[OwenM]

I am pushing 50, 5’ 10” and 195lbs, I obviously fit the mold that Ducati used when working out the riding position for the 848-1098-1198. The reason the aggressive forward lean works for me is because of the tank and the way I can lean my stomach on it for support. Due to this support I can lift my hands of the bars completely or take as much load on my tummy as required to relieve all strain on the wrists, this works great for sports riding as I can brake hard without putting any pressure on the bars which aids control and confidence. I don’t suffer the wrist pain and tingling I did on the R12S after even modest length rides.
If it where not for this tummy support the low bars on the 1098 would be intolerable, but with it life is good.
When I attempt to rest on the tank of the R12S the seat is unbearable and the plastic tank cover is not intended to take that sort of load anyway.

How well the Duc works for the individual will depend on how well they fit, if you cant get that tummy support happening its not going to be in any way optimal.

The 848 is a good option and with around 120hp it has ample power. The top end power of the 1098 and 1198 is over the top for road use but the extra low and mid rang torque is useful, you don’t have to use the top end if you don’t want to.