hhmm,

2004 999S £10,000
2005 999 £11,000

give or take a few hundred, what would you go for?

RA

2004 999s

Why not check out back issues of some of the mags. Those that have ridden the '05 999 think its sublime.

Ditto.

Now check out what's more expensive... a swingarm like the one on all 05 models have (like the one on 04 R) or the Ohlins?
Ah.... and where will you use the bike mostly?? If it's on the street then you won't notice that much the Ohlins difference.

So i say..... get a 2005 999S :D

you'll notice the swingarm difference even less. in fact not at all. go for the ohlins.

Ducsoon, that recommendation is based on ...........?

Your personal experience of the 999 range ?

Have you bought one yet ?

btw the superiority of Ohlins suspension is easily apparent on the road.

Just based on personal taste and not on experience.
Like dickieducati said you'll notice even less the swingarm difference. (granted)
But.... i don't know... i really don't like the pre 05 999's swingarms and i prefer the new front look so i think i would go for a standard 05.

Nope, still haven't got one.
I was considering trading in my 04 R1 for a 998 but i just called my dealer (where i got the MV) and we're negociating a 05 999S :D.
Let's see how this goes.....

I had a 748 with showa's great handling bike, loved it.
Had a standard 749 which i could never get quite right in the handling department.
Currently 05 999s Ohlins superb handling. And i certainly can feel the difference road riding.

Clint.

:smug:

I had the same dilema. A new 2004 999S or 2005 999 Base. Tried both in a test ride and the fuelling was much better on the 2005 999 demonstrator than on the 2004 999S demo. Could be that the 2005 999 only had 200 miles on it and the 999S had 1500 but the 2005 bike felt smoother, and felt better screwed together.

In the end I opted for the 2005 999 Base (red mono) as the handling will be much the same, although the Ohlins will have a slight advantage, but the engine power is very similar and the fuelling map, in my test ride, was better on the 2005 bike. I also get the better styling..imho.

Bike arrives early April...can't wait !!

CONGRATS!!! then :)
I think you did the right choice.
Yeah, and i bet you can't wait :D;)