Potential new bike questions (1198, 1198S, MV F3/F4
Discussion
So, I am thinking of getting a bike again.
Currently considering the 1198, 1198S and the MV either F3 800 or F4 1000 (2010).
I've been without a bike for a few years now, and now thinking of picking one up again.
I won't be pushing any of these anywhere near the limits, mostly road riding, maybe a few track days thrown in (but as I live in the Netherlands now, probably not all that often).
I love the look of the MV's but from what I understand dealer support is on the limited side.
I didn't imagine myself saying this, but of these, the Ducati seems to be the "sensible" option of these.
Looking online, the 1198S seems to have some worthwhile upgrades in terms of suspension and brakes, but is pillion even possible on the S model?
There are other options out there, like the RSV4, Fireblade, ZX10R?
Overall I want something that looks nice with the option to take a pillion and odd track day.
I am well aware that I won't be exploiting the capabilities, but ideally want something that'll put a smile on my face when I decide to take it out for a spin.
I will on the odd occasion be taking my other half as a pillion as well so that's a consideration, though probably not all that often, and not long distance, so pillion needs to be available, but overall comfort not that high on the priority list.
As to what I used to have, Beta 450RR, Honda VTR SP1 (track), Honda VTR SP2 (road) if that has any bearing at all....
Currently considering the 1198, 1198S and the MV either F3 800 or F4 1000 (2010).
I've been without a bike for a few years now, and now thinking of picking one up again.
I won't be pushing any of these anywhere near the limits, mostly road riding, maybe a few track days thrown in (but as I live in the Netherlands now, probably not all that often).
I love the look of the MV's but from what I understand dealer support is on the limited side.
I didn't imagine myself saying this, but of these, the Ducati seems to be the "sensible" option of these.
Looking online, the 1198S seems to have some worthwhile upgrades in terms of suspension and brakes, but is pillion even possible on the S model?
There are other options out there, like the RSV4, Fireblade, ZX10R?
Overall I want something that looks nice with the option to take a pillion and odd track day.
I am well aware that I won't be exploiting the capabilities, but ideally want something that'll put a smile on my face when I decide to take it out for a spin.
I will on the odd occasion be taking my other half as a pillion as well so that's a consideration, though probably not all that often, and not long distance, so pillion needs to be available, but overall comfort not that high on the priority list.
As to what I used to have, Beta 450RR, Honda VTR SP1 (track), Honda VTR SP2 (road) if that has any bearing at all....
1198S do have pillion pegs and a teeny tiny seat, it'll be extremely cramped and uncomfortable mind!
I believe MV are doing better with parts and dealer support these days, since they were last taken over they've supposedly tried hard to improve the service. No personal experience though.
Of your list of choices they're all good bikes and would suit what you want to do - enjoyable on the road, capable enough on track without breaking the bank, although I believe the 1198 needs some careful use on track (i.e. don't absolutely spank it), Steve Bass on here knows best, hopefully he'll be along to advise.
I believe MV are doing better with parts and dealer support these days, since they were last taken over they've supposedly tried hard to improve the service. No personal experience though.
Of your list of choices they're all good bikes and would suit what you want to do - enjoyable on the road, capable enough on track without breaking the bank, although I believe the 1198 needs some careful use on track (i.e. don't absolutely spank it), Steve Bass on here knows best, hopefully he'll be along to advise.
Krikkit said:
Steve Bass on here knows best, hopefully he'll be along to advise.
The 1198 did have pillion accomodation but it's less commn than you'd think. I "think" it only came on the base model, not S or R variants. And seriously uncomfortable. Not only is the ergonomics, but the exhausts make it uncomforably hot and the characteristics of the engine make for a horribe ride for the pillion.
In relation to their weakness, if you get one with a qucikshifter, remove it. Regardless of whether its the factory fitted or aftermarket, a quickshifter eats the dogs between 2nd and 3rd. This resulcts in missed gear changes or dropping out of 3rd.
My race bike has Nova gears with undercut dogs to counter this issue.
It stems from the fact that you don't/can't wring an 1198 in 1st. You'll be on your arse you won't know what happened. So 1st is a quick change to 2nd from when you can really get onto the gas. Then changing to 3rd with the power of the motor and the small engagement dogs causes them to skip and slowly eat away the dog engagement faces until it won't change into or hold 3rd without issue.
it's fixable but not cheap as it requires a full engine breakdown and to split the casings.
ChipChap is the MV F4 fundi, I'm sure he'll pop in
Had my MV 5 years from new, 13k miles so far, never had an issue with dealer support, but im in the UK and only 30 mins from Bennetts MV. You could check on the MV forum who/where the best MV dealers are in Netherlands.
Not sure I would want to be a pillion on the back of an F4 though, the peg to seat distance is short and seat small, I guess much depends on size of pillion
Not sure I would want to be a pillion on the back of an F4 though, the peg to seat distance is short and seat small, I guess much depends on size of pillion
trickywoo said:
Are the 1198 Ducatis the ones with fuel tanks that don’t like ethanol? Also I have in the back of my mind somewhere that the front forks had a design flaw that needed fixing as it could fail with no warning.
As well as Aprilias like the RS 250 and earlier RSV4Not aware of a fork issue on the 1198. Only way thay can fall out is if the triple clamp is loose and even then it would need both sides to be undone and an unfeasibly long set of brake lins to be fitted.
The F4 engine is pretty bombproof..... the main issue with the pre-face lift MV's was part's availability and rear wheel bearings. I'm sure the bearing's are not a problem anymore, but I can remember waiting for months for a new rear hub when mine failed and I ended up putting a magnesium hub instead of the standard one as it was available AND cheaper!!
I've had the F3 with the 675 triple, which is a cracking engine and even better with 800cc in a Dragster. The triple is bang up-to-date spec wise with a counter-rotating crank and the F3 has loads of electronics and toys if that's what you like..
My current MV is an F4 1000RR and never fails to put a smile on my face. If your toying with an F4, you need to overlook parts supply and service as the 1198 IS the more sensible option both from day-to-day riding and service. The F4 is the from the heart option and I don't care about anything else.
Ride one and you'll be smitten.... it's rare as well compared to the common Ducati.
I've had the F3 with the 675 triple, which is a cracking engine and even better with 800cc in a Dragster. The triple is bang up-to-date spec wise with a counter-rotating crank and the F3 has loads of electronics and toys if that's what you like..
My current MV is an F4 1000RR and never fails to put a smile on my face. If your toying with an F4, you need to overlook parts supply and service as the 1198 IS the more sensible option both from day-to-day riding and service. The F4 is the from the heart option and I don't care about anything else.
Ride one and you'll be smitten.... it's rare as well compared to the common Ducati.
13k miles, £9000 probably – haven't done my research yet! Comes with a pillion seat as well as the single seat cowl.
It's going in for its belts, valves and new clutch and clutch basket at the start of July. My wallet is already weeping, but I want the bike to be right for its new owner.
It's going in for its belts, valves and new clutch and clutch basket at the start of July. My wallet is already weeping, but I want the bike to be right for its new owner.
Right - I'm not working now so can give you a few more thoughts on the 1198. I've used mine exclusively as a road bike in the two years I've had it. It's done a 2500 mile / one week tour of Europe and lots of local weekend riding. And the odd commute.
The engine's clearly the star of the show – it's wonderfully mechanical, abrupt, cantankerous and torquey. I ran a Panigale V4S for a few weeks last summer and the 1198 felt stronger up to about 60mph. Even the new 1260 DVT engine feels tame and refined in comparison. The 1198's certainly felt more of an event. It's lumpy down low, but it smooths out beautifully and every time I ride it I'm surprised by how little throttle travel will have the front wheel popping up, and it makes such an addictive roar as you rev it out.
It's naturally got loads of engine braking too, which means nipping back into gaps after overtaking feels smooth – you're not hammering the brakes to slow back down.
One thing that's also noticeable is just how good the throttle connection is – when you're cornering you can almost sense every power pulse going to the back tyre and hunting out grip. It doesn't turn anywhere like as fast as a modern bike or a contemporary four-cylinder, but it's not unmanageable and you just need to consciously drop your elbows to get a decent amount of leverage at the bars. On long flowing corners it feels immoveably stable. I love it. I'm only getting rid of mine because I only have time for short blasts these days and want to get back to jeans and jacket riding – the 1198 encourages slightly more spirited riding!
The engine's clearly the star of the show – it's wonderfully mechanical, abrupt, cantankerous and torquey. I ran a Panigale V4S for a few weeks last summer and the 1198 felt stronger up to about 60mph. Even the new 1260 DVT engine feels tame and refined in comparison. The 1198's certainly felt more of an event. It's lumpy down low, but it smooths out beautifully and every time I ride it I'm surprised by how little throttle travel will have the front wheel popping up, and it makes such an addictive roar as you rev it out.
It's naturally got loads of engine braking too, which means nipping back into gaps after overtaking feels smooth – you're not hammering the brakes to slow back down.
One thing that's also noticeable is just how good the throttle connection is – when you're cornering you can almost sense every power pulse going to the back tyre and hunting out grip. It doesn't turn anywhere like as fast as a modern bike or a contemporary four-cylinder, but it's not unmanageable and you just need to consciously drop your elbows to get a decent amount of leverage at the bars. On long flowing corners it feels immoveably stable. I love it. I'm only getting rid of mine because I only have time for short blasts these days and want to get back to jeans and jacket riding – the 1198 encourages slightly more spirited riding!
trickywoo said:
Are the 1198 Ducatis the ones with fuel tanks that don’t like ethanol? Also I have in the back of my mind somewhere that the front forks had a design flaw that needed fixing as it could fail with no warning.
Can be any bike with a plastic or carbon fibre tank, particularly tanks made by Acerbis as many Ducati and Aprilia tanks are. You can (and should) get it Caswell lined to help.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff