trickz has hit the nail very firmly on its head:)

I agree with you Trickz.

Ducati are never going to please "all of the people, all of the time" and there are many, many people who are always going to prefer GXSR's, R1's and the like.

That's fine. We may be converted, to the point of fanaticism, but I don't see much point in trying to evangelise Ducati's virtues to the world.

yea guys i agree with you there, its the Grin Factor for me that does it, the smooth power and to be totally honest theres not many bikes (even the big litres) that would take a 749 on in the B roads for handling.

/ian

er, I read most of the mags and have'nt read this recently?

It's in the Feb 2005 issue of Bike

Apples with apples - Just try the 999 and then let us know.

Superbike January 2005.....Twin power exclusive full road & track test.

999 Bip 2005 model
RSVR
SP2.

Apples and oranges? If its not for you...perhaps its just not? :(

Don't mean to sound harsh, but I test rode a nice 996 before I bought the 749, and indeed, the power difference was very noticeable, especially the massive wave of torque. I made the decision to go with the newer model, and although its 'only' a standard bip, with Termis and two up on the rear sprocket, feels fantastic for me, much different to the CBRs I used to ride.

Give it another try, get some more time on the bike, perhaps you'll change your thoughts?

Hardest thing you will ever do, coming off a modern jap 4 onto a twin. Whole different ball game. A standard v twin will NEVER compete with a modern jap 4 on power alone. But in the real world it's not all about power.

That said, if it's not for you, then it's not for you. :sing:

I spoke to a trackday firm instructor last summer- he had just bought a 999 and was taking on the track for the first time. Two hours later and ... he hated it. "Underpowered", he said.
He had just sold his tricked-up Gixxer thou with "180bhp" at the crank, what was he expecting from the 999?

Like Khu says, apples and oranges.