Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 999 / 749 > 999r , is it really any good, is there a prefered version to get.

[Redsps]

After giving the whole ducati ownership and running cost situation some serious thoughts over the last few weeks, I have decided to take an opposite line of thinking and get a new or nearly new duke.
I'm looking to p/x my current dead SPS for a nice 749R or preferably a 999R.

I've not really looked at either model untill now except just lightweight interest.
Is there a prefered model year to get, with either bike, and what versions are there (ie reps etc).
any special problem areas to look out for, and best milage to go for on a good used bike.

what sort of goodies are standard now on these bikes, new and used.
any help gratefull appreciated in helping me make my descision.

cheers
robin

[weeian]

get a 749r m8, more buck for your bang, in my opinion.

/ian

[Redsps]

thanks ian, I've been reading some info on both bikes last night, 749's seem to be quite revy in comparison with the older 748's.

999r seems to have some serious ponies though.

[electricsheep]

If you decide to go the 749R route then the 2004 bike is the one to get as it has carbon side and nose fairings. The later 2005 bike does not.

[andyb]

Originally posted by Red SPS
999r seems to have some serious ponies though.

yeah baby!

Hey why not just be undecided........or do a Rattler as we say.!!

[nathanhu]

I bought a 04 999r and i am really pleased with it so far, it seems a far better bike than the 03 999s that i had before.

it feels like it is the bike i thought the 999s would have been.

[JPM]

Mine has nearly done a 1000 miles now, 1 trackday and road miles, my relationship has been a bit of a rollercoaster, 1 minute all in love and the next ready to advertise the thing, mainly due to me getting it horribly wrong and several little electrical problems.

Since having a 7.5Kg spring on the back and John setting the bike up it's a missile, still not 100% with the front but that just needs tweaking I guess, is my 04 999R a better bike that my 02 998S Bostrom? well at the moment no, ask me in 6 months and I think/hope that answer will change.

[sparkin]

Robin, sit down, and have a think,are you sure you want to go down this route????????????? If you do,sell the broken SPS to me!

[Redsps]

sparkin, you are more than welcome to the heap at the moment, only one problem though, you may not want it with all it's problems at present.
allmost forgot mate, it still is'nt going to be cheap purchase, dead or alive

will keep you upto speed .

cheers
robin

[bazzer sps]

Being in the lucky position to have owned a sps,749r and a 04 999r i would say without doubt the 999r is the one to go for.Although the 749r is a fab bike (apart from the dodgy slipper clutch)but i did miss the torque of the sps.
At first i was not sure about the handling compared to my sps but i have since lowered the gearing and dropped the forks through the yoke by 10mm and is now a delight to ride (i did this to the 749r as well).But at the end of the day the choice is yours and the question you must ask your self do you like to ride the torque or enjoy going up and down the gearbox.Both bikes are superb so either way you cannot loose!As i understand the best models are 2004 for both as the 05 749r/999r have less carbon.It appears that the 2003 999r is best avoided due to the swing arm albeit the performance is the same as the 04 model.
I hope this helps .