Superhawk vs. Ducati 1098
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From: Oklahoma
Superhawk vs. Ducati 1098
Obviously the Ducati with 160hp/381lbs. dry is going to be the better track bike but what about the street? I guess the ergonomics will make the difference there as I haven't found a better street/sporting V-twin than the Superhawk yet.
At $14,995 I can't wait to check one out at the dealer though.The bike is in the latest Motorcyclist issue. Repotedly has great midrange and ferocious top end. And sounds meaner than the 999R. Thoughts anyone?
At $14,995 I can't wait to check one out at the dealer though.The bike is in the latest Motorcyclist issue. Repotedly has great midrange and ferocious top end. And sounds meaner than the 999R. Thoughts anyone?
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Superstock
Joined: Dec 2005
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Are you kidding me? Who in their right mind would choose a SH over a Duc? The $15k is actually quite reasonable. I remember my dad buying a new 916 back in 96 for $16k and the 1098 is a much better bike even by todays standards.
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Just got that issue, and yeah, that bike is SICK. I absolutely love the styling of it, probably the freshest Duc since the original 916/996. Gorgeous single sided swingarm, "monoblock" calipers (machined from solid chunks of aluminum) gripping 330mm discs, plus the aforementioned 150 rwhp pushing a sub 400lb package?? I just put it on my Christmas list..
http://www.cyclechaos.com/blog/2006/...1098-pictures/
http://www.cyclechaos.com/blog/2006/...1098-pictures/
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From: Leander TX!!
Duc, Hawk, Duc, Hawk, Duc, Hawk.....hmmm now which one would I choose......Blah....no contest.....BOTH!!!!
I read that one cover to cover, great bike....makes me rethink buying a cruiser right now....
I read that one cover to cover, great bike....makes me rethink buying a cruiser right now....
Hmm?
SuperBike
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,069
From: San Gabriel Valley
I don't see the aesthetic appeal of the 1098. It looks like a conglomeration of the Triumph 675 and various other Japanese-styled sportbikes. In trying to make it outshine Terblanche's 999, I think the bike has become a bit more anonymous. What really catches my attention is the stuff under the skin - the claimed horsepower, weight, swingarm, and price. I'm hoping it drives down the prices of used 916/996/998 bikes so I can get the first piece of my museum-collection. 
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SuperSport
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 818
From: Thornwood, NY
For track the Duc shouldn't even be questioned in this equation.... but for the street... have you ever sat on one? I've been on a few 748's/916's and I don't think I'd make it thru 2 miles of NYC stop and go traffic on one before I would park it and take a cab home.... you need wrists of steel, hands like a gorilla fo rthe clutch, and a rubberband tied from the back of your helmet to the or the seat to hold you from falling over onto your face... now if I lived out in the middle of nowhere.... maybe different.
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MotoGP
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From: Gainesville FLA.
Hmmmm for 15,000 I think I could buy 4 superhawks and mod the chit out of them!! 
Don't get me wrong if I had money to burn I'd have to have the 1098 and a GSXR750 and a Triumph675 and..........
Don't get me wrong if I had money to burn I'd have to have the 1098 and a GSXR750 and a Triumph675 and..........
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Squid
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 32
From: Denton, Texas
I would agree for in town daily riding the Hawk wins. But the Motorcyclist article does make it sound irrestible. The price is not bad either. IMO I love the way it looks. There is not to much styling differences you can do with a full faired sportbike. They have all copied the 916 in the first place.
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MotoGP
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From: Gainesville FLA.
Oh yeah sorry bout that mate. Jay Leno of the tonight show, (late night talk show) has a garage full of bikes and cars, did I say garage more like a museum about 5000 sq feet or bigger. All the way from the 1st Harley and Norton to jet powered bikes and everything inbetween.
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I watch the show for the fabrication element i hate Harleys and things like that but i have come to like custom choppers and the amount of money they put into them.I think i would have one if i lived in the US as you have the roads for it but our tiny little island there isnt much point and you cant beat a thundering sports bike imo
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Am I the only one that doesn't think the Super Hawk is comfortable? I mean I can ride it for 300 miles in a day, but I feel like **** afterwards. It is 10 times better than my old SV however (torture rack). But it isn't anywhere near all day comfortable.
My next bike will probably be an "ergos first" type bike. Like a Z1000.
I do like the 1098, but those Ducs are so little. I'd never fit on one.
My next bike will probably be an "ergos first" type bike. Like a Z1000.
I do like the 1098, but those Ducs are so little. I'd never fit on one.
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From: Albuquerque , NM
1098
I agree with Jake, The Hawk is an uncomfortable bike. I plan on adding around $500 worth of stuff just to make it a comfortable package.. 1098?? The most visually pleasing bike I have ever seen.
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From: Gainesville FLA.
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World Champion
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From: Fulton, MO
The Superhawk is not an uncomfortable bike. It's no torture rack like some of the 600s, and between the 600RR and the 1000RR I can't decide which one is worse for long rides. But when I get back on the VTR it's like I hopped onto an ST1100 or something. Maybe your body just needs to get used to the bike.
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From: Jacksonville, NC
I find the hawks to be suprisingly comfortable. The only thing that gets to me after awhile (2 + hour stints) is the stock seat and my hands start to go slightly numb because of doing a mini push up the whole time. I can however lay down on the tank and relieve the weight off my ****, which also relieves my hands. After about 5 minutes I'm good to go again. The best solution would be to get a nice seat and raise the bars about an inch. That would be just about perfect!
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From: Long Island, NY
The 1098 is a decent looking bike. But not a GREAT looking bike. My friend's father owns the Ducati (and Triumph, but NO he won't give me a deal, damn him!) dealership here on Long Island and after many motorcycle discussions I don't think I'd ever own a Ducati. Sure, there's the cachet of owning an exotic but they're not comfortable, are CONSTANTLY in need of work (at least they're well-designed and easy to work on) and the performance isn't so out-of-this-world as to make them more desirable than, say, being dragged over carpet tacks and dipped in rubbing alcohol. I'll keep my Superhawks, thanks.
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World Champion
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From: Fulton, MO
Personally, I think the 1098 looks better than the 916. There's something about the lines. It's got a hint of 1000RR with the vents in the tailsection, but the headlights and front fairing really do it for me. Check out the pic of the bike from head on. It's posted in the link from earlier. That's sexy!!!
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From: UK (England)
I have to agree with you Greg its stunning the front reminds me of BladeRR /the rear MV agusta/Segale swingarm design/and the rest a 916 on steroids just awesome.Oh i forgot i would sell my house/wife and pets to own one and maybe even myself
and maybe even myself
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From: Albuquerque , NM
Ha!
I must be geting old. I got rid of my 600RR cause' it was too uncomfortable. Im thinking I might sell my Jeep TJ in favor of a more comfy(roomy) Honda FIT... Put me too sleep!................ Just let me whack a throtle open on the 1098 at miller motorsports park before I go.....
