0% on 749/999 range [Archive] - Ducati Sporting Club UK

Gizmo

23-Jan-2006, 14:13

Wonder why they don't do what the US Duc importer does and offer 2 years free servicing (http://www.ducati.com/od/ducatinorthamerica/news/detail.jhtml?newsId=9321) when they need to get sales moving? Cheap finance is easy to find, service bills hurt and it puts people off owning a Ducati plus it doesn't devalue second hand bike prices. Maybe 2 years interest free has no impact in the US?

Originally posted by Steve M
Just in case you were thinking of a loan for a 749/999, DUK are doing 0% interest on them - see HERE (http://www.ducati.com/od/ducatiuk/news/detail.jhtml?newsId=10241)

Steve M

23-Jan-2006, 14:17

Originally posted by JPM

So Steve... you gonna get one then?

I think something more comfortable may be needed for a while !!! But the SS will be for sale in Spring, then I'll start looking :)

BDG

23-Jan-2006, 14:17

Originally posted by DIBBLE
shouldn't that read

"0% interest in the 749/999"

Dibble, i lurve ya

Chris Wood

23-Jan-2006, 14:19

My experience in the US, two years, is exactly that Gizmo.

Finance is very cheap and very easy to get, a population / volume thing I guess.

I'd go for servicing if anyone offered it?! Where are the dealers when you need them on the msg board....;)

Steve M

23-Jan-2006, 14:21

Originally posted by Gizmo
Wonder why they don't do what the US Duc importer does and offer 2 years free servicing (http://www.ducati.com/od/ducatinorthamerica/news/detail.jhtml?newsId=9321) when they need to get sales moving? Cheap finance is easy to find, service bills hurt and it puts people off owning a Ducati plus it doesn't devalue second hand bike prices. Maybe 2 years interest free has no impact in the US?

That would be a much better idea, it would benefit all buyers and not just those needing credit, as well as being a bigger saving.

JPM

23-Jan-2006, 14:23

You OK today steve or got a nervous twitch and posting twice? Ah ha... trying to get your post count up eh? ;)

Gizmo

23-Jan-2006, 14:23

I've just asked Steve if he minds opening a poll in the same thread on upnorth, its valuable feedback to DUK and I actually suggested it to my local dealer 3 months ago when i spotted it on the US site.

Steve M

23-Jan-2006, 14:25

I seems to have sorted itself now Jon :puzzled:

Steve M

23-Jan-2006, 14:32

The POLL (http://www.ducati-upnorth.com/forum/showthread.php?t=331) on Ducati Up North.

Gizmo

23-Jan-2006, 14:36

Originally posted by Steve M
The POLL (http://www.ducati-upnorth.com/forum/showthread.php?t=331) on Ducati Up North.

thanks , i was a bit slow off the mark there :)

Twinfan

23-Jan-2006, 14:52

It's only avilable on base models, not the S or R...

itexuk

23-Jan-2006, 15:21

You can buy 05 model un reg for £7999 at Moto Rapido and some place have last years model 04 new un reg for under £7499.
0% interest is actualy costing you nearly £800 because bike is £8795.
Nothing is ever free

Davieravie

23-Jan-2006, 15:34

Originally posted by itexuk
You can buy 05 model un reg for £7999 at Moto Rapido and some place have last years model 04 new un reg for under £7499.
0% interest is actualy costing you nearly £800 because bike is £8795.
Nothing is ever free

I noticed that too......They give with one hand and take with the other.... :(:sniff:

RCA

23-Jan-2006, 15:42

Originally posted by itexuk
0% interest is actualy costing you nearly £800 because bike is £8795. Nothing is ever free

Not true, because on finance, the £8795 becomes negotiable and there is the potential to get a better price than a cash sale (due to dealer incentives for selling finance, unit bonuses etc). The £8k you would be sinking into the bike, you could invest. Why do you think there so many boxsters on the Road?

0% is king.

rockhopper

23-Jan-2006, 15:54

On a zero percent offer the dealer will be paying the finance company money, not the other way around. Its only when the interest rate starts going up that the dealer starts to make money on the deal. Hence you will struggle to pay anything other than the ticket price if you are looking for 0%.

Steve M

23-Jan-2006, 16:12

As the offer is from Ducati UK, I would expect the price you negotiate with the dealer to be unaffected.

itexuk

23-Jan-2006, 16:16

DUCATI 749:
£256.52 per month, 0% APR typical
On the Road cash price: £8,795;
24 monthly payments of: £256.52.
Deposit: £2,638.52;
Amount of credit: £6,156.48.
Total amount payable: £8,795.

If you invested the £6156 for 2 years @5%you would get approx £630 less tax at lets say 20% = £504 so bike would cost £8291 when you can buy one for £7999 or less. How is 0% king.
Its only king if you do not have the money

rockhopper

23-Jan-2006, 17:56

But someone is paying for the zero percent offer, either Ducati UK or the dealer.
The Ducati shops are franchises so they buy the bikes from Ducati UK at a preferential rate. The bikes you see in places like JHP are owned by JHP, bought and paid for from Ducati UK (okay, perhaps they get 30 days credit). Ducati UK may have made the dealers a special cut price offer to enable them to offer zero percent. I still don't see you being able to negotiate a better price and still get zero percent.

Anyhow, thats how it used to work when i was in retail so i may be totally wrong!

Gizmo

23-Jan-2006, 19:28

The dealer will have a dealer price, DUK as importer will have distributor margin which they are now using to pay for the 0%, that DUK margin would have been used for marketing/advertising or other promo but they must need to move bikes at a quiet time of year. More than likely DUK will be getting a good price for the deal from the finance company for the zero finance, they'll get that because of the expected volume, it'll be a way better rate than a dealer can get. You should still be able to haggle, you've probably got a trade in and the dealer/DUK won't be financing the whole bike so the dealer can tell DUK whatever he likes on the balance needed to finance the deal, obviously the dealer knows the game anyway and will play fair with DUK but will want the sale as well. DUk are paying for the deal, they must be under pressure to move more units or have got their forward order wrong and have bikes due to be shipped to them without shops or customers for them.

Carbon749

23-Jan-2006, 19:49

Did my own version of 0% and a good deal.

Negotiated a great deal for my bike and then bought it on an egg card. At the time 1% cash back for purchases and 0% interest for 10 months. Move the balance to another card for 12 months 0% etc etc

Pay a worthwhile amount each month and the balance is cleared in 3 years.

0% interest for 3 years and no deposit to pay :D

RCA

23-Jan-2006, 23:32

Originally posted by itexuk
If you invested the £6156 for 2 years @5%you would get approx £630 less tax at lets say 20% = £504 so bike would cost £8291 when you can buy one for £7999 or less. How is 0% king.
Its only king if you do not have the money

When you’ve worked in acquisition and as a QS for as long as I have, you will understand that 0% IS king on anything, it has nothing to do with not having the money?! Why would you put £8k into something as ridicules as a motorbike when you can buy it on 0%!? And as for 5% return on your investment?!??!? Me thinks you either need to sack your financial adviser, or get one.

New UK R1 bought in March 2005 from a Yamaha dealer when the RRP was £9299. Explain how I managed to get it for £8000 on 0% for 3 years with no deposit? And they said it could not be done….Dealers will get incentives for selling finance, regardless of the APR, or the length of the term. I know my car selling friends (SEAT, VW, PORSCHE) do it every single day.

twpd

23-Jan-2006, 23:42

Looking at residual values I still wouldn't do it. Instead I'd go for a mint 2 year old bike...plenty around at low prices.

Ray

24-Jan-2006, 01:00

Intresting debate........

Bit of a guessing game as to who is paying for the 0% finance, the dealer or DUK? Probably DUK on the current promotion.

IF it is then it gets paid for out of DUK's slice of the cake??

A "free" servicing deal might be a bit more painful for DUK as it will be the dealers who do the work and DUK would have to pay them to do it and pay for the parts out of any margin in the bike.

My shilling would be on 0% costing less than 2 years free servicing for whoever picks up the bill! What if some maniac buys a bike and racks up 24k miles in 2 years?? Thats four service!! Yer smallprint had better be small!!

Surely the personal reasons for going for 0% over any other deal vary depending on the individual. Each individual would have to weigh up their personal circumstances.

There are also the sellers incentive variables. It's not beyond the realms of possibilty that you will get a mega deal on a bike if the dealer/importer/whoever needs the sale to reach a target where some bonuses kick in.

0%, bike for 3 shillings and sixpence, certainly sir.....knowing that one sale is gonna guarantee a big payoff that more than outweighs the ludicrous deal you've been lucky enough to bag!!

Ray

antonye

24-Jan-2006, 01:10

Originally posted by Ray
My shilling would be on 0% costing less than 2 years free servicing for whoever picks up the bill! What if some maniac buys a bike and racks up 24k miles in 2 years?? Thats four service!! Yer smallprint had better be small!!

However, that will be the exception rather than the rule, so paying for 1 in 100 to have an extra service would not break the bank if they gauged it right.

Gizmo

24-Jan-2006, 08:25

The DUC US deal is for 2 years or 6000 miles, its quite clear in the T&C. there is a cost but if the promo is at this time of year the 6000 mile service will be done at the same point next year, ideal for the dealer as the workshop is quiet in the early months and surely its better for DucUK to keep mechanics in work rather than finance companies??. Its pointless doing a 0% deal, look at the vote on upnorth, 100% would prefer some kind of deal on service rather than cheap finance. OK, its a small sample as you need to register to vote but even so suggests Duc UK are missing out on a promotion which might actually help sell more bikes.

itexuk

24-Jan-2006, 09:51

Originally posted by RCA
Originally posted by itexuk
If you invested the £6156 for 2 years @5%you would get approx £630 less tax at lets say 20% = £504 so bike would cost £8291 when you can buy one for £7999 or less. How is 0% king.
Its only king if you do not have the money

When you’ve worked in acquisition and as a QS for as long as I have, you will understand that 0% IS king on anything, it has nothing to do with not having the money?! Why would you put £8k into something as ridicules as a motorbike when you can buy it on 0%!? And as for 5% return on your investment?!??!? Me thinks you either need to sack your financial adviser, or get one.

New UK R1 bought in March 2005 from a Yamaha dealer when the RRP was £9299. Explain how I managed to get it for £8000 on 0% for 3 years with no deposit? And they said it could not be done….Dealers will get incentives for selling finance, regardless of the APR, or the length of the term. I know my car selling friends (SEAT, VW, PORSCHE) do it every single day.

We were talking about the Ducati deal:

DUCATI 749:
£256.52 per month, 0% APR typical
On the Road cash price: £8,795;
24 monthly payments of: £256.52.
Deposit: £2,638.52;
Amount of credit: £6,156.48.
Total amount payable: £8,795.

I agree, IF you can negotiate a big discount off the above price and STILL get 0% than that is the way to go as you did on the R1.

Ray

24-Jan-2006, 10:26

I seem to recall there has been a "free" servicing deal on. Martin M bought an ST3 last year late on from Ducati Leeds with two years "free" servicing.

I can't remember if it was a Dealer offer or a DUK promotion. There might be something on here.

Anyone else remember what happened before Christmas!!???:lol:

DUK and their dealers do make an effort to shift the metal, Deals I have seen publicised include free extras like hard luggage for touring bikes, pipes, finance deals, free servicing, and so on, some of this might be a dealer funded some with DUK support.

It's very easy to loose sight of the fact that Ducati is a business, it has to cover its costs and hopefully a bit more to survive in the long term.

Maybe the Factory itself is the exception to that rule!! but it applies to the dealers in a town near you?

Free lunch?, no such thing, somebody somewhere is paying, the cost just doesn't disppear, be it hard cash or lost margin.

Ray.

[Edited on 24-1-2006 by Ray]

Athelstan

24-Jan-2006, 11:06

Guys n Gals
The deal works like this. If you read the statements made earlier this year re the sale of TI's 30% share of Ducati stock, Ducati said in their financial statement that they had put aside considerable funds (millions euros) to eleviate their overstocked position. It is this money that DUK and other national Ducati owned companies around the world will be using to finance their own sales incentive programmes.

DUK garantees the finance company the "interest" they would normally receive in such consumer transactions (less a bulk buy discount) and the finance company hopes that at some point in the future they can sell another credit arrangement to you the punter or to DUK.

Your local dealer is offered an extra "sales bonus" on shifting additional new stock under this agreement in the time period specified. Whether the local dealer uses any of the bonus to reduce the ticket price "unofficially" and off the paper work is up to hiom or her.

You the punter however will probably never get the "best" deal available in the market by using this or similar promotions. Remember the sizeable deposit, and remember it applies only to certain bikes and not the whole Ducati range.

Best advice is to see what you can borrow elsewhere before walking into the dealers and negotiate the price down knowing you have the monies available to do so, and, get the bike you really want.

And finally - it is about time that all bike manufacturers behaved like their car counterparts and offer new bikes with 3 years inclusive free servicing with say 30,000 miles mileage limitation over the 3 year period.

[Edited on 24-1-2006 by Athelstan]

Twinfan

24-Jan-2006, 11:21

Here's my take...

If Ducati are struggling to sell the base model bikes then why have them in the range, and why build so many? Surely it's supply and demand? Why build a load of stuff that no-one wants?

If the demand isn't there to sell the amount of bikes they need for a profit, then they need to sell more of the bikes there IS a demand for. Why not offer deals on the S models? They must be selling as they're not in the offer. The R range should remain exclusive, so why not have:

749/999 Dark/Base model. All black, black frame, black wheels, entry level. Let people bling them up as they want, Biposto and Monoposto, cheaper (Sachs/Boge) non Ti Ni suspension, old style swingarm.

749S/999S. Red and yellow, red and black frames, black wheels, new swingarm, full Ti Ni Showa suspension. Same engine as the Dark, but supply the bike with a Termi exhaust and a few carbon bits, Biposto and Monoposto with numberboards.

749R/999R. Homolgation special. Red only, limited numbers, tricked up motor. Full Ohlins, comes with Termi full system, carbon fairing, no expense spared. Only build the minimum required to keep demand and resale high.

Surely that makes more sense?

[Edited on 24-1-2006 by Twinfan]

RCA

24-Jan-2006, 14:20

Originally posted by Athelstan
You the punter however will probably never get the "best" deal available in the market by using this or similar promotions.
Not true.

Remember the sizeable deposit, and remember it applies only to certain bikes and not the whole Ducati range.
Not true.

Best advice is to see what you can borrow elsewhere before walking into the dealers and negotiate the price down knowing you have the monies available to do so, and, get the bike you really want.
Dealers want you to sign on the dotted line, cash does not guarantee you the best deal.

And finally - it is about time that all bike manufacturers behaved like their car counterparts and offer new bikes with 3 years inclusive free servicing with say 30,000 miles mileage limitation over the 3 year period.
Ducati are to the world of motorbikes what Leica are to the world of photography. They are out to bleed you dry.

[Edited on 24-1-2006 by Athelstan]

RCA

24-Jan-2006, 14:34

Originally posted by Twinfan
Here's my take...

If Ducati are struggling to sell the base model bikes then why have them in the range, and why build so many? Surely it's supply and demand? Why build a load of stuff that no-one wants?

If the demand isn't there to sell the amount of bikes they need for a profit, then they need to sell more of the bikes there IS a demand for. Why not offer deals on the S models? They must be selling as they're not in the offer. The R range should remain exclusive, so why not have:

749/999 Dark/Base model. All black, black frame, black wheels, entry level. Let people bling them up as they want, Biposto and Monoposto, cheaper (Sachs/Boge) non Ti Ni suspension, old style swingarm.

749S/999S. Red and yellow, red and black frames, black wheels, new swingarm, full Ti Ni Showa suspension. Same engine as the Dark, but supply the bike with a Termi exhaust and a few carbon bits, Biposto and Monoposto with numberboards.

749R/999R. Homolgation special. Red only, limited numbers, tricked up motor. Full Ohlins, comes with Termi full system, carbon fairing, no expense spared. Only build the minimum required to keep demand and resale high.

Surely that makes more sense?

[Edited on 24-1-2006 by Twinfan]

Very good point, although, why even make 3 versions of the same lump of metal? They should just make the S version the base model and make the R from this base stock, via special order. Simple. Ducati clearly do not know their own market, they seems to make one financial blunder after another, and as for signing Sete Gibernau...

RCA

24-Jan-2006, 14:47

Originally posted by twpd
Looking at residual values I still wouldn't do it. Instead I'd go for a mint 2 year old bike...plenty around at low prices.

But again, this would mean having your hard earned cash in a bike, not making you money, but losing you money. If you are a smart investor, 0% finance is king, and your investment will more than cover any residuals and you get a new ride.

I had a choice, put £8000 cash into my R1, or take the R1 on 0% and invest my £8000. Ok, my R1 is only worth £6500 now, but my £8000 has since doubled. Think about it, its not rocket science.

BDG

24-Jan-2006, 15:21

Originally posted by RCA

I had a choice, put £8000 cash into my R1, or take the R1 on 0% and invest my £8000. Ok, my R1 is only worth £6500 now, but my £8000 has since doubled. Think about it, its not rocket science.

Your £8000 cash has doubled in less than a year, that surely is rocket science. Thats some investment strategy, would you care to enlighten us, i'm curious.

JPM

24-Jan-2006, 15:44

Originally posted by RCA
Originally posted by Twinfan
Here's my take...

If Ducati are struggling to sell the base model bikes then why have them in the range, and why build so many? Surely it's supply and demand? Why build a load of stuff that no-one wants?

If the demand isn't there to sell the amount of bikes they need for a profit, then they need to sell more of the bikes there IS a demand for. Why not offer deals on the S models? They must be selling as they're not in the offer. The R range should remain exclusive, so why not have:

749/999 Dark/Base model. All black, black frame, black wheels, entry level. Let people bling them up as they want, Biposto and Monoposto, cheaper (Sachs/Boge) non Ti Ni suspension, old style swingarm.

749S/999S. Red and yellow, red and black frames, black wheels, new swingarm, full Ti Ni Showa suspension. Same engine as the Dark, but supply the bike with a Termi exhaust and a few carbon bits, Biposto and Monoposto with numberboards.

749R/999R. Homolgation special. Red only, limited numbers, tricked up motor. Full Ohlins, comes with Termi full system, carbon fairing, no expense spared. Only build the minimum required to keep demand and resale high.

Surely that makes more sense?

[Edited on 24-1-2006 by Twinfan]

Very good point, although, why even make 3 versions of the same lump of metal? They should just make the S version the base model and make the R from this base stock, via special order. Simple. Ducati clearly do not know their own market, they seems to make one financial blunder after another, and as for signing Sete Gibernau...

Really? well is it me or would you say it's time to eat humble pie (http://motogp.tiscali.com/en/motogp/news_info/news_info_15891_1.htm?menu=home)

I'd love to know how to double my cash in 12 months too, any chance you can explain how to do that to us luddite's please

BDG

24-Jan-2006, 15:50

Originally posted by JPM

I'd love to know how to double my cash in 12 months too, any chance you can explain how to do that to us luddite's please

Oi, crap taste in bikes maybe but you're no luddite, thats my title.

Love the Canada banner in your signiture BTW:lol:

JPM

24-Jan-2006, 16:12

Originally posted by BDG

Love the Canada banner in your signiture BTW:lol:

....Have you asked him yet :D

RCA

24-Jan-2006, 16:43

Originally posted by JPM

Really? well is it me or would you say it's time to eat humble pie (http://motogp.tiscali.com/en/motogp/news_info/news_info_15891_1.htm?menu=home)
Blah, Blah Blah, 1st in 1991 nothing since, the guy is a clown, and cannot win on anything, all will be revealed this season.

I'd love to know how to double my cash in 12 months too, any chance you can explain how to do that to us luddite's please.
www.igindex.co.uk

[Edited on 24-1-2006 by RCA]

BDG

24-Jan-2006, 17:06

Originally posted by JPM
Originally posted by BDG

Love the Canada banner in your signiture BTW:lol:

....Have you asked him yet :D

Sure have, deafening silence.

RCA..thanks

itexuk

24-Jan-2006, 17:29

Originally posted by BDG
Originally posted by RCA

I had a choice, put £8000 cash into my R1, or take the R1 on 0% and invest my £8000. Ok, my R1 is only worth £6500 now, but my £8000 has since doubled. Think about it, its not rocket science.

Your £8000 cash has doubled in less than a year, that surely is rocket science. Thats some investment strategy, would you care to enlighten us, i'm curious.

So am I, let us in on your secret

rockhopper

24-Jan-2006, 17:34

Originally posted by RCA
Originally posted by JPM

_
www.igindex.co.uk

[Edited on 24-1-2006 by RCA]

Spread betting for goodness sake!

I can show you how to make £5 million in a week. All you have to do is win the national lottery.

itexuk

24-Jan-2006, 17:36

Originally posted by RCA
Originally posted by JPM

Really? well is it me or would you say it's time to eat humble pie (http://motogp.tiscali.com/en/motogp/news_info/news_info_15891_1.htm?menu=home)
Blah, Blah Blah, 1st in 1991 nothing since, the guy is a clown, and cannot win on anything, all will be revealed this season.

I'd love to know how to double my cash in 12 months too, any chance you can explain how to do that to us luddite's please.
www.igindex.co.uk

[Edited on 24-1-2006 by RCA]

Remember that spread betting is a leveraged product and can result in losses that exceed your initial deposit. It may not be suitable for everyone, so please ensure that you fully understand the risks involved.

Martin Ducati Glasgow

24-Jan-2006, 21:01

Blah, Blah Blah, 1st in 1991 nothing since, the guy is a clown, and cannot win on anything, all will be revealed this season.

Err RCA,
the bloke in your avatar hardly sets the world on fire when it comes to winning does he?;)

And R1's as an investment? Dunno 'bout that one mate!

Take the clothes of it and you could be looking at any Suzkawahondahama! Next years old news! (oooh, bit controversial!!!)

In fact I could open the bonnet on me old grannies fiesta and see a Suzukawahondahama lump!!! :D

Try a Duke mate, on 0%, a bit different from the run of the mill stuff! You'll luv it! It's the stuff of legends!!:lol:

RCA

25-Jan-2006, 00:54

Originally posted by Martin Ducati Glasgow
[quote]
Err RCA,
the bloke in your avatar hardly sets the world on fire when it comes to winning does he?;)
Where were you in 2002? SP2 Luguna Seca beat up the reds. (My fav bike, hence the avatar)

And R1's as an investment? Dunno 'bout that one mate!
Never said it was. No bike is an investment, certainly not a 999.

Try a Duke mate, on 0%, a bit different from the run of the mill stuff! You'll luv it! It's the stuff of legends!!:lol:
Hhmm, it has crossed my mind with the 0% offer, but 50% return after 2 years? The computer says 'No'...

Davieravie

25-Jan-2006, 09:14

My youre an angry young man RCA. Whats up?? Tell Uncle Davieravie all about it :lol:

Gizmo

25-Jan-2006, 09:44

Originally posted by RCA
Originally posted by Martin Ducati Glasgow
[quote]
Err RCA,
the bloke in your avatar hardly sets the world on fire when it comes to winning does he?;)
Where were you in 2002? SP2 Luguna Seca beat up the reds. (My fav bike, hence the avatar)

And R1's as an investment? Dunno 'bout that one mate!
Never said it was. No bike is an investment, certainly not a 999.

Try a Duke mate, on 0%, a bit different from the run of the mill stuff! You'll luv it! It's the stuff of legends!!:lol:
Hhmm, it has crossed my mind with the 0% offer, but 50% return after 2 years? The computer says 'No'...

As an exSP2 ( i preferRC51) owner ( bought it when i couldnt afford a 998S) i know how good they are and if you ain't rode one its well worth a go as its one of the quickest A to B roadbikes around. It took me a while to adapt to the 999 after that but a year later I now prefer the 999 for a lot of reasons.

Bikes aren't about residuals you buy them to ride, well I do anyway, if you ride them and put miles on they depreciate quickly no matter what brand. Fook what the computer says, if the heart says "yes" do it, you only live once and I'd rather look back and know I've owned and enjoyed something that wish I had.......

RCA

25-Jan-2006, 14:40

As an exSP2 ( i preferRC51) owner ( bought it when i couldnt afford a 998S) i know how good they are and if you ain't rode one its well worth a go as its one of the quickest A to B roadbikes around. It took me a while to adapt to the 999 after that but a year later I now prefer the 999 for a lot of reasons.

Mate has the SP1, and yes I ride it more than he does, I love em. Iam interested to know why it took time to adaprt and you now prefer the 999 over your SP2?

JPM

25-Jan-2006, 14:52

Oh lookie here (http://www.ducatileeds.co.uk/dl_promotions/749_sf/749_sf.htm)

:D

Steve M

25-Jan-2006, 15:04

That's more like it :bouncy:

Well done DL

Let's hope others follow.

RCA

25-Jan-2006, 15:26

How much are the first 2 services?

Gizmo

25-Jan-2006, 16:06

Originally posted by RCA

As an exSP2 ( i preferRC51) owner ( bought it when i couldnt afford a 998S) i know how good they are and if you ain't rode one its well worth a go as its one of the quickest A to B roadbikes around. It took me a while to adapt to the 999 after that but a year later I now prefer the 999 for a lot of reasons.

Mate has the SP1, and yes I ride it more than he does, I love em. Iam interested to know why it took time to adaprt and you now prefer the 999 over your SP2?

RC51 has a very planted front, its a bit weird as the forks only actually give about 90mm travel so when its bumpy it can feel harsh whereas the 999 doesn't, there's one corner at Croft where I always noticed it and even more so on the road. You tend to let the bike find its own way into the corner and run round, it requires little rider input to do so and because of this keeps the rider movement to a minimum. I'd liked to have tried the Kyle link to see what that did but sold the bike before i could get one.

999 needs a totally different riding style, even with the rear jacked its slow handling and doesn't want to turn so you have to ride the front more, I've now moved forward as I set for a corner and really hang off, where it scores over the SP2 is mid corner where the suspension copes with any bumps without that harsh fork, rear feel and you can use the throttle to hold the line then get on the gas a bit more quickly without a slide, because the Sp2 is so front end biased I used to find I needed to be a bit more careful getting on the power. it took me a while to realise it was me not the bike causing the problem, i went through all the suspension stuff and wasn't happy, it was only when i changed riding styles i noticed big improvements.
And yup, I can set suspension up at both ends and tried most of the combinations available. :)