japanese vs. ducati

[lrc3]

When i say better i mean pure performance

[spitfire1776]

As i told my wife the other day, "I wouldn't ride a Ducati, if it didn't feel like a Ducati....." It's not about power, it shouldn't be about the name. Its about the feel. I've ridden many, many bikes from many eras of motorcycling, and I will say this - nothing feels like a Ducati. I've ridden a Vincent and I love them, but still nothing feels like a Ducati. And I love the feeling.

Maintenance isn't bad if you can turn your own wrenches. Don't let mechanical naysayers sway you - they probably think small block CHevy's are still the best engine out there. There is no voodoo or sacrificed virgins behind the engine.

[BMiller]

Originally Posted by lrc3

When i say better i mean pure performance

That too is a matter of personal opinion.

[dnldfte]

You ride a very nice, powerful for it's size japanese bike. You join a Ducati specific forum and ask the question "Are Ducatis better than japanese bikes?"
The expected response from us is "Hell yea they kick the crap out of japanese bikes." You can then run to your R6 forum, post up our response, and then point out the fact that on paper a japanese bike is far superior and cheaper than a Ducati and Ducatisti are pompous posers with underpowered and overpriced rides. That is Trolling in a nutshell. Anybody truly interested in a brand could do an internet search on bike comparisons and glean all the information they need to develop an opinion. Then they could join up on a forum of enthusiasts and ask if anybody shares their opinion. You would then sound knowledgable and truly interested in owning a Ducati. The fact that you did not do that opened you up to reasonable doubt on my part. You will have to develop a thick skin to hang around here. Welcome to the forum. I did actually answer your question. I merely peppered it with doubt about your legitimate interest. Any online motorcycle mag will tell you what you want to know. Develop an opinion of your own. Then ask informed questions. You will then get reponses from the truly informed that hang out here all the time.

[NSP]

well as far as cost....you can get almost 3 R6's for a 1198 (do the math)

Power delivery is much different and the torque is availible in the low rpms and the R6 does not do this!!

[BMiller]

Originally Posted by NSP

Power delivery is much different and the torque is availible in the low rpms and the R6 does not do this!!

Very true. I've owned 1 '03 and 2 '05 R6 models in the past and even though I loved them, my Ducati has power available the whole way through the rev range while on the R6 I had to wring its neck to get the desired results and it was not a smooth transition. Both bikes are great for different reasons and the aftermarket availability for the R6 is MUCH more affordable.

[HYPERR]

You can always get an R1. That will solve your torque problem and you won't have to worry about the higher Ducati maintenance costs.

[JeffKoch]

Originally Posted by lrc3

When i say better i mean pure performance

What does that mean? Better acceleration? At which RPM? Better top speed? Better handling? Better braking? An R6 is a very refined bike that will be very fast, the 1098 will be marginally faster around a racetrack when ridden by an expert rider, both handle well, the main difference is that you have to scream the engine on an R6 to get good power.

[sargeott]

I was a DIE HARD honda performance rider.
When I left the track and purchased a "faster bike for street/canyon riding" the 07 gsxr 750.
I loved that bike and sunk way to much money into it to build a "faster sleeper...blah blah blah".
It wasnt until I was at my local coffee shop on a bike night when the Duc guys showed up that my rediculously modified zuki became just another JAP bike amoungst the others there.
A few months later I rode a duc, the 848 in fact. That bike has soul! It had a spirit that only the Italian race fore fathers could insite into the bike.
My only issue was the power of the 848 twin was just like my wifes SV650S.
I then test rode the 1098 and WOW the power was just like I had ALWAYS wanted from any bike.
Not peaky or unstable. Just there when I needed it and Expected it.
I purchased a 999 because the price was right and the ergonomics were comfortable for my riding style.
If you are at all concerned about a less powerful bike look at the liter Duc's.
As for the performance aspect....
These bikes ride like they are on rails. The frame doesn't flex like the Japaneese bikes do. The bike can hold a line solidly on the road and on the track is very predictable for line changes (with good tires).
I enjoy the torque on nice sunday rides when I'm just out cruising and come into a turn in a high gear (4th) and don't need to downshift to pull through effertlessly.
I'm done writing my love story and hope this helps.
Yes I still own my 190hp 750 and haven't riden it in 6 months. Rode my Duc more times then I can count in 6 months.

[goalee29]

I too have only owned Japanese bikes and am starting to research a Ducati. A few years ago I bought a TL1000R after owning my 89 1100 I bought new. I never wanted a twin but now I'm hooked. It's totally different from a 4 and I'll probably never go back to one. My biggest question is about comfort. I've heard that a 999 is the most comfortable sport model Ducati makes. True? And I have to say the older I get the less important speed is to me.

Bill