Sorry, grabbed 2 very worthy points from your post.

Thats the first time I've seen anyone mention the 2 different shape 999's, like you I prefer the first sleeker, lower narrow faired version, the 05 on was a watered down look with "better" ergonomics but it does appeal to more people.

the reason the 916 held its value was that Ducati underproduced and couldn't meet demand, over the years they've increased production and now manufacture too many bikes so its ends up in end of season close outs and having to offer incentives to move them, destroying second hand values. There is no exclusivity, even the DD16RR is going to end up in a big production run and I bet they do another run the next year. Compare that to BMW who restrict supply to keep new prices high but more importantly residuals strong. Similarly BMW dealers will always try and buy bikes back rather than let them go to other dealers, they'll offer good prices for them, I can't say any Ducati dealer I've been to would do that. Whatever they do with the shape they also need to keep the bike exclusive, reading their business plan they do seem to recognize that so i'd guess its going to be expensive and with 999 trade ins having low values not many of us will swap anyway :(

Well my personal opinion is the 916 series does now look a little dated,however its still a stunning design, ive just sold my 748 and purchased a 749, i really disliked the 749 when launched but its really grown on me, most non bike friends tell me the 749 looks much more up to date which i think is hard to argue with, however if you ask me "in 10 years time will it look so good?" my honest answer would be no, designs such as the 916 dont happen very often, thats what makes them so iconic.
Heres a couple of apparent spyshots of the new bike found on a website from the usa, hope you havent seen them before

Nah mate,the fairing changes were made after instability problems in AMA Superbike racing.I saw Eric Bostroms bike at Daytona in '04 where they had blanked off the air ducts and put on a wider screen.Thats why America got the new shape bikes before us.
Anorak mode off!;) :D

999r has allways had the wider fairing.

Yes,but now its wider,....and slotless!

Best info you can get.

"All models have a 1099cc engine, but are designated 1098 (for fear of association with the IRS 1099 tax form - REALLY!).

Three Models-
$14,995 - 1098 Base: 160hp/80+tq
$19,995 - 1098S: adds carbon bits and Ohlins suspension pieces
$24,995 - 1098 Tri-Colore: adds race exhaust in the crate, red/white/green three-color paint
(Pricing is preliminary and may change slightly)

Styling somewhat similar to Desmosedici RR, but with longer, sharper front fairing and featuring dual headlights; New dash design; Single-sided swingarm; Dual oval underseat exhaust; Weight reduction of 37.5 pounds; Monoblock radial-caliper brakes w/330mm discs.

All 1098 models will come configurable as mono and biposto. Base model outperforms 999R!!

Ducati will NOT campaign the new bike for the coming AMA season; instead skipping a year for potential rule changes.

Official debut will be at Milan in November, with deliveries expected to begin in February."

Where do you get your information ?

No its not wider....its allways been that wide! (and not like my arse):lol:

Cant say, but very reliable

Define outperforms?:confused: