“What is there not to like about owning a Ducati 1198?
Well obviously, ownership comes at a cost, with the initial outlay and the much publicized regular cam belt services. Although, the intervals between has now been lengthened. Also, there is the mileage range from a full tank of fuel. Most owners admit to only getting 100 miles before the fuel light comes on, but this is due more to the 15.5 litre tank rather than poor mpg. Being an owner, you just get used to stopping for fuel at the next garage when your trip mileage goes over 85 miles. Finally, the riding position does put your weight forward on to your wrists, which can take a little getting used to.
But, in my opinion, the positives of ownership of the 1198 far outweigh the negatives. First of all there is the styling. With the single side swing arm, the under seat exhausts, trellis frame and twin headlights, the bike looks like an updated 916. When I first got mine, I was happy just to sit and look at it, it really is just gorgeous.
Then when it is out on the open road, it just makes you smile. The awesome V twin engine, the sound from the exhausts, the power delivery, the change of direction, everything about it just makes you want to ride from dusk til dawn.
In summary, I wouldn't change my 1198 for any other bike available. I may be biased, but to me, no one makes a motorbike like Ducati. With the 1198 (and it's predecessor the 1098), Ducati made a sportsbike with styling cues from iconic previous models married with modern day bike performance and handling. A true Italian thoroughbred. It doesn't get any better than that.”
“Believe it or not, I used the 1198 mainly for commuting to and from work, covering 10k miles in 14 months. It never let me down, but there was some expense along the way, radiator shoulder split (common fault - £600 for a Ducati new one, but I had mine rebuilt and made better for £300), new clutch (12k miles - is typical, £700), new front Brembo discs (£300), Ducati pads are expensive (£300) but EBC work just as well for road use. Surprisingly comfortable and practical (except the mirrors are pretty useless), although not very happy at town speeds and gets hot. Mid to high 30's mpg. Original Pirelli Supercorsas are great on a dry, hot day, but otherwise, inspire no confidence, so swapped for Diablo Corsas and Michelin Road pilot 4's (slowed the steering a bit, but otherwise fine). Mine had upgraded exhaust and filter, and it was a torque-monster (96 lbs ft is standard), needed respect, particularly, in cold/wet conditions. I have now bought an 1199 ('only' 90 lbs ft torque), seems weedy by comparison as it is a lot more revvy and the internals are lighter. But, I would not hesitate to recommend an 1198... one of 3 bikes that scared me (along with a ZX12R Ninja and the GSXR1000K5), it's all about the torque in the real world. Brilliant.”
