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Who's got one? I took delivery today in 48'F wet weather. Certainly sub-optimal conditions to throw my leg over a never ridden before motorcycle but I survived. The weather has improved and I managed to get 50 miles on it. I'll go out again a bit later.
A few impressions. I'm coming off a 2007 Monster S2R1K. I've ridden the 1098S and Streetfighter 1098S quite a bit. This bike has nowhere near the down low torque of the 1098. It's so much tamer and refined without feeling a great deal slower. It does however have telepathic steering compared to that machine. It's in a different league in my opinion on those terms. Everything about it is more graceful than the older Ducati Superbikes.
The throttle by wire and clutch definitely took a few moments to get used to. Both are extremely light, particularly compared to my Monster. Since I was in wet conditions on a brand new bike (with new tires) I was quite stiff at first so I think that made things worse but the throttle is touchy for my tastes but nothing I wont get used to quickly.
High beams, you'll turn them on by accident A LOT. The quick shifter is absolutely sublime. I found the brakes to have just enough initial bite not to startle you but inspire some confidence. I pushed an off ramp a bit to see how they felt.
I switched out of WET to SPORT after 35 or 40 miles. Big difference. Clearly I've not pushed the bike hard yet but I can see that the riding modes make a considerable difference in the feel of just about everything.
More to come. For those taking delivery soon, check in here. Watch that throttle and clutch for the first few starts, it's "different" but quite nice once you get used to it.
My friend with the 1098 asked me to sum up my first ride...well behaved is my first impression. It's very sorted, not overbearing in the least.
YES, the reflectors are gone. One more thing I just remembered. My bike had 2 miles on it when I pulled out of the dealership. It took a few miles and several stop lights for me to easily find neutral. Almost like the transmission needed a few gear shits to settle in. That improved tremendously after 10 or so miles.


A few impressions. I'm coming off a 2007 Monster S2R1K. I've ridden the 1098S and Streetfighter 1098S quite a bit. This bike has nowhere near the down low torque of the 1098. It's so much tamer and refined without feeling a great deal slower. It does however have telepathic steering compared to that machine. It's in a different league in my opinion on those terms. Everything about it is more graceful than the older Ducati Superbikes.
The throttle by wire and clutch definitely took a few moments to get used to. Both are extremely light, particularly compared to my Monster. Since I was in wet conditions on a brand new bike (with new tires) I was quite stiff at first so I think that made things worse but the throttle is touchy for my tastes but nothing I wont get used to quickly.
High beams, you'll turn them on by accident A LOT. The quick shifter is absolutely sublime. I found the brakes to have just enough initial bite not to startle you but inspire some confidence. I pushed an off ramp a bit to see how they felt.
I switched out of WET to SPORT after 35 or 40 miles. Big difference. Clearly I've not pushed the bike hard yet but I can see that the riding modes make a considerable difference in the feel of just about everything.
More to come. For those taking delivery soon, check in here. Watch that throttle and clutch for the first few starts, it's "different" but quite nice once you get used to it.
My friend with the 1098 asked me to sum up my first ride...well behaved is my first impression. It's very sorted, not overbearing in the least.
YES, the reflectors are gone. One more thing I just remembered. My bike had 2 miles on it when I pulled out of the dealership. It took a few miles and several stop lights for me to easily find neutral. Almost like the transmission needed a few gear shits to settle in. That improved tremendously after 10 or so miles.