Do you guys think that the 899 engine will hold up for 10plus years even with all the stress on the engine? And second what happens when you wreck a framless bike other then the obvious cracked fairing? I ask because i want an 899 but im starting to lean for the 848 evo new. I ride like crazy usually 3kmiles a month on my gsxr 750and ride to flroida from tx every 5months or so. All help and answers greatly appreciated.
I see no reason why this engine will not last. It's the same block as the 1199 but is way less stressed than the bigger engine. Also if you are looking towards the 848, bear in mind that for long distance riding and durability the cam drive system is changed. On an 899 you have a chain/gear drive that only requires valve adjustments every 15,000 miles. on the 848 it's a belt and will require a valve service every 7,500 miles. I don't think a person who "rides like crazy" will be wanting their engine opened up every 7,500. It also has fairly standard aluminum parts instead of all the magnesium so it should be durable. The engine case cover and the clutch cover protrude a decent distance from the engine, and will be getting some covers on those to aid durability (likely GB racing stuff). As for the "frameless" design, the bike has a frame, but it's all up front by the headstock. In a crash that would destroy the headstock, a normal twin spar or trellis framed bike would be destroyed as well. As for a much more common low side or fall, having a frame that is exposed around the perimeter makes it highly likely that you will gouge the frame. On the 899/1199 I can't see a scenario where the frame is exposed to much damage as it's not in normal slide contact areas. You would likely have what you have on most bikes which is engine case damage. In that event, the aluminum covers will be cheaper to replace (or you could use that as an excuse to drop 600 bucks and replace them with the Ducati magnesium covers).
This is my first Ducati, and a lot of traditional Ducati guys hate it because it's so different. I'm coming from a Honda so, like you, I'm used to having a stress free Japanese bike. I also have never had a bike with a single sided swing arm and really don't get the hatred pointed towards the 899 because of it. I think it looks great. As a matter of fact, I also loved the 999/749 and it also has a DSSA. The fact that Ducati's now use wet clutches and have gone to a more traditional cam drive setup with normal maintenance intervals is why I changed over. I love the 848/1198 but will not buy a bike that needs new cam belts every 7,500 miles. Just not doing it. I love my 899!
