Ducati Street fighter vs SP2

[Beamish]

Well I spent 3 hours today hooning around on this







Well here’s what I think

Chassis- Very light, quick steering, firm but not too hard and tracks extremely well unless you give it too much gas too early mid bend.

Engine/box- Beautiful, the re-tune from the 1098 has given this bike the biggest dollop of low down torque I think I have ever experienced, in fact a very small throttle opening mid bend pushes the bike wide easily (could be my fault though not so used to upright riding position.) The engine pulls and pulls right up 11K its not scary just addictive and for some reason (steering, chassis geo) it did not feel flighty over the front unlike the Tuono i tried. Sounds glorious but surprisingly not as crisp or as smooth as my SP,with the clutch rattle and the guttural induction snarl it is very nice just not as good as the SP (IMO). Slipper clutch is effective but the box gave me two false neutrals during my speel riding (could be due to only having covered 600 miles though.) Fuelling is pretty good maybe slightly better than an SP2 (just)

Comfort- Seat is first class, large area and quality materials, you could definitely ride prolonged at up to 90mph for hours. Big problem for me was right foot position; the exhaust heatshield means that when you want to get on it and move to a toes on peg position you end up catching your heel on the heatshield. It forces a toe in/heel out stance that is quite uncomfortable. The dealer says a termi system removes this quirk due to a smaller carbon heatshield.

Brakes- One word .....savage, stoppies on request make the SPs feel inadequate (and they are most certainly not)!

All in all its a great bike but surprisingly I would not trade the SP in for one, my bike feels so stable after riding the Stfighter and the engine although down on grunt feels so smooth and sounds gorgeous. I cannot rave on enough about Italiamoto in Lincoln they are absolutely fantastic, they wanted me to take the 1198 out straight after just to compare the experience, but alas I had to get home.

Hope you find this interesting, I loved my day

[Beamish]

Sorry about the spelling just had to run through and edit the lot!

[mik_str]

Defintely one of the sexiest bikes ever built. Thanks for the write-up

[benny hedges]

very nice indeed
they should do weekend tests tho - let you get a proper feel for the bike, after all its a lot of money eh.

rode for about a 1/2hr with a guy on a 1198 earlier today but he was either running it in or he thought i was plod lol got bored in the end and left him on his own!!!
i wouldnt mind a duck tbh but couldnt afford a new one atm and i wouldnt fancy a used one unless it was mint.
almost bought a monster a while ago, 6k on the clock, pristine. bought an mg instead

[Beamish]

I could feel a change of riding style coming on automatically everytime I got to the twisties, i like to put my weight over the front anyway but on an upright bike I definately slid right up to the tank in a more supermoto type of stance. I think the best way to gel with the Strfghter would be 1hr on track

[Pete.L]

Nice right up Jim

So, was everyone out playing on different bikes this weekend?
I had a chance to have a go on a new VFR 800. Always wanted to get first hand knowledge of the variable valve and I didn't find it aggressive or snatchy at all The induction noise as it comes in suddenly goes deep and a lovely mild mannered engine starts to behave likes it's on steroids.
Was a bit surprised with the brakes, didn't find them anywhere near as effective as the SP and the link brake system didn't feel odd at all. Suspension was okay, it was a bit soft on the rear and needed a tweak but I could tell it would be excellent at eating the miles in comfort.
Actually, it seamed to do everything quite competently but nothing exceptionally. Over all impression, boring, no wow factor. A good sensible bike, Jack of all trades but master of none

Pete.l

[Jbrebel]

Found that with the Blade Pete-don't get me wrong-great, great bike. Just did'nt float my boat.

If I had may way I'd have 7+ bikes to suit my mood

The SP will do for now though

[Beamish]

Nice write up on the VFR Pete
I am going to give the 1198 a blast very soon,if that doesnt blow my v twin socks off nothing will
One really good thing I have found about testing bikes is that you realise how good your own bike truly is! I tend to lust after new shiny well designed bikes only to find that they are not all that they are meant to be. Although I will enjoy the the blast on the big duke the SP power output is perfect for road use (as indeed is the Storm) Once you get more you use more and get addicted to the new rush. Its jail time once you use that speed daily
Take care out there and keep the reviews coming. I for one find them very interesting.

[Pete.L]

I'll look forward to hearing the comparison of the "big duke". I must admit "Stomp" plays a big part when I ride a bike. If it doesn't snap your neck back or take you by surprise occasionally I'd get bored of it in five minutes You're right, the odd spin on something else often puts the SP back into perspective another 20 hp would be nice though

Pete.l

[Beamish]

I'll look forward to hearing the comparison of the "big duke". I must admit "Stomp" plays a big part when I ride a bike. If it doesn't snap your neck back or take you by surprise occasionally I'd get bored of it in five minutes You're right, the odd spin on something else often puts the SP back into perspective another 20 hp would be nice though

Pete.l

Another 20 hp would be perfect