1098 ergos

[brianhe]

I'm interested in the 1098 but at 6'4" with 34" inseam, am not sure I'd be able to fit on one.  Have ergos been published anywhere?  How does the 1098 compare to any other bike in the Ducati lineup? I've read that it is taller & has a higher seat than the 999 but don't know much beyond that.

[Mr Sunshine]

You want a 1098?  

[Leanintree]

Of course! Don't we all? But I just always figured that if you bought a sporting Duc, you pretty much just assumed that your chiropracter was getting a new pool or sending his kids to a nice school. Don't sell your ST1100...

Leanintree

[sfarson]

I'm interested in the 1098 but at 6'4" with 34" inseam, am not sure I'd be able to fit on one.  Have ergos been published anywhere?  How does the 1098 compare to any other bike in the Ducati lineup? I've read that it is taller & has a higher seat than the 999 but don't know much beyond that.

According to a 1098 video interview with Ducati NA the ergos are committed.  Race-like.  From the pics it appears to be so.  FWIW, I'm a hair under 6'5" with a 36" inseam and 190lbs and had no problem at all with a 998 I recently sold.  The net is your comfort on a 1098 will largely be determined by shape you're in, the flexibility you have.

[brianhe]

You want a 1098?  

Crazy huh?  But it's really got a gut appeal to me.  I always liked the 916/998, and the R1 that kind of took the reigns as far as that style of design.  Though I've been looking at (and test riding!) do-it-all sport-touring machines, I've come to the conclusion that there are too many compromises and I really want a light, torquey, emotionally appealing bike.  A lot of my riding goals when I got into riding haven't materialized -- I'm not doing cross-country touring and am not likely to do so while I have kids at home, which will be a good while yet.  

I actually put money down on a 1098 today    but I have a little while to make a final decision if I'm going to do this, and whether or not to keep the Honda.

[Mr Sunshine]

Of course! Don't we all? But I just always figured that if you bought a sporting Duc, you pretty much just assumed that your chiropracter was getting a new pool or sending his kids to a nice school. Don't sell your ST1100...

Leanintree

No...since I found out the tach is digital I don't want the bike even more.  I really liked the 999.

[MisterSmooth]

Crazy huh?  But it's really got a gut appeal to me.  I always liked the 916/998, and the R1 that kind of took the reigns as far as that style of design.  Though I've been looking at (and test riding!) do-it-all sport-touring machines, I've come to the conclusion that there are too many compromises and I really want a light, torquey, emotionally appealing bike.  A lot of my riding goals when I got into riding haven't materialized -- I'm not doing cross-country touring and am not likely to do so while I have kids at home, which will be a good while yet.  

I actually put money down on a 1098 today    but I have a little while to make a final decision if I'm going to do this, and whether or not to keep the Honda.

Shoot, keep the ST1100, too.       Nice little stable that would be.  As for the 1098, why not?  Buying any motorbike is a gamble of sorts.  The only way you'll really know if it's for you is to own one for awhile.  If you don't like, sell it.  You won't have any trouble finding someone to take it off your hands.

[dinolee]

Brian, once you get the bike (and you will be getting it ), let us know the delivery date, so we all can schedule a proper welcome home, fawn and drool event to see it!  In fact, I believe a eastside sushi meet would be in order.

[brianhe]

I'd be happy to show it off.  At this point the delivery is pretty fuzzy -- sometime in March, they think.

[Busa@11K]

Go checkout www.1099-forum.com if you haven't already.  I posted the same question there.  Good board if you've got a 1098 on hold and need info.  BTW, I have a deposit on one too at Eastside Motosports.  

Sounds like it might be along the lines of the GSX-R and R1 ergos ... as I would suspect.  Don't sign the dotted line until you've at least sat on one.

http://www.1098-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=702

[Busa@11K]

I actually put money down on a 1098 today    

Which one you going for?  A red base model is enough for me, and that's what I have a deposit on.  

[MisterSmooth]

Brian, once you get the bike (and you will be getting it ), let us know the delivery date, so we all can schedule a proper welcome home, fawn and drool event to see it!  In fact, I believe a eastside sushi meet would be in order.

That's a brilliant idea.  I'm in already.  

[Mr Sunshine]

One more thing.  When I saw the thing at the show I was unimpressed with the lack of finish quality on the fairing ear under the mirror mount.  It was like raw fiberglass which had paint.  I would expect it to be smooth like on the top side.

but I'll look more closely when the bike shows up in the showroom.

OH and fo ryou guys who want to here it race. Come down to PAcific Raceways for the WMRRA events.  There will be several 1098 out there going at it.

[brianhe]

Which one you going for?  A red base model is enough for me, and that's what I have a deposit on.  

Same bike, same dealer even.  I think they will be sold out very soon.  While I was there they made two sales.

[falcofred]

Mitch from Motorcyclist says the reach for the bars are shorter than the 999, he states it's more comfortable than the 999, but that's not saying much.
I just picked up a slightly used Triumph 675, and at 6'3" and 200 lbs. I'm looking at bar risers as my first modification.

[Mr Sunshine]

BTW: If you have to ask how the ergos are...then the bike isn't the right one for you.

[Busa@11K]

BTW: If you have to ask how the ergos are...then the bike isn't the right one for you.

  ... that's not true.  Some people want to know what their new bike might be like, especially if they've never sat on one and the thing costs $15K +.

Some guys may want the bike, but wouldn’t like the eros enough to justify the want.  It's obviously a factor in deciding on a purchase or not ... same with probably almost every bike ever purchased.  It's a huge factor for many people, regardless if it's a 1098 or avGoldwing.  

[Mr Sunshine]

  ... that's not true.  Some people want to know what their new bike might be like, especially if they've never sat on one and the thing costs $15K +.

Some guys may want the bike, but wouldn’t like the eros enough to justify the want.  It's obviously a factor in deciding on a purchase or not ... same with probably almost every bike ever purchased.  It's a huge factor for many people, regardless if it's a 1098 or avGoldwing.  

The 1098 is a 1000% built race bike being sold on the street with the hopes for rule changes to allow them to race it.  when you are looking at a race bike it damn well just speak to you and ergo's aren't in that formula.

For types of bikes ergo's are very important to me.  for race bikes....if you are concerned about ergos you will be disappointed.

[Busa@11K]

The 1098 is a 1000% built race bike being sold on the street with the hopes for rule changes to allow them to race it.  when you are looking at a race bike it damn well just speak to you and ergo's aren't in that formula.

For types of bikes ergo's are very important to me.  for race bikes....if you are concerned about ergos you will be disappointed.

Have you been reading the 1098 boards for the last month?  Guys who already have them in Germany and the UK are saying the ergos aren't that bad.  Sure, it's all relative ... what's bad for one guy is good for another.  But, just because you think the 1098 is a pure race bike doesn't mean it's also setup for the street, and ergos were part of that formula.  Ducati doesn't count on everyone buying this bike to race on the track, and in knowing so didn't make it a torture rack like some of the older Ducati superbikes.

[Mr Sunshine]

Have you been reading the 1098 boards for the last month?  Guys who already have them in Germany and the UK are saying the ergos aren't that bad.  Sure, it's all relative ... what's bad for one guy is good for another.  But, just because you think the 1098 is a pure race bike doesn't mean it's also setup for the street, and ergos were part of that formula.  Ducati doesn't count on everyone buying this bike to race on the track, and in knowing so didn't make it a torture rack like some of the older Ducati superbikes.

   whatever.

[Busa@11K]

   whatever.

  ... a true "conversationalist".  

This guy owns a 1098 in Cape Town, S. Africa.  His comments on ergos:
http://www.ducati1098.net/forum/showpost.php?p=140&postcount=15

Best brush the sand out of it before pearls form.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Brian, once you get the bike (and you will be getting it ), let us know the delivery date, so we all can schedule a proper welcome home, fawn and drool event to see it!  In fact, I believe a eastside sushi meet would be in order.

I think by the time March rolls around we'll all welcome an excuse to meet up again!  

[UFO]

BTW: If you have to ask how the ergos are...then the bike isn't the right one for you.

  Wha...?

I believe ergos is probably one of the most common question someone has about a bike...any bike...they are considering buying.  And the fact that there's a booming ergo aftermarket for almost every bike manufactured on the planet discredits your statement.

[Mr Sunshine]

  Wha...?

I believe ergos is probably one of the most common question someone has about a bike...any bike...they are considering buying.  And the fact that there's a booming ergo aftermarket for almost every bike manufactured on the planet discredits your statement.

Yeah because people buy these 1098's and go WOHAAA...OWEIIEIEIE MOMMY...they like to feel all sexy but they can't handle the position.

[Busa@11K]

Yeah because people buy these 1098's and go WOHAAA...OWEIIEIEIE MOMMY...they like to feel all sexy but they can't handle the position.

Don't worry, I'm sure anyone who has real reservations about the ergos won't sign the bottom line until they have actually sat or on one, or if lucky, ridden one.

As has been said, there are also many aftermarket "ergo enhancers" out there, and I'm sure there will be plenty for the  new 1098 for the guys who might not like the stock ergos.

From what I've read and seen so far, I don't think the 1098 will be any worse than the 1000 cc Japanese sportbikes.  For you guys looking at the 1098, at least go sit on a CBR, GSX-R or R1 and see what you think.

[brianhe]

Yeah because people buy these 1098's and go WOHAAA...OWEIIEIEIE MOMMY...they like to feel all sexy but they can't handle the position.

That was pretty funny.  I'm not looking for comfy-couch ergos, just something I can actually use.  Believe it or not I have ridden sportbikes before.  A lot of them really aren't usable for me, but some do feel good (I almost bought a Honda CBR 954 a couple of years ago).  If my knees are below my ears, I think it will all be good.  

[brianhe]

As has been said, there are also many aftermarket "ergo enhancers" out there...

First time I read this, I thought it said "ego enhancers."  

[Busa@11K]

First time I read this, I thought it said "ego enhancers."  

  ... that too, among other things.  

[UFO]

Yeah because people buy these 1098's and go WOHAAA...OWEIIEIEIE MOMMY...they like to feel all sexy but they can't handle the position.

No, I was refering to your ridiculous general statement of "BTW: If you have to ask how the ergos are...then the bike isn't the right one for you."

My point being that people who buy any bike will research the ergos, and more often than not make adjustments to them after they buy the bike.  So your statement, whether directed specifically at the 1098 or in general, is blatantly false and incorrect.

[Busa@11K]

That was pretty funny.  I'm not looking for comfy-couch ergos, just something I can actually use.  Believe it or not I have ridden sportbikes before.  A lot of them really aren't usable for me, but some do feel good (I almost bought a Honda CBR 954 a couple of years ago).  If my knees are below my ears, I think it will all be good.  

Yeah, nobody expects a bike like the 1098 to have the ergos of a Goldwing.  Anyone who knows anything at all about the 1098 knows it's a superbike and will have ergos of one.  The question is really if it's a complete torture rack, or is it going to be along the lines of the other sportbikes out there and be tolerable for street riding.  So far it sounds like it is like most 1000 cc sportbikes, which aren't horrible, but of course everyone needs to sit on one and judge for themselves.

[Busy Little Whiner]

I'm interested in the 1098 but at 6'4" with 34" inseam, am not sure I'd be able to fit on one.  Have ergos been published anywhere?  How does the 1098 compare to any other bike in the Ducati lineup? I've read that it is taller & has a higher seat than the 999 but don't know much beyond that.

I'm not sure but your large size may dictate custom rear sets... ones that reposition your long inseam to
fit the tank dents... that's where years of experience pay off... I customize the parts to fit the rider...
parts like custom bars and Temper Foam seats... I guarantee a ride that will be as good as it's going to
get...

Another consideration in a new bike is ride comfort... a Honda ST is high weight and soft suspension
which sacfices control in the name of comfort... you glide over the road irregularities some what
vaguely... just the opposite is true on a bike with racing heritage...  the 1098 is low weight and sports
track worthy suspension... my Italian brothers are good at sacrificing comfort in the name of control...
your suppose to feel ever nuance of the road surface so what if it's harsh... mercy... and the lighter you
make the bike by adding aftermarket parts the more harsh the ride becomes... this is what I learned
after modifying Mr.RC45...

This pic shows how I was able to get Big George knee's to fit his tank dents... before his knee struck the
top edge of the tank which was not good for comfort or control...

 

[Mr Sunshine]

No, I was refering to your ridiculous general statement of "BTW: If you have to ask how the ergos are...then the bike isn't the right one for you."

My point being that people who buy any bike will research the ergos, and more often than not make adjustments to them after they buy the bike.  So your statement, whether directed specifically at the 1098 or in general, is blatantly false and incorrect.

How can my statement be false or incorrect when I myself wouldn't look at the ergos of the 1098 if I wanted one?  I would already know it is painful and leave it at that.

And yes my statement was directly at the 1098.

[st ryder]

BTW: If you have to ask how the ergos are...then the bike isn't the right one for you.

I agree. And, IMHO, if you don't know more about the bike than the sales person, you're not ready to buy either. Personally, I've never test rode any bike I've bought, nor deliberated ergos. I knew what I wanted, and bought. I totally agree with Nick Iannamesicantspell, about the rider being the most important "engineer" of any bike ie, *you* adapt to *it*, and ride it within its design parameters. .  

[Busa@11K]

How can my statement be false or incorrect when I myself wouldn't look at the ergos of the 1098 if I wanted one?  I would already know it is painful and leave it at that.

And yes my statement was directly at the 1098.

Because you aren't everyone ... get over yourself.  

[Mr Sunshine]

Because you aren't everyone ... get over yourself.  

UFO never said "everyone" nor did I.  UFO said "that people who buy" which indicates an "anybody" clause.  

Everyone is an equals clause
Anyone is a contains clause

Since I make the "anyone" clause true as I am contained in "anyone" then my statement is still true.

 

[bizarro]

And yet, people give the dungeon dwellers a hard time.....  

[Mr Sunshine]

And yet, people give the dungeon dwellers a hard time.....  

So of us Dungeon dwellers learned how to climb a ladder.

You can take the girl out of the trailer park....  

[Busa@11K]

BTW: If you have to ask how the ergos are...then the bike isn't the right one for you.

Stop going in circles to try and prove you're right ... because you're not.

The statement above typed out by you, says "YOU" ... not "I" or "ME".

If you would have typed...

 "BTW: If I have to ask how the ergos are...then the bike isn't the right one for me. "

then you would have been referring to YOURSELF, and not EVERYONE ELSE.  You don't have to use the word "everyone" to infer to everyone.  The use of YOU in your original sentence refers to everyone reading the sentance.

You were talking about everyone, not about youself ... and were inferring that anyone asking about the 1098's eros shouldn't buy the bike because "...then the bike isn't the right one for you".

Go back to English comprehension school.  

[Mr Sunshine]

Stop going in circles to try and prove you're right ... because you're not.

The statement above typed out by you, says "YOU" ... not "I" or "ME".

If you would have typed...

 "BTW: If I have to ask how the ergos are...then the bike isn't the right one for me. "

then you would have been referring to YOURSELF, and not EVERYONE ELSE.  You don't have to use the word "everyone" to infer to everyone.  The use of YOU in your original sentence refers to everyone reading the sentance.

You were talking about everyone, not about youself ... and were inferring that anyone asking about the 1098's eros shouldn't buy the bike because "...then the bike isn't the right one for you".

Go back to English comprehension school.  

Perhaps you (as in you directly) should go back to English comprehension school.  Or at least understand English words.  You are pissing me off.

Look up the meaning of you.  Oh here I did it for you.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/you

you     /yu; unstressed yʊ, yə/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[yoo; unstressed yoo, yuh] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation pronoun, possessive your or yours, objective you, plural you; noun, plural yous.
–pronoun 1. the pronoun of the second person singular or plural, used of the person or persons being addressed, in the nominative or objective case: You are the highest bidder. It is you who are to blame. We can't help you. This package came for you. Did she give you the book? 
2. one; anyone; people in general: a tiny animal you can't even see.
3. (used in apposition with the subject of a sentence, sometimes repeated for emphasis following the subject): You children pay attention. You rascal, you! 
4. Informal. (used in place of the pronoun your before a gerund): There's no sense in you getting upset. 
5. Archaic. a. yourself; yourselves: Get you home. Make you ready. 
b. a pl. form of the pronoun ye. 
 
–noun 6. something or someone closely identified with or resembling the person addressed: Don't buy the bright red shirt—it just isn't you. It was like seeing another you. 
7. the nature or character of the person addressed: Try to discover the hidden you. 

I bolded the defination of "you" that I was using in my sentence of "BTW: If you have to ask how the ergos are...then the bike isn't the right one for you."  So yes I was referening to "everyone" in general.  Thus my statement about how can my statement be false since "I" am included in everyone true. 

[1moreroad]

BIKE UK did a write-up on the Duc 1098.  It looks like the ergos split the difference between the 998 and the 999.  The 999 was the relaxed ride.  The 1098 gas tank is wider.  The seat is tilted forward.  It has the same width but less length compared to the 999.  Seat height is higher.  The gas tank width and seat length were done in response to racers having a harder time squeezing the 999 tank and to moving around under hard acceleration on the 999 too much.  The seat height and tilt were done because they look more stylish.    Ah well, it's Italian.

They had a sidebar piece about Duc reliability.  Some of it was logical -- valve adjustments are now purely mileage based and not time based.  Showa suspension servicing is now the same as for Japanese bikes using the same components.  This one was scary IMO -- the 998s and 999s required the fuel filter to be inspected or changed at some low mileage (600 mile service?) because Ducati used to accept gas tanks from vendors that were not completely finished inside.  IOW little bits of metal might be floating around in the gas tank of your brand new bike.  

[Busa@11K]

Perhaps you (as in you directly) should go back to English comprehension school.  Or at least understand English words.  You are pissing me off.

Look up the meaning of you.  Oh here I did it for you.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/you


I bolded the defination of "you" that I was using in my sentence of "BTW: If you have to ask how the ergos are...then the bike isn't the right one for you."  So yes I was referening to "everyone" in general.  Thus my statement about how can my statement be false since "I" am included in everyone true. 

UFO never said "everyone" nor did I.  

  ... you really are a "mental giant".  

Thanks for the bolded definition you so nicely pointed out: 2. one; anyone; people in general: a tiny animal you can't even see.

You just proved my whole point that you were talking about "anyone" and "people in general", and therefore everyone reading your sentance who might ask about the 1098 ergos - thanks, I couldn't have done it without ya.  I hope punks like you don't really try to run the country some day.  

[Busa@11K]

BIKE UK did a write-up on the Duc 1098.  It looks like the ergos split the difference between the 998 and the 999.  The 999 was the relaxed ride.  The 1098 gas tank is wider.  The seat is tilted forward.  It has the same width but less length compared to the 999.  Seat height is higher.  The gas tank width and seat length were done in response to racers having a harder time squeezing the 999 tank and to moving around under hard acceleration on the 999 too much.  The seat height and tilt were done because they look more stylish.    Ah well, it's Italian.

Good info ... thanks.  Sounds right there with what owner's and magazine testers are seeing too.

They had a sidebar piece about Duc reliability.  Some of it was logical -- valve adjustments are now purely mileage based and not time based.  Showa suspension servicing is now the same as for Japanese bikes using the same components.  This one was scary IMO -- the 998s and 999s required the fuel filter to be inspected or changed at some low mileage (600 mile service?) because Ducati used to accept gas tanks from vendors that were not completely finished inside.  IOW little bits of metal might be floating around in the gas tank of your brand new bike.  

I read that Ducati is now using clean gas tanks.    And I don't know WTH they were thinking with the old schedule or valve adjustments based on time?    So if you only put 500 miles on it between valve adjustments it would need it again ... yeah, riiiiight Ducati.  

[crispiegee1]

I'm late to this discussion, but I wish everyone would stop fighting.

My own feeling (as though anyone gives a damn... LOL) is that, racebike or not, manufacturers should not be given a free pass on ergos.  The bike will be licensed for the street in most cases, so there's a reasonable expectation that it won't torture you.  No reasonable person expects it to cushy, but at least be rideable.  

So I'm in the same camp as 'Busa and UFO.  

I may purchase an '08 Dodge Challenger for my next car - obviously a sporty car/muscle car.  But it's not unreasonable for me to also ask, "Will I have enough headroom?"

Similarly, I love this new 1098 and might consider one.  I know it won't be amazingly comfortable, but there's a balance there.  We're all entitled to ask the question of whether it will fit us.  

[st ryder]

 

I may purchase an '08 Dodge Challenger for my next car - obviously a sporty car/muscle car.  But it's not unreasonable for me to also ask, "Will I have enough headroom?"

From what I've read/heard, Ducati ergo designers gave the 1098 plenty of head room.  

One doesn't by a 1098 for comfort, therefore, comfort should not be a *major* concern when buying one, not to say it doesn't matter.

One buys a low slung cruiser knowing full well it will not corner like a sport bike. If someone *neeeeeeds* to know lean angles of the low slung crusier he wants to buy, he really *is* looking at the wrong bike for the way he wants to ride. Similarly, if one is thinking of comfort and looking at a 1098, he may want to look at a ST instead as it has way more comfort, but far less performance. Since when isn't motorcycling the art of compromise?  

1098 will have plenty of aftermarket support in short order. Just buy it and the grin on your face will ease the pain in your neck.    

[Mr Sunshine]

I'm late to this discussion, but I wish everyone would stop fighting.

My own feeling (as though anyone gives a damn... LOL) is that, racebike or not, manufacturers should not be given a free pass on ergos.  The bike will be licensed for the street in most cases, so there's a reasonable expectation that it won't torture you.  No reasonable person expects it to cushy, but at least be rideable.  

So I'm in the same camp as 'Busa and UFO.  

I may purchase an '08 Dodge Challenger for my next car - obviously a sporty car/muscle car.  But it's not unreasonable for me to also ask, "Will I have enough headroom?"

Similarly, I love this new 1098 and might consider one.  I know it won't be amazingly comfortable, but there's a balance there.  We're all entitled to ask the question of whether it will fit us.  

Small difference between a sporty car and a street license race bike.  The VFR is the equivlant motorcycle to a sporty car.

And apparently you've never ridden a '01 GSX-R1000....pain.

[JoBu]

I'm late to this discussion, but I wish everyone would stop fighting.

My own feeling (as though anyone gives a damn... LOL) is that, racebike or not, manufacturers should not be given a free pass on ergos.  The bike will be licensed for the street in most cases, so there's a reasonable expectation that it won't torture you.  No reasonable person expects it to cushy, but at least be rideable.  

So I'm in the same camp as 'Busa and UFO.  

I may purchase an '08 Dodge Challenger for my next car - obviously a sporty car/muscle car.  But it's not unreasonable for me to also ask, "Will I have enough headroom?"

Similarly, I love this new 1098 and might consider one.  I know it won't be amazingly comfortable, but there's a balance there.  We're all entitled to ask the question of whether it will fit us.  

+1  Making a statement along the lines of "If you have to ask about ergos" is along the line of the famous (infamous) line from many HD riders, "If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand".  

Ergos, while being very subjective, are a consideration for most consumers.  I was smitten with the original 916/996/998 design but ergos kept me from purchasing one.  I spent quite a few hours on various models of that bike and between the heat on my right calf (not ergos, but an issue with me) and the ergos, I concluded that it wasn't a very good choice for me.  Bear in mind that I'm perfectly comfortable touring on a Duc 900SS and an R1.  Oh, and for the record, I've ridden a Gixxer 1K for a full day (approx 550 miles) and was quite comfortable on it.  

Just curious, instead of going round and round trying to prove that you were "right", why not take the route of, "Hey, I was just jerking his chain...no harm meant".  A little more mature and a graceful way out.  Not flaming...just a suggestion.

Cheers,

Joe