Hey guys/gals, I'm considering the jump not only away from Honda (after 3 I'm ready to try another brand) once I sell my 600rr, but to a liter bike. The two bikes that come to mind when I think "perfection" are the Ducati 1098 and new Yamaha R1. They will be used and I"m searching for something under or damn close to $10k.
I know they're two very different bikes, but I've not only done my research, but I've ridden the 1098 and have fallen in love with it. I'm yet to ride an R1, but the reason I'm considering it is because of the cheaper price tag, better reliability (although the newer Ducs are not far behind), sweet new crossplane engine, and they are going to be more street friendly.

Here's my situation: I have a 2001 Victory V92C for comfort and long rides, and I use my sportbikes for pleasure rides, and occasionally to commute to work. I know I'll never outperform a 600rr's capabilities on the street, but I'm no squid either. The bike would ideally see 1-2 track days a year.

What are your personal thoughts/opinions on both bikes? I like bouncing ideas off other people in case you've thought of something I have not

 

I would buy the Ducati in a heartbeat over the new R1. The new R1 is one of the ugliest, heaviest, and least rider friendly R1's yet. They had a winning combination for many years, but no longer. They outweigh Ducati by over 40lbs, have around 20hp less, have about 25 ft'lbs of torque less, and are just ugly. Im a more than a little disapointed, just because the R1 was my favorite bike for a long time. There will be no comparison if you ride them back to back.

the only downside to the Ducati is service. Well, that and the dependability. I haven't heard too many horror stories, but quality will never be what the Japanese bikes have. As for a direct comparison, Yamaha is about the most dependable brand there. I know everyone will toot the Honda horn for reliability, but Yamaha has the same quality, with one distinct difference... Yamaha actually cares about what their customers say, or issues they have. They actually stand behind their product. Honda does not. If anyone has ever had an issue with their honda that is under warranty, you willl know where Im coming from. They are impossible. But, Yamaha has been great to all of my friends that have ever had any issues.

As for the crossplane engine. I really don't like the way it sounds. Plus, its no where near as good as they said it was going to be. It puts power down a little sooner and a little smoother, but thats it. The Ducati does it better.

So, Im going to vote for the Ducati.. Mearly because my next bike will be the 1198. But the 1098 is very close in comparison. Plus, you don't get much sexier than a Ducati. I would easily put up with the higher price for parts and service and possible reliability issues, because as you said, the dependability has gone up quite a bit.

 

Cbr 1000rr? just my vote. Personally I dont like the Ducati or the newest R1, the 2008 yes, 2009 no. The R1 is heavy as hell, And for a street bike I wouldnt get a duc. My old neighbor had a 998 i think, that he traded a 2004 1000rr for, the duc was in the shop more for the first 6 months of ownership than the 1000rr was since he owned it. He ended up going back with the CBR. however, I am of coursed biased due to being a cbr owner so hey take it with a grain of salt. And GL

 

Justasquid- the R1 does make more power, the standard 1098 makes 159hp and the R1 has 177hp. The weight is a concern, but every review has said it carries the weight very well and is still very nimble. Personally I like the sound of the engine, and the looks ain't half bad IMO. I've heard the engine is a bit of a let down, but I'll definitely ride the bike before making any decisions!

Bubba- No doubt the 1000rr is a great bike, loved the one I rode, but I want to experience other brands right now The Ducati 998 was the first year of the testaretta engine I believe, and reliability was pretty terrible on those. The newer 1098/848 and 1198 are much more reliable, and the service intervals are very close to the Jap bikes, unless you frequently track them of course. The 1098 I rode was very nice on the street, city/highway riding. Like any other aggressive sportbike, I'm sure it would leave you sore after long journeys with that leg position.

Thanks guys, love hearing more opinions!

 

I made a mistake..... sort of.... I was thinking 1198 while talking about the 1098...

These numbers are from motorcyleusa and they just completed a head to head of all of the liter bikes. they used the same dyno for all bikes and the same scales. So all of the data between them is accurate.

R1 474lbs 150hp @ 11,500 76ftlbs @ 10,300
ninja 458lbs 162hp @ 12,000 76ftlbs @ 9000
gsxr 460lbs 160hp @ 11800 78ftlbs @ 9900
1198, 440lbs 158hp @ 9600 91ftlbs 8300
1000RR 451lbs 153hp @ 10,700 78ftlbs @ 9200

and for contrast, the 1098 made 141hp.

the funny part is, the R1, which is suppose to make more power down lower, doesn't. It makes it max tq up higher than any other bike. It does however have a broader torque curve, but odd its max torque is so high.

Of course, they are all just numbers. its up to you to decide which one fits you better.

 

Just based on how I feel right now, I'm guessing I'll ultimately end up with the Duc.. Just gotta find someone willing to let me ride their R1...

 

Wow that Ducky has 20 pounds less than the kawasaki and has 4 less horsies, that's beastly.

 

Like he said, they are all just numbers... When you take a liter bike to the street, you cannot possibly reach its potential. imo both bikes are sick but I'd prob go with the Yami

 

I think I'd take the Ducati. I don't like the looks of the R1 with those new Inset Bug Eyes, and I love the new Ducati. When I see the Ducatti's I am always jealous....

 

Both bikes look great to me, the Ducati has that beautiful stying, and I was surprised at how compact both bikes felt. The Ducati feels like a 600, and the R1 doesn't feel much bigger, heavier obviously, but the seating and width feel much smaller than I imagined a 477lb bike would feel. Now I just gotta ride one...