I have just test ridden both the 749 and 999, I currently have a 748 and now I want a 749 or 999. Would like any help on what the owners of these bikes think about them compared to the older models. Thanks
got a 999s now, had a 916 bp before new bike miles better all round, and personally think it is great looking too ( mono with termignoni's is the way to go). they seem to need careful setting up fueling wise to get the best out of them though ( mine is yet to be sorted).
Got a 999bip, had a 916 and 996 previously and IMHO it is a better bike all round. Not knocking the older bike, but time moves on! (tin hat at the ready )
A few things that are a must;
Get a DP race screen, which will lose THAT light and give better protection. Fit a rear hugger, before the shock gets shot. Fit Termis. Get the suspension set up by a specialist.
I had a 748R , I now have a 999S mono , like everyone has said before , a leap forward from a riding point , easier , comfy and in yellow looks better than the old bike too
Needs Termi's , weight and sound are as important as extra performance
Only downside is the front is a bugger to keep clean
The 999 is sooooo much easier to ride and has enough torque to keep an ex R1 rider happy. The new engine is much smoother and comfort wise, it's probably on par with the Triumph Speed Triple which is my all time second favourite bike.
749 or 999? Depends on how much experience you've had with the bike. If you haven't ridden bigger engines before i would stick with the 749 - more than enough power for the road + insurance will be cheaper (if that's a problem in Sweden!).
Apart from Termi's get a slipper clutch. Ducati should start fitting them as standard.
999 or pref.999s. I had 748SP, Y2K Blade (bland, compromise, mistake) 999s. The grunt of the bigger motors makes them effortlessly quick. Unless you like the buzz of thrashing it everywhere in which case a 749 might do you nicely!? mind you the suspension on the 999s blah blah blah. But whatever you get budget for the termignoni can at least. They all sound crap as standard.
My wife & I have a 748 & now 749 as well(traded in 900 Monster). They feel so so different, we find the 749 so much easier to ride physically with loads more torque mid range but is geared too high.
Nothing could persuade us to part with the 748 it has so much more character than the 9, it's so locked in & confidence inspiring , even though the 749 will out handle it. Just something about it that gets right to you that is not there with the 9. 749 will feel more inspiring when Termi & chip fitted soon, as on 748.
Guess we are lucky that both of us ride & so can enjoy the benefits of both bikes.
Just thought I'd add my bit for what its worth....
I moved from an R1 to a 999s bip. Within 20 miles I knew it was the right choice. The 999 just feels so together, the difference between the 2 bikes is amazing.
I've just dropped the gearing on mine and it makes it (in my opinion) alot more fun to use on public roads - and you get to use 5th and 6th too!!
The chap who dyno'd my 999s last week also set up my R1 (exhaust, dynojet, etc.) a couple of years ago. We overlaid the two graphs - the R1 has as much torque as the Duke!!
The key is the manner in which it delivers it. The average rider will be able to ride the twin much quicker than an equivalent jap 4. (wheel recovery, power pulses, blah blah blah)
I guess that is what makes the 999 such a hoot - its just so easy (and safe) to ride fast.