Alright, let’s talk about my Ducati 1198SP. This machine is something else, and I’ve had quite a journey with it.
First off, I started looking around for this bike. I mean, it’s not every day you decide to get a Ducati, right? So, I browsed through a lot of listings, both from dealers and private sellers. I saw prices ranging from about $8,000 to $11,000, which seemed about right for a used 1198.
I compared different models and trims. The SP version really caught my eye. I read somewhere that it’s got an electronic quickshifter, an Ohlins TTX rear shock, and a slipper clutch. Plus, it’s lighter than the standard model. Sounded like a dream to ride.
But then came the tricky part – the price. I found one that was listed for around $11,500. Seemed a bit steep, considering it wasn’t brand new. I thought, if a regular S model goes for around $9,000, maybe I could negotiate. Ended up offering $10,000, figuring it was a fair starting point.
Insurance was another thing I had to look into. Thankfully, I found a deal for about $75 a year. Not bad, considering it’s a Ducati. And I went with Progressive since they seem to be pretty popular among riders.
When I finally got the bike, I had to do some servicing. I learned that the 1198 has an extended service schedule. That means it needs a valve-clearance check at 7,500 miles and cam belts every 15,000 miles or five years. That’s way better than having to change the belts every two years, which is a big win for my wallet.
Now, about the fuel economy. It’s not the best, I’ll be honest. I’m getting somewhere in the low to mid-30s in miles per gallon. But hey, it’s a Ducati, not a Prius, right?
I also stumbled upon some forums where people were discussing upgrading the 1198 to an 1198SP. Turns out, it would cost a lot more to do that than just buying an SP outright. So, I felt pretty good about getting the SP directly.
I even found some spare parts for sale online. Like a side stand for the 848/1198, and some other bits and pieces. It’s good to know there’s a community out there for these bikes.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I did:
- Searched for listings and compared prices.
- Negotiated the price down to $10,000.
- Got insurance for $75/year.
- Learned about the service schedule.
- Realized the fuel economy isn’t great but still worth it.
- Found a community and spare parts online.
In the end, getting this Ducati 1198SP was a bit of an adventure. But man, it was worth it. Riding this thing is an absolute blast. It’s powerful, handles like a dream, and just looks stunning. I’m totally stoked with my decision!
