Ducati 1098 Debut in California: Motorcycle Daily

[Schneegz]

Oh, my...
 
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/08december06_ducati1098.htm
 

 

I just returned from the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California, where I had the pleasure of seeing the Ducati 1098 in the flesh for the first time. Pictures do not do this bike justice (the photo above was taken by yours truly today). The new 1098 is absolutely gorgeous. Its lines and proportions are elegant, and a dramatic improvement on the lackluster 999 it replaces.
The most interesting thing to me is the pricing strategy of Ducati. The base 1098, with a full 160 horsepower/90.4 foot pounds from its 1099cc engine, and weighing a mere 381 pounds, will be sold in the United States beginning in February of next year at a price of $14,995. Truly an exotic, Italian superbike at a price not too far north of the most expensive Japanese superbikes. It appears Ducati may be trying to ramp up volume here in the U.S., and the 1098 will almost certainly create a massive increase in superbike sales for Ducati in 2007.
Two other models, including the $19,995 1098S (with forged Marchesini wheels, Ohlins suspension and built-in data acquisition software) and the $24,995 Tricolore (pictured above) with the special paint job and a full race exhaust system, as well as the 1098S upgrades, will join the base model here in the states early next year.
It looks like Ducati just found its mojo!

[garry]

5 large for paint, powder-coated frame and wheels, and an exhaust seems like a lot of coin, but damn that bike is gorgeous!

[OnlyVees]

It's also on the cover of the new Motorcyclist. I haven't read the whole article, but most of it seems positive. Let's see... 30 pounds lighter, 20 more hp and $3K cheaper. (compared to an 06 999) Holy crap.

[buckeye]

There are no words...

[badger]

Iwannit, I wannit, I wannit....
 
Must resist...
 
May just the base model.....
 
...but the Tricolore....

[happybusa]

It's also on the cover of the new Motorcyclist. I haven't read the whole article, but most of it seems positive. Let's see... 30 pounds lighter, 20 more hp and $3K cheaper. (compared to an 06 999) Holy crap.

Also cycle world, (I agree....YES YES YES!!!)
A waiting list?
Do you think?

[veefer800canuck]

I would like to see the bottom portion of the fairing (that is flat black) painted green like the other bit.
 
 
But yeah, it's drool-worthy!  

[TheRedOnesAreFaster]

Seriously beautiful motorcycle.

[Windblown]

All I can say is I'm glad it's 28 degrees outside right now and the local Duc dealer doesn't have one. Damn Italians!

[RickC1957]

Santa I have been real good this year...hey only one ticket...and no high speeds pursuits, or felony evasion charges this year....can I have one purity please?

[Shizoku]

Hmmm...sport touring on a 1098?
 
Beautiful bike indeed!  
 
Shiz

[jude]

I must say that I thorougly enjoyed eyeballin' that jewel of a machine last night.  T'was splendid, indeed.  However, the brunette in the Ducati shorty-shorts, boots and sportin' a gorgeous set of store boughts demanded some equal eyeballin' time...  Woulda been a tough call as to which one to take home given the chance!:inlove:

[bubba zanetti]

I must say that I thorougly enjoyed eyeballin' that jewel of a machine last night.  T'was splendid, indeed.  However, the brunette in the Ducati shorty-shorts, boots and sportin' a gorgeous set of store boughts demanded some equal eyeballin' time...  Woulda been a tough call as to which one to take home given the chance!:inlove:

Nice description of the ms ducatatisti shorts ...quick ... post the piccies .... post the piccies .... oops .. er ...ah ... too late.  

[homebrew]

That's one sexy mama of a bike.

[spinalator]

What is the going rate for a kidney?

[PackMule]

Goodbye, 999.  

[JETSET]

I got a chubb

[Bodhi]

Yah baby!

[Schneegz]

I must say that I thorougly enjoyed eyeballin' that jewel of a machine last night.  T'was splendid, indeed.  However, the brunette in the Ducati shorty-shorts, boots and sportin' a gorgeous set of store boughts demanded some equal eyeballin' time...  Woulda been a tough call as to which one to take home given the chance!:inlove:

Dude, you can't post a description like that without photographic evidence!  What are ya, some kind of noob, or something?  

[Busy Little Whiner]

Stunning Looks but I've never liked the aft weight bias feel of V2s... Ducati's own V4 sports a more
competitive weight bias and I would feel more confident on it than a bigger V2...

So the world wonders... did Ducati shoe horn in a bigger V2 and not teeter toter more weight aft???

[tenbears]

Much nicer than that terrible 999 that preceeded it... and I think the designers here have attempted to recapture the original [stunning] design of the 916 and its hybrids... but for me, it looks far too much like a Honda appliance... and if service charges are anything to go buy.... I'll be avoiding this.

[R Doug]

At first, I was surprised with the rather typical rear cans compared to the integrated looking unit from the 999.  But I read Ducati wanted to make it easier for companies to make various after market units.  So now I like them!  

I hope they have the tri-color at the Cleavland bike show this year.  I wanna see it in person.

[jude]

Dude, you can't post a description like that without photographic evidence!  What are ya, some kind of noob, or something?  

I didn't bring my camera.  I know, I'm an idiot.

[tenbears]

 

You just have to laugh out load at these Yanks!


~Class..... its why I visit heavyily [poluted] Yankie bike sites.

[R Doug]

 

You just have to laugh out load at these Yanks!


~Class..... its why I visit heavyily [poluted] Yankie bike sites.

 

[desert_rider]

I saw it at the Long Beach IMS - talk about rolling art and sex appeal.

[NoDak]

Damn I want one!  

[curvesurfer]

Stunning Looks but I've never liked the aft weight bias feel of V2s... Ducati's own V4 sports a more
competitive weight bias and I would feel more confident on it than a bigger V2...

So the world wonders... did Ducati shoe horn in a bigger V2 and not teeter toter more weight aft???

Accorrding to the article in the current issue of Motorcyclist, Ducati moved the engine forward a bit.

[cbsnbiker]

Hmmm, if bits from that package make their way into the ST lineup, I'll be sorely tempted.

[USMCUSAFbiker]

That is one awesome looking bike, and the fact that they lowered the prices means that you should see alot more Duc's in the future. Big   to Ducati.

[scott-sts]

Having just read the article in Motorcyclist, I was impressed by how clean the bike looks sans bodywork.  Usually Ducati's look like they crashed into the plumbing department at Home Depot but the 1098 looks clean.  

[crispiegee1]

Wow... gorgeous.

I wonder how hard it would be to have the base ($15k) version with the additional white & green colors of the $24k model.

From a sound perspective and engine configuration preference, I still like the Daytona 675 better.  But this one is so much bike for the money!  Unfortunately, none the no-holds-barred sportbikes have the civility I need in a long distance tourer.  

(Yes, I know they aren't designed for that, which is why they look so good!  But I can't afford to have a track-only bike, which rules these puppies out for me.)  

[Busy Little Whiner]

Accorrding to the article in the current issue of Motorcyclist, Ducati moved the engine forward a bit.

I've read the article and I'm waiting for the weight bias numbers... let's see if a longer stroke equals a more forward engine...

I still believe V2s are dead because Ducati's last gasp 1098 V2 will never have the valve area nor the forward weight bias of their own 999 V4 Desmosedici...

 

[Orson]

I still believe V2s are dead because Ducati's last gasp 1098 V2 will never have the valve area nor the forward weight bias of their own 999 V4 Desmosedici...

but...

didn't Yamaha just go from 5 valves per cylinder to 4

me thinks yer still smarting over Bayliss' 8 consecutive thumpings...er I mean victories.

[Busy Little Whiner]

but...

didn't Yamaha just go from 5 valves per cylinder to 4

me thinks yer still smarting over Bayliss' 8 consecutive thumpings...er I mean victories.

Yamaha's 5 valve was a pure marketing gimmick... no dyno run ever showed the 5 out producing the 4...

Thanks to my grandfather I qualify for dual citizenry... namely Italian and American... so I have an
invested interest in Ducati's success... that's why I feel so strongly that my Italian brothers are making a
gargantuan mistake banking the whole company on resuscitating an old V2 design while they sink race
money in a modern V4...

[Orson]

that's why I feel so strongly that my Italian brothers are making a
gargantuan mistake banking the whole company on resuscitating an old V2 design while they sink race
money in a modern V4...

 

you ain't foolin' nobody.

yer Donald Rumsfeld...ain'tcha?

and Honda's busy sweeping up a few "dead enders"  

maybe you tuned out Superbike coverage this year...those thumpins got to be purty regular there around mid-season...

anyways...the final tally was:

"old" V2 design - 12  
Honda - 4  

[Busy Little Whiner]

 

you ain't foolin' nobody.

yer Donald Rumsfeld...ain'tcha?

and Honda's busy sweeping up a few "dead enders"  

maybe you tuned out Superbike coverage this year...those thumpins got to be purty regular there around mid-season...

anyways...the final tally was:

"old" V2 design - 12  
Honda - 4  

Donald Rumsfeld can't ride his way out of a wet paper bag... he's just a stinky Navy pilot worth about 12 million...

What I gather watching WSB is no one could out race Troy and now that Ducati lost the displacement
advantage they enjoyed all these years they have been busy building a bigger V2 to keep pace with 4
cylinder competition... hence the big 1098... so how many more cubic centimeters will a V2 need to stay
competitive... 1200cc 1500cc 2000cc???

[Orson]

What I gather watching WSB is no one could out race Troy and now that Ducati lost the displacement
advantage they enjoyed all these years they have been busy building a bigger V2 to keep pace with 4
cylinder competition... hence the big 1098... so how many more cubic centimeters will a V2 need to stay
competitive... 1200cc 1500cc 2000cc???

dadgum...if they did any more "keepin pace" there wouldn't be anything left of Honda HRC but smokin' rubble.

I think whut we have here...is a "State of Denial".

 

[Driveshaft]

SWEET!

[curvesurfer]

I get as tired as the next guy with the constant exalting of the V4 by BLS...

..but he does have a point that in WSBK, Ducati has typically enjoyed rules advantages that allow them to make up for the inherent disadvantages of the V2 compared to the I4.

Fewer such favorable rules exist in AMA, which explains Ducati's lack of recent success in the US series.

Ducati didn't ask for a displacement bump for V2s in WSBK on a whim, they know the only way to keep up with the ever-improving I4s is to maintain a displacement gap.

Ducati has remained committed to the V2 for reasons based in tradition, not outright performance. In fact, the Motorcyclist article said the 1098 equalled the Big Four literbikes in every category "except outright speed." Unfortunately, outright speed is the motivating factor for most literbike sales.

While I'm thrilled by the new 1098 (lighter, faster, cheaper, prettier)....I too hope it's the end of the line for the Ducati V2. I'd rather see a race-bred 990cc V4 in the next-generation Superbike than a 1300cc V2.

[crispiegee1]

While I'm thrilled by the new 1098 (lighter, faster, cheaper, prettier)....I too hope it's the end of the line for the Ducati V2. I'd rather see a race-bred 990cc V4 in the next-generation Superbike than a 1300cc V2.

Ditto.

Now, since I'm not a big Ducati follower, I need to ask a question:  Would a V4 Duc have a normal firing order (i.e. 1-4-3-2) or would they be inclined to do one of those arrangements where two-cylinders fire at one time (mimicking a v-twin sound).  And how do they configure their race V-4?

[Busy Little Whiner]

Ducati has remained committed to the V2 for reasons based in tradition, not outright performance. In fact, the Motorcyclist article said the 1098 equalled the Big Four literbikes in every category "except outright speed." Unfortunately, outright speed is the motivating factor for most literbike sales.

There's another category that a V2 will never equal a 4 cylinder machine... namely the race for more
forward weight bias... it's another the down side of an extra long engine architect... a competitive froward
weight bias is paramount for racer to push the front hard... the inherent aft weight bias problem of V2s is
the reason some cite that a vague feel to the front...  King Carl Fogarty himself called for a shift in the
forward weight bias of his Ducati 998 racer but was turned down on grounds that the front tire comes
dangerously close to striking the cylinder head during extreme suspension loads...  

[bluedogok]

Ducati has remained committed to the V2 for reasons based in tradition, not outright performance. In fact, the Motorcyclist article said the 1098 equalled the Big Four literbikes in every category "except outright speed." Unfortunately, outright speed is the motivating factor for most literbike sales.

Most buyers looking at a Ducati aren't comparing the spec sheet to see who has 1 or 2 hp or mph more, typically that is the domain of those looking at Big 4 bikes as a crank extention. Most of the time a Ducati buyer is wanting a Ducati and nothing else.

[Orson]

There's another category that a V2 will never equal a 4 cylinder machine... namely the race for more
forward weight bias...

which makes it all the more ironic that the people complaining about "vague front end"...

were RC45 teamsters Simon Crafar and Aaron Slight  

Here's Mr. Crafar trying to put a finger on it:

"The only problem I have at the moment is getting it to change direction. The engine has been improved enormously and it's really good now. Doesn't quite match the Ducatis on acceleration out of the corner, but it is close and it has a slight top speed advantage. I really don't know what the cause of the handling problem is. If we had a few different chassis we could muck around and find out what's wrong. It does seem to be okay for some riders, like the Japanese riders don't have the same problem on Japanese tracks as Aaron and I have on the World Superbike tracks."

y'all need to suck it up...we've had to listen to yer whining ever since Paul Smart spanked the opposition at Imola in '72

 

[jed]

...Most of the time a Ducati buyer is wanting a Ducati and nothing else.

I fear I am falling into that category.  I'm looking for a track bike and trying to be logical and rational, but the Ducs just keep floating to the top....

[Busy Little Whiner]

y'all need to suck it up...we've had to listen to yer whining ever since Paul Smart spanked the opposition at Imola in '72

Mercy 1972... I talked to Paul Smart at Laguna Seca in 2006... he appreciates a World Class Superbike and  so he's welcome to ride Mr.RC45 anytime... I'll send you a photo suitable for framing Orson...

[iceman]

The 1098 has to be the finest example of 21st century engineering that I've seen in a long time.

[Orson]

Mercy 1972... I talked to Paul Smart at Laguna Seca in 2006... he appreciates a World Class Superbike and  so he's welcome to ride Mr.RC45 anytime... I'll send you a photo suitable for framing Orson...

you may not know this...

but I am able to read lips...

look closely at the picture and I'm almost 100% positive that Paul is saying "Honda suuhhhks".

Once a Ducatisti...always a Ducatisti.

[Busy Little Whiner]

you may not know this...

but I am able to read lips...

look closely at the picture and I'm almost 100% positive that Paul is saying "Honda suuhhhks".

Once a Ducatisti...always a Ducatisti.

Honda's inlines do suck...

The Ducatisti worship the V4 Desmodesici... the King of Ducatis...   just as Guzzi lovers worship the
companies V8 Gp racer...

[Aero]

Mercy 1972... I talked to Paul Smart at Laguna Seca in 2006... he appreciates a World Class Superbike and  so he's welcome to ride Mr.RC45 anytime...

I met Paul Smart at Misano in 1998 and he still seemed pretty well enamoured of his Ducati then. Why would he want to ride an obsolete Honda failed racer? The RC45 may have been World Class in 1994 but is hopelessly outclassed by all manner of bikes these days. All the twittering about weight bias is just a smoke screen and a pretty thin one at that. A look at race results tells you whose design is superior, and it is Ducati not Honda. I doubt that we will see any more V4 engined bikes from Honda after the demise of the VFR. They tried to sell a whole range of V4's from 400cc to 1000cc but people just weren't interested. The power delivery of a good V2 is just too good to ignore.

[Busy Little Whiner]

 Why would he want to ride an obsolete Honda failed racer?

Oh because Paul has never met a bike he didn't like... especially one with 7 Isle of Man titles...

[vitaminC]

Saw this bike at the moto-show this weekend, and it was stunning   What I would worry about, however, is that it seems that under hard braking certain parts of the male anatomy will make some very unhealthy contact with the tank, causing this sort of reaction:  

[crispiegee1]

Is anyone able to answer my earlier questions:  Would a V4 Duc have a normal firing order (i.e. 1-4-3-2) or would they be inclined to do one of those arrangements where two-cylinders fire at one time (mimicking a v-twin sound).  And how do they configure their race V-4?

[st ryder]

I get as tired as the next guy with the constant exalting of the V4 by BLS...

..but he does have a point that in WSBK, Ducati has typically enjoyed rules advantages that allow them to make up for the inherent disadvantages of the V2 compared to the I4.

Fewer such favorable rules exist in AMA, which explains Ducati's lack of recent success in the US series.

Ducati didn't ask for a displacement bump for V2s in WSBK on a whim, they know the only way to keep up with the ever-improving I4s is to maintain a displacement gap.

Ducati has remained committed to the V2 for reasons based in tradition, not outright performance. In fact, the Motorcyclist article said the 1098 equalled the Big Four literbikes in every category "except outright speed." Unfortunately, outright speed is the motivating factor for most literbike sales.

While I'm thrilled by the new 1098 (lighter, faster, cheaper, prettier)....I too hope it's the end of the line for the Ducati V2. I'd rather see a race-bred 990cc V4 in the next-generation Superbike than a 1300cc V2.

What I understand is that when I-4 whiners distort the terminology from the correct "displacement accommodation" to the misleading "displacement advantage" they forget that when both configurations put out the *same horsepower*, the Ducati L-twin puts out *more torque*, and it's that L-twin torque that's led to traction controlled I-4s to power out of corners, which is why Suzuki has dominated: they cheated at AMA racing, end of story, and I don't want to hear, "Well, it depends on how you describe traction control..." BS please and thank you.  If there *is* a better design, it's the bike that makes *more torque* when making the same horsepower, ie the L-twin.  I'll take a large displacement L-twin torque monster for street riding/sport touring, as "top speed" is not my interest.

[Busy Little Whiner]

And how do they configure their race V-4?

Ducati Racer is a big bang V4 with a 360º crank... firing order is 1-4-3-2 90 270 90 270... just like Hona's
RC30 and RC45... it done this way for the superior power delivery and hook up...




 

[Aero]

What I understand is that when I-4 whiners distort the terminology from the correct "displacement accommodation" to the misleading "displacement advantage" they forget that when both configurations put out the *same horsepower*, the Ducati L-twin puts out *more torque*, and it's that L-twin torque that's led to traction controlled I-4s to power out of corners, which is why Suzuki has dominated: they cheated at AMA racing, end of story, and I don't want to hear, "Well, it depends on how you describe traction control..." BS please and thank you.  If there *is* a better design, it's the bike that makes *more torque* when making the same horsepower, ie the L-twin.  I'll take a large displacement L-twin torque monster for street riding/sport touring, as "top speed" is not my interest.

And when I4 whiners were whining about the 'unfair displacement advantage' of the Ducatis in WSB when I4s were restricted to 750cc, they kept quiet that HRC engineers had privately admitted that a limit of 730cc would in fact have been sufficient to compensate for the 4 cylinder motor's higher rev limit. Far from being the swan song of the V2 layout we are seeing more and more V2 designs hitting the road as people realise that horsepower isn't the be all and end all of motorcycling.

[crispiegee1]

Ducati Racer is a big bang V4 with a 360º crank... firing order is 1-4-3-2 90 270 90 270... just like Hona's
RC30 and RC45... it done this way for the superior power delivery and hook up...



I had a feeling you'd know.  Thanks, Larry.  
 

[JonS]

Honda's inlines do suck...

The Ducatisti worship the V4 Desmodesici... the King of Ducatis...   just as Guzzi lovers worship the
companies V8 Gp racer...

Once again you have managed to turn a topic about something completely different, the beautiful 1098, into your own little soapbox crusade.

[JoBu]

Once again you have managed to turn a topic about something completely different, the beautiful 1098, into your own little soapbox crusade.

A HUGE +1  

Ok, Larry...we get it.  EVERYONE here knows that you believe the V-4 to be superior to any other design.  Fine...can you just give it a rest once in awhile?  And don't give us any more of that "Army of One" crap.  That is a lame excuse.  Perhaps you just fire for affect.  Ok, no one minds a little ribbing, kidding, etc some of the time.  But do you have to do this on most threads you post on?  Most of the time, I just let his comments slide, but every so often...geez I want to reach through the screen and ring his little pencil neck.  When all else fails, might makes right!!    Maybe you were picked on a lot as a child???  I just don't get it.  You must have been a hoot to serve with in the Air Force.    

And you can refrain from the "Mercy, I was just trying to inject a little logic" type comments as well.  If you post statements about how L-2 engines are such pieces of crud to a Ducati thread, stand by to reap what you sow.  

Oh, BTW Larry, were you aware that the Navy has more aircraft than the Air Force?  Just thought you'd enjoy that.  

I apologize to the rest of you for the rant.  Just needed to vent.  Its been a d*mn long day.  I feel better now...  

Cheers,

Joe

[TalkingHead]

Well, I think it's a beautiful bike, and more bike than pretty much anyone here needs or could get the maximum out of. But that's not the point really, is it? If I could afford one I would have one simply because it's a thing of beauty, especially in the Tri Colore scheme. The stats on bikes like the 1098 are merely for pecker measuring when it comes to those of us who don't race at the national level and just ride the street and do the occasional track day. The questions are: do you find it aesthetically appealing? Do you like how it sounds? Does the feel of the motor work for you? Is it comfortable enough to ride for you? Can you afford it if you want it?

[bubba zanetti]

I think this is a beautiful and well engineered machine. I lust after it and do have room in my garage. But ... there is just no way to rationalize owning such a beast that would allow me to keep a straight face while I explained it to Ursula.


As far as Larry goes, he is clearly working hard in an effort to be shunned by the majority here and gains some delight in that process.

[JoBu]

I think this is a beautiful and well engineered machine. I lust after it and do have room in my garage. But ... there is just no way to rationalize owning such a beast that would allow me to keep a straight face while I explained it to Ursula.

Ahhh...but remember the golden rule, "Tis easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission".    

This bike really speaks to the emotional side of me and to me, that is what motorcycling is all about.  What stirs my soul and makes me happy...  Still, I will have to save lots of pennies before I see one in my garage.  

Cheers,

Joe

[JoBu]

As far as Larry goes, he is clearly working hard in an effort to be shunned by the majority here and gains some delight in that process.

Hmmmm...good point.  In a way, I'm disappointed I let someone get under my skin like that.  Situations like that are becoming more and more rare the older I get.  But every once in awhile, the darker side does boil up to the top.  And still the world will turn.  

Cheers,

Joe

[Busy Little Whiner]

I had a feeling you'd know.  Thanks, Larry.  Smile

You're welcome...

[Busy Little Whiner]

Ok, Larry...we get it.
Oh, BTW Larry, were you aware that the Navy has more aircraft than the Air Force?  Just thought you'd enjoy that.  

Thanks for getting that I promote Big Bang V4s so we will all see more on the dealers floor...

BTW... the Navy flies in the USAF's shadow... we gots the high ground...

[Mookie]

Hmmmm...good point.  In a way, I'm disappointed I let someone get under my skin like that.  Situations like that are becoming more and more rare the older I get.  But every once in awhile, the darker side does boil up to the top.  And still the world will turn.  

Cheers,

Joe

You just have to learn how to use the ignore function.  There is only one person that I've ever ignored on any web forum, and Larry is that guy.  It even makes this thread readable  

[Aero]

Thanks for getting that I promote Big Bang V4s so we all see more on the dealers floor...

Well nobody here is taking any notice of your obsession and I doubt that any manufacturer will either, even if you camp at the factory gates. The RC45 was a decent enough machine in its day even though it ultimately failed its design objective, but I really can't see why you seem to think that nothing better has been produced since 1994.

[JonS]

Well, I think it's a beautiful bike, and more bike than pretty much anyone here needs or could get the maximum out of. But that's not the point really, is it? If I could afford one I would have one simply because it's a thing of beauty, especially in the Tri Colore scheme. The stats on bikes like the 1098 are merely for pecker measuring when it comes to those of us who don't race at the national level and just ride the street and do the occasional track day. The questions are: do you find it aesthetically appealing? Do you like how it sounds? Does the feel of the motor work for you? Is it comfortable enough to ride for you? Can you afford it if you want it?

To your questions, Yes, I think it is absolutely beautiful, unlike its predecessor. I love the Ducati sound and I'm sure this baby is no exception. No, it is definitely not in my comfort range. I'm 25 years past. I could afford a used one next year.

[Busy Little Whiner]

Well nobody here is taking any notice of your obsession and I doubt that any manufacturer will either, even if you camp at the factory gates. The RC45 was a decent enough machine in its day even though it ultimately failed its design objective, but I really can't see why you seem to think that nothing better has been produced since 1994.

Camp hell... why I'd jump right up on the CEOs desk and fight for V4s...

The RC45 design objective was to win a World Superbike Championship and win it did...  

[st ryder]

Camp hell... why I'd jump right up on the CEOs desk and fight for V4s...

The RC45 design objective was to win a World Superbike Championship and win it did...  

It never won again.  

[crispiegee1]

Some people seem to have an obsession with bashing Larry.  Can we try to move past ripping apart every comment he makes?

I'm not as religious about posting on here as others, so maybe I haven't had enough exposure for him to get under my skin, but he seems like a decent guy.  Fanatical? Absolutely.  Insane? Possibly.  (Would he have shot Reagan to impress the RC45?  I wonder... lol)  

But can we just not attack people so personally?  It makes the board seem rather petty (and bums me out).

Thanks.  

[Schneegz]

Can you afford it if you want it?

Nope.  

[TalkingHead]

Me neither.  

[Busy Little Whiner]

It never won again.  

True but deceptive... although the RC45 never won another WSBK Championship it did continued to win 4 Isle
of Man titles... I AMA Superbike Championship... 1 Macau Grand Prix... I Dayton 200... and it continues to win
over hearts and minds today...  

[Thor]

There is an easy solution:

[st ryder]

True but deceptive... although the RC45 never won another WSBK Championship it did continued to win 4 Isle
of Man titles... I AMA Superbike Championship... 1 Macau Grand Prix... I Dayton 200... and it continues to win
over hearts and minds today...  

Yes, it did win, on smaller stages, with privateers, this is true. I was talking about the big stage, with factory teams. Bottom line on Honda's v-four is that it can only be found in the "Interceptor" line.  A middle of the road, do it all bike. Hardly the outcome befitting a "world class" bike. While Ducati continues to sell and race very successfully on the world stage their venerable L-twin, now putting out more horsepower and torque than ever due to continuous improvement and refinement based on racing technology, Honda's only public offering bearing the HRC derived "racer" status is the RC51 AFAIK. A very good Ducati L-twin imitator. V-fours may be the up and coming MotoGP engine of choice, and at some point may trickle down to average folks, but they will be *far* better designs than the old RC45 and current Interceptor engines, and only a *little* better than the current crop of L-twins.

[Mookie]

There is an easy solution:

Here here!

[Busy Little Whiner]

 V-fours may be the up and coming MotoGP engine of choice, and at some point may trickle down to average folks, but they will be *far* better designs than the old RC45 and current Interceptor engines, and only a *little* better than the current crop of L-twins.

Amen... I pray that a new V4 trickles down to the masses... it's too good of an engine architect to remain
just in the hands of factory race teams...

Mercy St ryder... technically speaking there's nothing old about the RC45's titanium rodded... composite
sleeve... fuel injected... cam gear engine... by Honda's own admittance their designs are evolutionary not
revolutionary... and so the RC45 afforded Honda a successful base of data in the evolution of their new
MotoGp V4... after all... HRC extracted 191HP out of 750cc back in 99... that's a record that no other
normally aspirated 750 has ever beat that I know of...

[st ryder]

.. after all... HRC extracted 191HP out of 750cc back in 99... that's a record that no other
normally aspirated 750 has ever beat that I know of...

Yes that may be true for bikes, but many years ago, Toyota had a race car that pretty much won everthing it entered, and I believe it is still the winningest car in history. So many classes anymore and always changing names but maybe it was IMSA "c" class at some point? In any case, it was a 2 litre engine that put out 700hp. Not sure if it was turbo charged or normally aspirated, but that's equal to a 263hp 750. That engine was probably built by Yamaha.

[Aero]

Amen... I pray that a new V4 trickles down to the masses... it's too good of an engine architect to remain
just in the hands of factory race teams...

Mercy St ryder... technically speaking there's nothing old about the RC45's titanium rodded... composite
sleeve... fuel injected... cam gear engine... by Honda's own admittance their designs are evolutionary not
revolutionary... and so the RC45 afforded Honda a successful base of data in the evolution of their new
MotoGp V4... after all... HRC extracted 191HP out of 750cc back in 99... that's a record that no other
normally aspirated 750 has ever beat that I know of...

 
Pleas explain to us unwashed masses how a V4 layout can produce more power than an I4??

[Busy Little Whiner]

 
Pleas explain to us unwashed masses how a V4 layout can produce more power than an I4??

800cc V4 and a 800cc I4 will produce the same amount of power... the reasons more MotoGp engineers
choose the V4 over the I4 are:

V4 sports a linear power ban in place of the cammy hit of an I4...

V4 sports a short light weight crank that will rev quicker than the long beam heavy I4 crank...

V4 3 journal crank produces less frictional loses than 5 journal I4 crank...  

V4 inherent cube block engine cases afford great rigidity and can be produced lighter than the long beam
I4 cases that have to made heavier as greater power is extracted in order to arrest case flex...  

V4 narrow frontal area adds up to a slimmer fairing over the wide fairing I4...

 
 

[DogBoy]

This 1098 just keeps getting better. Ducati adds yellow and black:      linky

[st ryder]

This 1098 just keeps getting better. Ducati adds yellow and black:      linky

Yes, it does keep getting better, but not for me, for whom there is only 1 Ducati colour. RED!!!

[R Doug]

+1 ,Duc red has to be the best.  But, that black w/ the exposed red trellis frame and red lines in the wheels is pretty sweet.

[Busa@11K]

Yes, it does keep getting better, but not for me, for whom there is only 1 Ducati colour. RED!!!

Yep, I like the red one too ... so much that I had to go put a deposit on a red base 1098.  Should be here around Mar 2007.  Anyone else here planning on getting one?  

[st ryder]

Yep, I like the red one too ... so much that I had to go put a deposit on a red base 1098.  Should be here around Mar 2007.  Anyone else here planning on getting one?  

Does dreaming count as planning?   If so, I've got a Tri Colore on order.  

[TalkingHead]

I'm partial to the yellow one myself. Damn....

Must make more money!!!!!!!