Very true, if you've been there, and done that, then i guess if you want to keep in the Ducati ownership, then there's only one option. And, yes the R has a kudos worth having i feel. Although it appears this year, Ducati have lost their way with the R, when compared to the S.

It's like, i'd rather have a '04 749R than a '05 749R (carbon v plastic). And the '04--> 999R's have a nicer swing arm.

Be interesting what really happens in 2007. What do we reckon the top bike will be then? A 'sedici R (not a RR one off).

2007 - that'll be the 1096 then.

based on 999 with re-styled headlights and exhaust, with a petrol tank similar to 916 shape.

I'll be totally wrong of course ;)

Oooh!!! Miaow!

I'm not a CSS instructor, so I don't know what you guys are on about.

I guess that means that you'll finally beat me in a race next weekend then ;)

Care for a friendly wager tiger?

:ninja:

YET.....

Thus why you'll be there on Tuesday :)

carefull with those instructors Jon, you never know where they might pop up ;)

Well, you're assuming I actually pass that bit ... then there's another test which you're assuming I'll pass ...

... and there's no such thing as a CSS instructor ;)

[Edited on 5-8-2005 by TP]

Those that can - do !!! Those that can't - teach !!!! ;) [/quote]




class.......................LMAO

k-thunk gauntlett lands on the floor...........

:lol::lol::lol:

NW in joke, best laff i've had for ages.

Hmmm exactly! Wouldn't mind giving it a go myself...

I think you'll find that I beat you in race one at Cadwell, or would you say that you didn't line up for that one? ;)

I will beat you next weekend of course, but I don't need your money!!! :lol:

Bring it on!!!

Tim:ninja:

I think you'll find that I was a DNS for that race ;) After you sent your assasin around!

I'm glad you want to beat me, it will make crushing your spirit all the more enjoyable!!!

Muahahahahaha!!!

:borg:

Let the games begin!!!!

Glad the old TP is back !!!! ;)

your right,996 won the wsb,then the 998 lost to a SP2! so ducati moved on with the 999 & again won the wsb two years running:bouncy: beating r1s,gsxr etc etc.

[Edited on 5-8-2005 by pedro]

To quote Frankie Chili

The 999 is a road bike they try to race

The 998 is a race bike for the road

Frankie bought a 998R from a dealer stripped it and won with it at Misano last year, not contest the 998 or a 996

And your right not like a volvo:D:sing:

[Edited on 5-8-2005 by m1keyp]

the proofs their mate 999 = wsb tittles in 04,03, 998 =wsb tittles ? 0?. 996 wsb tittles 01. did chili win any wsb tittles? some riders "get on" with certain bikes. f.c didnt like the 999,would the 998 pose a threat to the 999 in todays wsb? carnt see it myself.

[Edited on 5-8-2005 by pedro]

Correct Pedro, although both the 996 and 998 only had a year each at the top end of racing. The 999 has been around now 3 years, so yes it's more successful, but a lot less desirable. Prices and changes have proved that.

The 996R would be my choice. Although as Jon has put it, if you've been there and done that, and want a top flight Duke, you have little choice. So maybe, the 999R is a good bike, just not a pretty one.

its the flagship,its a winner. for me the 749-999 is the better bike over the 99*. looks are second

Its getting very bitchy on here...........................hand bags at dawn chaps!

:lol: Not sure why, all differant points of view.

Both Pedro and Jon are right. But some still believe the 6R to be the better bike over the next 2 R's. Seems there are quite a fea about who still think this. Me, looks and package count for everything.

Looks are second?!?!?! What the F**K?!?!?!?

and to discribe the R1 as an 'ugly' bike? Should have gone to specsavers mate.

Agreed!
:)

its all down to what floats your boat.

[Edited on 5-8-2005 by pedro]

Sounds like a parts bin special. And minging.

It remains the question, have they got it sooooooo wrong with the 749/999's?

Or, are the purists tastes to blinkered?

What are the facts?

I think it's a reluctance to change that's the problem. The 916 shape was so beautiful and inspirational people are finding it hard to move on.

I was a huge fan of the 916 when it first came out, but I think it's had its day now. It'll always be a classic, but I think the 999 shape has a very modern beauty to it, especially in race bike trim.

I wouldn't describe the R1 as ugly, just not my cup of tea ...

But then neither is the newer shape bikes - xx9 series ... however, I am a complete tart and would have a 999R.

so how comes the one i was gonna buy had plaque with **/155 on it?
ps it didnt have carbon bodywork or signed tank either
it was a uk bike!! :puzzled:

IMHO. The 999 looks like an ant from the front, far to long from the side, and the back & exhaust look like an after thought. The new package looks, 'gay'. Also, has anybody else noticed that, no matter what shape or size the rider, the bike and rider just do not look right, it all looks sort of awkward. The 999 is like the girl that stands there when the screen goes back, and you realise you've picked the least attractive of the 3. Ducai have attempted to be radical, but instead Ducati really have divded us. Those, like me, who fell in love and dreamt of owning the 916,996,998, basically hate the 999 and do not understand the design. The younger generation like me, who Ducati HAVE to aim/market their next generation of models to, in order to progress and make money, still prefer the old look. If this was not the case, A) There would not be this long debate & B) The 999 would not, already be, a surplus bike.

R1
R7
SP2
998

and Iam happy.

Roger Roger - Derrick is on his way out!

[Edited on 5-8-2005 by RCA]

if there enough in your bike budget to afford 3 average jap bikes and you choose those out of preferance god help you.
because there no real sense there if you want something special. IMHO

Of my bike wish list, how many of the above bikes have you ever riden around a track? Thought not. No experiance = No opinion...zip it George.

Not true. I fell in love with the 916, rode a 748R and 749S and spent my money on a new 749S. I gelled with it straight away, and I now love the looks. They grow on you.

Just been through this thread and boy did it make me laugh.

Mr RCA, your arrogance is astonishing - you sound like the sort of bloke who'd start a fight in an empty room :lol:

BTW I have one of the first 999R's that came to the UK and almost 2 years later I still love it to bits. Best bike I've ever owned, and, it took me a long time to save, trade etc to buy it.

It's been on a dozen plus track days, thrown through the gravel at Silverstone, borrowed by MCN and is usually fecking mucky cos it's always being ridden ... however, every Monday night, at Foxes bike night, I know where my bike is amongst the 200+ parked in the car park because it's the one with the admiring crowd round it.

Also, please do not include me in your ill thought statement -

'Those, like me, who fell in love and dreamt of owning the 916,996,998, basically hate the 999 and do not understand the design'

As one who fell in love and dreamt of owning the 916,996,998 I worked my way to first owning a 996Bip and then a 996SPS before the big boy. You have no idea what you are talking about.

ps: I've never inherited anything - apart from my father's good looks :smug:

I see you are a member of the 'younger generation' (what ever that means) and are a photographer.

So from the mildest mannered, most easy going, charming member of the DSC please ...

Grow up and consider your comments before you make them and take your Leica with it's zoom lens (I assume you have one), bend over your girly R1 and have it shoved (un-greased) where the sun don't shine.

:P:lol:

Yep,some folks just dont get it.;):D

MAGIC Dave!!!!!:burn:

:D If your going vintage you can't beat a 9**,but try a 999 and find out what a modern bike feels like:D

Ducati ownership is just gods way of seperating away from the kawyamhonuki tsssers with no class.:lol:

996R without a doubt,i recently rode Henners low mileage example,what a glorious noise. All of the R's have soul and that hand made feel ,you can almost taste the passion.And chaps,lay off the R 1,i've got one too , i know which bike is better in the realworld for everyday use on the road.

Andy ... harsh mate, harsh :o

But true :lol:

RCA,

i've posted a few helpful comments on Alan P's thread 996 SPS thread for sale in the market place where you have also contributed

Stu ... put like that (sensibly as you did) couldn't agree more about the 996R. But I'd rather have my 999R anyday.

As for the R1. I haven't ridden the latest model but rode 2000 and a 2003 reg model loads when my mate had one. Four of us used to ride, an R1, two blades and my SPS and we used to swap round regularly. Personally always prefered the blade actually and decided in the end to buy a VFR for work, commuting & two up touring but it just didn't do it for me.

In the end I chopped the VFR in for a MultiStuka and for everyday use that's the one I'd go for. I can't give you any tales of woe because every Duke I've ever owned (7 now) has always been super reliable and never let me down.

Touch wood :rolleye: