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NEW to me 2012 1098 Streetfighter

4K views 24 replies 14 participants last post by  Ducoddy-SS 
#1 ·
I picked up my 2012 Streetfighter today...and now its time for me to modify...The tires look pretty good but the turn is at best strange.
By this I mean as I make the turn the bike seems to hesitate then fall...thats the beat way I can explain it..
I ordered some new Q3 front and rear....but if theres a better choice please let me know..I vcan change to order before Monday..
Id like to ask for some input on mods...this bike was purchased from a friend and he was a great caretaker of the bike...Rizoma goodies and Termi blessings were on his Ducradar
So I would like to know the mods,tools and accessories those with the 2012 1098 SF have found useful on their pride and joys.
I am coming from a 1996 900SS and my 2003 ST4S W/ABS
My god the MOTOR on the SF is sinful!!!!
No excuses...Sinful I tell you!
But I am hoping the Q3s bring out the good manners in turn in.
Rear hugger CF recomendations??
Maybe higher handlebars and a more blingy handlebar clamp.
Aftermarket Rims???
If they are over 3200.00 then Id go BST branded...red CF of course!!
Tool recomendations??
Stands for front and rear???
Thank you in advance to those that offer their insights...tomorrow I will be in Stockbridge Mi. for the all clubs day meet...come to the SW corner and look for Mike S if your close by
MS
 
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#4 · (Edited)
I've tried almost all of the hyperbikes tires including the pirellis on the SF and to me the tire that mates with the characteristics of the SF best is the original Mich pilot power 2CT ( not the PP2,3,4) it has the sharpest profile giving better response to input. I agree with your feeling about the handling of the SF, it is a little sluggish. Jacking the rear up to decrease the rake will help a little bit if you can stand the new riding position and still reach the ground but getting tires that turn quick is an easy way to help make it better. The Q3 isnt going to help you its a very round linear profile better suited to bikes with a steep rake and short wheelbase. Pilot power 2 CT is the way to go. Another thing that will help is to ditch the OE steering damper in favor of an adjustable unit like Ohlins or Bitubo. The stock damper is way too stiff.
Good luck:wink2:

Oh, and for all of your answers and answers to questions you'll ask in the future check the FAQ at the top of the SF section, there's a world of info in there!
 
#5 ·
I agree with your feeling about the handling of the SF, it is a little sluggish. Jacking the rear up to *increase the rake will help a little bit if you can stand the new riding position and still reach the ground but getting tires that turn quick is an easy way to help make it better.
Raising the rear end will *decrease the rake as well as *decrease the trail a bit. Doing either or both will make the motorcycle's handling a bit "quicker" .. as was said.
 
#10 ·
I do think liability and or just general safety had something to do with Ducati's decision to stretch the swingarm and increase the rake from the donor 1098sbk. Just complete conjecture on my part but I'd bet that the people that test these things out found the original SF set up with geometry from the SBK bike and a high handlebar was just a little too lively for the general public. The streetfighter is an absolute animal of a bike so they went for stability over nimbleness.
 
#11 ·
But they released both to us all, so maybe it is buyer preference.
Ducati gives you a choice. :grin2:
 
#18 ·
When I owned my 2010 . The tires helped but best improvement I made was changing handle bars to a little higher flatter one. Like Ducati installed on SF 848. I don’t recall which one I used. It might have been renthal . It made a big difference for me on how bike felt especially on tighter roads.
 
#20 ·
I picked up a SFS in July and it had Pirelli Diablo tires on it. I changed those out for the Michelin Pilot RS and never looked back. They are great tires I use them on my 1098 S superbike. Can't go wrong with those tires smooth ride and plenty of grip. They last a long time.

1098 SF are no joke, but insanely fun to ride and more comfortable for longer hauls.
 
#21 ·
I think its really cool, that the Streetfighter is again... relevant. I have read everyones suggested points, re: Suspension and setup. I think they are all valid. Its a great platform to experiment on! For the new owners, you did not purchase it new ( at a High Price!) That should allow you plenty of 'room' to experiment with 'attitude.' I have a vision for what I want my Naked 1098 to do! That, may not be what you want it to do. I think this is somewhat of a personal journey. Having said that. Do not be afraid to take some rake out of this bike. As for Tires..... I have a fondness for Dunlop. Its all about what you are comfortable with. Enjoy, the journey of making 'her' your own. FC
 
#22 ·
SF 1098

WOW!!!
Thank you to all for the input on the SF!!!
My tires came in fast...the clutch side pin has been a fiasco...if someone has one they would sell or loan I would appreciate it...its like 40mm diameter...for a pitbull SS Swingarm stand..
My backup plan is to get a bushing to fit...but Id like to have the pin.
I purchased some sweet CF from Nicecycle...beautiful stuff!
I purchased a key ring protector
Heat shield
Front air intakes
Next will be under tank trimpieces and a rear hugger.
Then more CF for next season
Ion my 2012 streetfighter I noticed the body components color does not match the frame color...WTF???
Mines a 2012...is this common on the red models??
Body works a different shade of red from the frameIm purchasing frame red this weeknd from my paint supplier near me..
then Ill be looking at seat cowl CF
Under seat CF...
Ive got all winter...changes are coming
Miek S
 
#23 ·
2012 SF

Loving this bike...the sad news though...I live in SE Michigan....and its cooling off...winter is coming...I need to head down south !!
I checked the air pressure in the tires today after work...less than 20 pds fron and rear...puffed them up to 34 F and R...I hope to see the difference this weekend...
I have a new set of Q3s to install over the winter...tires are 5 yO so its time..
Also...I hate the stock wheels...
They have to go..
Or at least PC to a different color.
Installed the CF from Bestum...air runners,heat shield, key guard...ordered the wrong size...need the shorter one...anyone want to trade for the right one>>?
Mike S
2003 ST4S W/ ABS
1996 900SSCR W/944,showas ohlins etc...
2012 Streetfighter
 
#24 ·
Your bike will turn like crap with the tires that low. It will be completely different with the proper amount of air in them. The new tires will also make a difference since old tires become hard and slick. The stock wheels are some of the best as far as performance goes. They're very lightweight. And have you looked at what they cost? Replacing them would throwing money away. I personally think the stock wheels are some of the best looking wheels out there. If money grew on trees I might consider going with CF wheels just to have them because that's wheel porn. But I wouldn't gain much in performance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#25 ·
2012 Streetfighter

Ive had the time to finally put some back road miles on my SF and Its been a blast!!
Bike rides great and the engine is soo sweeet!!
But the seat is causing nut issues..
So...
Seat recomendations..please...Im 6'1" and north of 250 pounds.
When I get on the front brakes the bits slide into the tank..
So...
a little help please..
 
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