New FZ10 owner

Welcome to the forum!!!!

This particular 1198 was problematic. Stag clutch went and that took forever to diagnose. Really expensive. Other small problems (electrical) and not many people around NC that can or will work on it. Overall I wasn't as happy with it as I've been on other bikes. It was extremely uncomfortable. The seat and lean was by far the worst I have ever been on. This includes other sport bikes also. It heated up really quick in traffic (that's common with most bikes though). With that being said, I will say she was a torque monster! Really fun from all over the rpm. And sounded mean as Hell with the Akra slip on. I'm still not used to not hearing the dry clutch clatter lol. But you had to be up to speed to enjoy this bike. Anything slow really was hard on the body..... Then all my friends sold their R1's, 1000rr's, gsxr's, etc, etc. No one to really go riding with. Then I got with my gf. She has a license but only experience is riding a 250 in the community college parking lot. So I'm gonna put her on my 1988 honda hawk 650gt and ride with her. The speeds she will be going would kill my back on that ducati. So I decided to make a change. Researched for about a month. I wanted to keep my performance but I wanted a better riding position. Honestly, I wish I would've traded the Duc for the FZ a year or 2 ago. Such a better street bike. And a absolute riot around my backgrounds here in NC. I don't need that top in speed the Duc had, the mid range torque is more usable and enjoyable. Plus cruise control! Lol. If you're looking for a good cheap track bike a older Ducati 1198 will absolutely put a smile on your face as you roll on guys coming out of corners (it will need gears, you can't keep that front tire down out of corners). But for the street it's just too uncomfortable. The FZ is extremely comfortable and has more performance than you can safely use on the street. I've seen vids of it at track days. I don't count it as a downgrade there at all.