Question to (motor) bikers

[Zed Five]

If you were weighing up the options:

BMW s1000R or Ducati 1098 (both used, but mint, prices similar) - which way would you go?

- and why....? :?

Thank you.

 

[paulgs1000]

Been 3 years since I was a biker but if this was my decision it would be made through a test ride - which one brought the biggest smile and I felt most at home on.

Not so easy to get a test ride these days but essential, I would have thought, to know which bike suited you best.

I found that even the same make and model can feel different if set up for someone else. . . .

Sports bikes have had their day and the market is centred (as you will know) on more useful, practical yet still effective bikes aka adventure style.

I've had sports bikes in the past and having contorted myself in leathers and low handlebars with my feet tucked up high I can understand that new market!

Have you spent time on a Duke sports bike??!! - Hope you have strong wrists! Fabulous sound and performance beautiful but real world use - no. . . .

The BM is an amazing machine - so to own either would be a fabulous treat and for a Sunday morning blast - brilliant - but where are you going to get the best out of them these days? I can well understand the change in the market.

So I guess my answer would be - both brilliant bikes but I'd choose something else to have as my road bike. . . . .

 

[Nictrix]

I wouldnt choose either of them but if forced I think it would be the S1000rr.
I dont particularly like v-twins and to live with every day I think the Ducati would be a pain.
Small tank means short journeys and having to plan fuel stops every 80 miles.
The BMW however has been reported as not very well built with corrosion setting in on the engine covers early in their life.
Not had a go on one but they are meant to be very quick.
I suppose it really comes down to what you want it for, if its to pose about on maybe the Ducati.

 

[Wildfire]

BMW is a weapon, you'll find it much faster and more refined than the the Ducati. 180bhp vs 140bhp. But the Ducati does beat it in the style and character stakes by a mile IMHO.

For me I agree with above that 180bhp is never really road useable. For me it would be the Ducati, but then I own a Ducati and an MV Agusta and the asymmetrical styling of the BMW just does nothing for me. I enjoyed the torque of the Ducati and don't really hoof around at silly speeds.

That said the RR is amazing!

Ride both and see.

I did it with the new Daytona and a very good bike it was. Just didn't make me go wow or inspire me to ride, it was like my ZX6-R, just better all round. The MV was hard to ride, but after 10 min on it, warm tyres I just wanted to be on it more. Did a day trip to Belgium on it a month ago and had a blast. Only after 14 hours did I get a tad uncomfortable!

But again as above, day to day, for hacking about I have the Monster, it's upright, relatively comfortable and not insanely powered.

 

[Jaw]

I've have a 1098 and have ridden s1000rr (and am currently purchasing one)
but they're both very different bikes.

If it's the 1098R then the beemer isn't much more powerful and even in stock form its 160bhp vs 180 or whatever in the beem.

The rr has the trick wheelie control, traction control abs whereas the duke is more 'raw' in terms of driver aids ie sweet fa. The ducati is a lot heavier around town whereas the beem feels nibler. The duke has heavy clutch, hates being sat at low rpms so isn't great for around town hence why I have the gixxer which is fun to chuck around and pootle to and from work.

The ducati has much more character (not that all like that about it with the clackity dry clutch). It's a v-twin as opposed to the bmw's high revving unit and they'll rifde very differently. BMW max torque is just 83lbs/ft at 9,000 odd rpm whereas the duke is 90lbs at around 8000. It will produce more torque low down but run out of revs, it makes for a very different ride imo.. I have a GSXR 600 1098 and just sold a ZX10 and the ducati is the one that I really feel 'thrilled' by after a ride as much as I love the sound of a 4 cylinder.

as someone who likes the BMW looks, I say that there's still one winner in that deparment and it's not the german..

 

[Zed Five]

Thanks folks, you've summed up many of my thoughts too.

A test ride will definitely happen before I buy. I know that the bmw is the sensible choice (but yes, bmw bike corrosion is really shockingly bad). The Ducati is a heart choice. But, it will be nowhere near at comfortable or usable as my Blade and I do like my 4 cylinders.

maybe I need to widen thoughts, but a new Honda doesn't light my fire.

 

[wildbeeste]

I wouldnt choose either of them but if forced I think it would be the S1000rr.
I dont particularly like v-twins and to live with every day I think the Ducati would be a pain.
Small tank means short journeys and having to plan fuel stops every 80 miles.
The BMW however has been reported as not very well built with corrosion setting in on the engine covers early in their life.
Not had a go on one but they are meant to be very quick.
I suppose it really comes down to what you want it for, if its to pose about on maybe the Ducati.

Nictrix is right but you will always regret not having the Duke

 

[Zed Five]

I wouldnt choose either of them but if forced I think it would be the S1000rr.
I dont particularly like v-twins and to live with every day I think the Ducati would be a pain.
Small tank means short journeys and having to plan fuel stops every 80 miles.
The BMW however has been reported as not very well built with corrosion setting in on the engine covers early in their life.
Not had a go on one but they are meant to be very quick.
I suppose it really comes down to what you want it for, if its to pose about on maybe the Ducati.

Nictrix is right but you will always regret not having the Duke

Ha! I think that my biggest nagging worry is that if I don't buy the duke I will regret it, but also if I do I'll regret it :lol:

 

[Smartbear]

Hi Zed Five, both nice bikes but have you tried an adventure bike?
I used to ride sports bikes only, i tried a r1200gs bmw & have never owned a more practical bike-i use it far more than the sports bikes.
Ive got a triumph speedtriple also & while it is still sporty & quick the lack of a fairing keeps the top speeds down (and the prison sentences away!)
regards

 

[buzyg]

I wouldnt choose either of them but if forced I think it would be the S1000rr.
I dont particularly like v-twins and to live with every day I think the Ducati would be a pain.
Small tank means short journeys and having to plan fuel stops every 80 miles.
The BMW however has been reported as not very well built with corrosion setting in on the engine covers early in their life.
Not had a go on one but they are meant to be very quick.
I suppose it really comes down to what you want it for, if its to pose about on maybe the Ducati.

Nictrix is right but you will always regret not having the Duke

Ha! I think that my biggest nagging worry is that if I don't buy the duke I will regret it, but also if I do I'll regret it :lol:

Using that logic you have to buy it to find out. Sooo buy it.

 

[Big Kerhuna]

Both are great bikes. My preference would be the Ducati for the looks, character and exclusivety.
But why not keep your 929 Honda? That's also a great machine and the money needed to change may not be justified. Or even upgrade to a 954. I had one of those before my SP2 and it was also superb.

 

[Zed Five]

Both are great bikes. My preference would be the Ducati for the looks, character and exclusivety.
But why not keep your 929 Honda? That's also a great machine and the money needed to change may not be justified. Or even upgrade to a 954. I had one of those before my SP2 and it was also superb.

Thanks, again thinking along my own lines. My 929 only has 12,000m and literally looks new. I still have to add a chunk of money to change, but I never see me using more than one bike. I know that one would sit unused. A low milege 954 is actually a good investment now I think as demand is rising for them, but I want to change as an opportunity for a diferent experience. - thus the bmw, ducati thoughts.

I love the Ducati idea, but when I go on a 200 mile blast on a Sunday morning to Wales, I want to be confident that it will also bring me back :wink: . With a 4 cyl, you just take that for granted. Can a twin really be relied on/reliable?

 

[danmiddle2]

Neither bikes appeal to me particularly - but I would avoid the Ducati like the plague.

I owned one once... a 3 year old M600 Monster that had <5k miles on it; I bought it used, had it for 18 months... cost me over £3000 in work during that time... covered 56 miles (successfully) from purchase to sale... and was sold as a non-runner. I got very friendly with the local AA guys.

Now I know you'll say I probably had a bad one (let's face, it wasn't a good one) - but it has spoiled Ducati for me forever.

 

[Wildfire]

Neither bikes appeal to me particularly - but I would avoid the Ducati like the plague.

I owned one once... a 3 year old M600 Monster that had <5k miles on it; I bought it used, had it for 18 months... cost me over £3000 in work during that time... covered 56 miles (successfully) from purchase to sale... and was sold as a non-runner. I got very friendly with the local AA guys.

Now I know you'll say I probably had a bad one (let's face, it wasn't a good one) - but it has spoiled Ducati for me forever.

Wow! I've had x2 M600's and the both were purchased for £1k. The first one never let me down, I covered about 8k on it in all weathers (including snow), the second about the same (although after 16k is needs some TLC). Had a few foibles having carbs and cold weather.

Shame to hear about your issues.

 

[Nictrix]

Both are great bikes. My preference would be the Ducati for the looks, character and exclusivety.
But why not keep your 929 Honda? That's also a great machine and the money needed to change may not be justified. Or even upgrade to a 954. I had one of those before my SP2 and it was also superb.

Thanks, again thinking along my own lines. My 929 only has 12,000m and literally looks new. I still have to add a chunk of money to change, but I never see me using more than one bike. I know that one would sit unused. A low milege 954 is actually a good investment now I think as demand is rising for them, but I want to change as an opportunity for a diferent experience. - thus the bmw, ducati thoughts.

I love the Ducati idea, but when I go on a 200 mile blast on a Sunday morning to Wales, I want to be confident that it will also bring me back :wink: . With a 4 cyl, you just take that for granted. Can a twin really be relied on/reliable?

If you are looking for something different dont just limit your choices to BMW or Ducati.
I am obviously biased as I have had Yams most of my days but you should maybe consider an R1 as well.
I have had mine for nearly 7 years and my wife has had hers for around 5 years.Not even considering changing them.
I dont know too much about the new crossplane crank R1 other than some people do not get on with them but an older 4C8 or 5VY model is a good safe bet.

 

[Jaw]

Neither bikes appeal to me particularly - but I would avoid the Ducati like the plague.

I owned one once... a 3 year old M600 Monster that had <5k miles on it; I bought it used, had it for 18 months... cost me over £3000 in work during that time... covered 56 miles (successfully) from purchase to sale... and was sold as a non-runner. I got very friendly with the local AA guys.

Now I know you'll say I probably had a bad one (let's face, it wasn't a good one) - but it has spoiled Ducati for me forever.

It's the same with a lot of cars really - take the TVR Cerberra. for every person you get who says they were solid you get one that says never again.

Personally, my Duke has been very reliable, but it has a 3000 mile engine which has been fully serviced since being put in so could be the reason!

But I've had a lot of jap bikes and have had minor niggles with a few of them, and some more major issues with an ER-5 that I had as a first bike. Guess it depends on your luck!

Both are great bikes. My preference would be the Ducati for the looks, character and exclusivety.
But why not keep your 929 Honda? That's also a great machine and the money needed to change may not be justified. Or even upgrade to a 954. I had one of those before my SP2 and it was also superb.

Thanks, again thinking along my own lines. My 929 only has 12,000m and literally looks new. I still have to add a chunk of money to change, but I never see me using more than one bike. I know that one would sit unused. A low milege 954 is actually a good investment now I think as demand is rising for them, but I want to change as an opportunity for a diferent experience. - thus the bmw, ducati thoughts.

I love the Ducati idea, but when I go on a 200 mile blast on a Sunday morning to Wales, I want to be confident that it will also bring me back :wink: . With a 4 cyl, you just take that for granted. Can a twin really be relied on/reliable?

If you are looking for something different dont just limit your choices to BMW or Ducati.
I am obviously biased as I have had Yams most of my days but you should maybe consider an R1 as well.
I have had mine for nearly 7 years and my wife has had hers for around 5 years.Not even considering changing them.
I dont know too much about the new crossplane crank R1 other than some people do not get on with them but an older 4C8 or 5VY model is a good safe bet.

Best looking gen R1 IMO albeit I'm biassed since selling my 07 one, loved it. I found it not to be quite as nimble and felt heavier (the duke's weight is down low so it 'feels' more chuckable than it is) I found with mine though that it was a little flat around 3-5k revs but I do miss it massively! Found it a really comfy bike to do long distances on. Oh god, in writing this and seeing the photo I've just realised how much I miss the thing! I never quite got on with it on a 'spirited' run - the back was a bit skittish for me (maybe due to tyres / suspension setup), I had my CBR race bike at the time too so I might have been expecting a bit too much in the handling department, I just didn't feel too confident tipping her into twisties, or at least not as much as I do the gixxer or the Duke (or the s1k)

The crossplane ones sound like a big twin but haven't had more than a few minutes on one - read more than a few people who haven't been fans for whatever reason.

 

[Bad_Pritt]

I'm not a biker, but I have always been told that Italian vehicles were less reliable than German ones? I'm not sure if I would trust a Ducati.