Cool site.

Motorcycle Ergonomics

 

pretty cool tool to use, especially for first timers

 

Having found a bike that is super comfortable for me, this tool is nice for looking at other bikes that might work.

I dont want to start with an 1198s...

And an 848 for that matter is fantastic too, but a Duc as a starter bike sounds a bit crazy. Even to the person wanting said bike.

5' 10" 145 pounds. Runners build. 'Wiry'

 

The new ones are quite comfy, so far as superbikes go.

Whether or not it should be a first bike depends largely on the rider. Some can handle it, most cannot. If you want a starter duck, get a used monster.

 

Wise man. They are very demanding in terms of input. The 848 less so, but still hardly a starter's bike.
I've been riding since I was 10, and the first miles on the 1098 were all "oh crap, I have to pay attention to what I'm doing" moments.

Upright bikes are more intuitive to ride, 3-4 cyl are friendlier engines.

 

They're still finicky Italian super models! I swear if you look at them wrong they won't start for you.

 

I am not super worried about killing myself on it. I tend to be a little more reserved with my own well-being on the line. I am more worried about the inevitable.

The first bike will get dumped.

I will cry for the bike if that is a Duc.



Maybe I can find a well-broken-in 848 in white somewhere. Then I won't have to worry about it as much. If I can pick it up post-dump.

 

Ah, sounds like advice the wise 2 wheeled sensei of teamspeed SAB may pass along.

 

You could get chinese fairings for 500$ and underbody frame sliders for 100$ and not worry about crashing so much.

But still.

My Z1000 was the friendliest bike one could ask for. The engine would pull from 20 in 6th gear, corners were simply a matter of looking where you wanted to go. Brakes were always predictable, taking off at any rpm a doddle. Come in too hot in a corner, just lean in a bit more and look at the exit, the bike does the rest for you. I never had a single close call on that bike, scraping pegs and exhaust like it's a walk through the park.
A buddy on his HM tried keeping up at some enthusiastic pace (not even close to racing) and highsided twice, no crashing thankfully.
The 1098 now is different. Clutch in finnicky, brakes are retarded powerful (1-2 fingers tops), engine turns into a jackhammer under 3k and throws you on the moon from 6k rpm and on. Corners require conviction and technique ... and god forbid you get tired/lazy with input at the end of a long day. The Z was like an elastic that would never stop pulling, the 1098 is like holding a stick of TNT in your hands. Give it a bit too much gas in a corner and it'll highside in your face before you even know it. Overlook the paint or puddle under braking and you'll lose the front.
These bikes require that you give all your attention, if you don't, it's gonna go bad real quick.
The 848 might be slightly more forgiving, but I'd recommend any beginner start on a standup 3-4 cylinder bike. They are so much more intuitive.