don't know which route I would take.

[Kaisami]

If you can get a 1098 for close to the 848 cost I say go with it. Value wise you can't beat it and you know you are getting performance.

I have an 848 and thoroughly enjoy it. Money wasn't the object in making my choice over the 1098, but if I could have got the 1098 for close to the 848 I probably would have went that route. A deal is a deal and I hate passing up deals.

I picked the 848 for the fact that I enjoy the nimbleness of the smaller cc bikes. (Not saying the 1098 ain't nimble). I have ridden my friends 1098 to compare to my 848 and it is far easier to flick and guide the 848 where I want it.

The 1098 takes some finess with all it's torque. That thing has crazy grunt. For me it's the 848 if I am going to track it.

[oalvarez]

it sounds as though you have already made your decision. get the 848. i own a 1098 but came into it via a swap out of my HyperMotard. if i were to go out and buy a new bike today i'd buy the 848. why? i personally prefer the lesser weight and i surely don't need the extra power of the 1098. is the 1098 fun to own? absolutely, it's a monster of a motorcycle.

best success

[Kawtipping]

It is a very difficult decision. I like power (I have a ZX10 now), but I like a lite bike as well (I also have a ZX6R now). I know the 1098 is going to be closer to the 10, still not as much power, but I don't really need it anyways. Maybe I should factor in the 996 that I have. I have yet to ride it, as it was purchased mid snow storm up here in the midwest. I have only ridden a 748, and that was way back when I had no real clue what I was doing. At that time I had a ZX7R, so that was an apples to watermelon comparison.

So, if you had a 996..which would you be more inclined to buy?

[jdg123]

if money is no concern, than i dont know why anyone wouldnt get the 1098. especially the 1098s. 848 is lighter. and newer model. but the 1098 is the signature bike. faster acceleration. higher top speed. in my opinion the 848 has 2 big advantages. less weight. and pearl white color. other than that the 1098 wins all else. and power difference more than makes up for the added weight. just my 2 cents.

[mad]

Originally Posted by jdg123

if money is no concern, than i dont know why anyone wouldnt get the 1098. especially the 1098s. 848 is lighter. and newer model. but the 1098 is the signature bike. faster acceleration. higher top speed. in my opinion the 848 has 2 big advantages. less weight. and pearl white color. other than that the 1098 wins all else. and power difference more than makes up for the added weight. just my 2 cents.

+1...make that 4 cents.

[LaRossa]

and with my 2 cents we're up to 6. Hands down 1098!

[tweek]

I've never ridden a liter bike. My 848 is the most powerful bike I've ever been on and it has no problem slingshotting me in to the holigan zone if I don't make my right wrist behave. I simply don't think I'm mature enough (at 35) to ride a bike with 160hp. Local LEOs would put a hit out on my azz.

Anyway - the two bikes look the same. The 848 needs the front fender swapped out for the 1098's and both need the stupid rear fender yanked off and the plate relocated under the seat where it belongs. Beyond that the only practical difference is the motor.

That said if they are offering you a 1098S at a bargain price....Guess you got some thinking to do. You might have to teach your right wrist how to behave itself.

[ducduc]

I'm in the same boat. Eventually i'm getting rid of my zx6r and going with a used 1098.