Disapointed with my 749 test ride!
 

Hi
(1st post, after some opinions)

Been riding several years:

CBR600 (1997)
R6 (2001)
R1 (2003)

Ready for a new bike, had a go on my mates SP1, awesome! Then took the 749S out (£7500) and what a huge disappointment?!?! Looks amazing, but feels slow and cumbersome and sounds shite as standard! Clearly needs the termi exhaust upgrade, so after that, its not a cheap bike, and in my opinion very average performance. The SP1 blows it away and I suspect the 999 does’nt really offer a massive increase in power performance.

Iam desp to get a Ducati, I love them (sound, looks) but I cant help but feeling the bikes have gone a bit soft?

Spoke to an independent Ducati mechanic near to me and his opinion was, and I quote “forget the new 749,999 bikes their tosh! He told me to save my cash and get a mint used standard 996, as its the only Ducati to have! Go like FOOK, sound FOOKING amazing, and look the FOOKING ducati’s dogs!” He said if he was gonna buy a brand new twin it would be the Aprilla RSV-Factory, after that the SP2, but definitely, definitely not a new 999…

Hhmm, discuss…

suprised at what your mechanic is telling you, i prefer the 999 over the factory aprilia it seemed so much more planted than the aprilia on back to back rides as for power my 999s has a few tweaks and goes like stink. test rides is what you need to be sure

well simply, i recon he's talking crap. a standard 996 doesnt sound amazing it sounds like all other standard ducati's; ok but still needs the termi's. a 999 will go quicker than a 996 in the same hands. FACT.

i'll take on someone of the same standard on my 999s if they are on an aprillia or sp2 any day. or blade or r1 for that matter. i may not trounce them but my performance wouldnt be descibed as tost im pretty sure.

the performance difference between a 749s and a 999s is fairly significant i would say. my 999s has 146 bhp and a very linear curve with bundles of torque.

I got my first Ducati last November a 749S.

It hasn't got the outright top end performance of my previous bikes but in the real world nobody runs away from me.
It sounds great and looks the dogs, I wouldn't change it.

Drive up some where amongest the many Jap bikes and the Duke is what everyone looks at!

I test rode the 749 and 999 (admittedly 2003) back to back, and the difference was significant.
Got a 999 on the strength of it.

So the last current bike is a 2003 R1, that the same as my previous bike. So first I would say of course the 749 seems slow. So test ride your old R6 that will seem slow as well.

For a better comparison test an R6, then a 748 then a 749. That should give you a much better comparison.

Or test an SP2 then a 996/998 then a 999

By comparing like with like you will be an to choose on what you think, not on what your mechanic thinks.

Rob

I don't know much about the Superebikes, but in running my 750 SS with 900SS's, I of course noticed the major power difference, especially on the highway. Probably similar to the 749/999 comparo. But I found my self at the head of the pack in very tight Mt roads with unending curves. I was always on the power band, kind of like a 2-stroke, with short blasts from turn to turn. I came out smiling, but my buddies all had very sore wrists and shoulders. With the 749/999 though, there doesn't seem to be much weight difference, so I don't know if all of that would hold true. You may be able to stay on the power more often in real tight stuff though as the engine is not as explosive.

What a load of tosh !

Just read all the latest mag's mate SP1 V RSV V 999

Lets just say....it was a walk in the park..... The 999 is the king of twins :P

Right, going back this weekend to try the 999. Iam not gonna go on the R1, Iam gonna borrow my grans skoda instead...

Everyone has there own opions and likes bikes for differnent qualities. I myself have owned similar bikes in the past as octo can maybe understand what he says on a first ride opinion.

I for one though would never give up my 749 now, I know it might be lacking in the power but its the experience of riding it that counts for me. I've never known anything like it compared to the jap bikes. Its the looks you get, people talking to you when you pull up. I even had car drivers wind down their window while your passing them and say "Nice Bike Mate". Its a winner for me everytime. I also ride a Kwak ZX12R and when it comes to the choice the Ducati is out of the garage more often.

I know when the 749 comes up for replacement it will be with another Ducati.
tricky.

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.

I ride all bikes all makes everyday!

if you test ride a duke for half an hour you would give it back and walk away !

go do 200 miles on it !
i sold my 52 plate gixxer thou for a 2000 996 bip!

after a few mods ! i recon my cornerspeed has increased by 20%

Grin Factor by !00%

all i can say is USEABLE POWER !!!;)

different strokes for different folks. its not all down to power, its looks and handling too. ride a good one and youll be converted like the rest of us ;)

It's also very strange!

first RS turbo (white and blue series 1) awsome

second model RS turbo
not as good ( to refined )

same with DUCATI 916/996 awsome

999 to refined !

BRING IT ON :lol::lol::lol::lol:

Mav, that's just crazy!
If the 999 is too refined ... just ride extra ragged. Works for me!

:D

Woow...what a discussion!!
Eventhough I haven't ride my 749dark, I'm already confident to buy a Ducati (honestly I work in Suzuki group).
Why Ducati won 11 rider's title & 13 manufacturer's title of WSBK?

Right guys, I have decided Iam gonna buy either the 999S or the FACTORY. Yesterday I went to my local Aprilia and took the factory out...............all I can say is, WOW!

This bike it simply blinding, absolutely amazing. Power delivery is awesome, the sound gave me a hard on (god knows what it will sound like with a full Leo Vince on it!), and it looks stunning. I have my 999S ride tomorrow, then I will decided. Iam sick of waiting and the suns out!!!!!

Richard

Hmmmm..... it will be interesting to know what your decision will be.
Let me know the feelings you got from both the Factory and the 999S.
I had a MilleR for 3 years and i'm wanting a 999S, but then again i never tested the Factory (nor the 999S for that matter)

Have just spent a hour or so reading some current posts and some historic ones and the feeling I get is that the 999 is just one big long headache. I'll still take the 999S on a testride, but my I think my mind is made up....

I dont want a bike that spends more time in a garage confusing mechanics than at does between my legs.

RA

Don't forget that people don't post about not having problems

It would look weird, another week no problem :lol:

I have have my 749 for nearly a year no problems

If you are worried about the reliability of a 999S, a late model 998R might be a better option.

999 not for you mate? Go on then, turn your back on the current wsb winning bike, all that bling and history.....go for an Aprillia :lol: !

I think youll regret it........just my opinion. Is there an aprillia site..surely there are the regular posts on that concerning the same problems?:puzzled:

Hey take it easy.... yep the Aprilia might be more reliable in general but from what i've heard the Ducs are getting better and better so don't take a tree for the forest.
If after the two test ridding you end up prefering the 999S go for it. ;)

Just let me know what are your impressions about both bikes.

when i first bought a ducati (916 bip) i also rode an aprilia for comparison and the aprilia did feel good and i was sure i could go quicker on that than the duke. it was also better value.
but getting off the aprilia back at the dealer and seeing the ducati; there was no choice. it just has that x factor. it has history, racing pedigree and something you just cant put your finger on. i think that is true for alot of ducati owners. its not just about the quickest, lightest or cheapest bike. otherwise we'd all be on jap crap.
for some they will never understand the feeling you get riding a ducati, or being part of a club like this.
what ever decision you make. enjoy.

but its not though is it?! Do you work in marketing? The 999 you ride out of the showroom is not the 999 James & Neil ride, is it, it's basically a totally different animal.

Just like my WRX is not the WRX Solberg drives, his is a bit more expensive than mine, and he's a slightly better driver... :frog:

true, but you know what he means.

to own a ducati is a passion.

to own an aprilia is i guess to own an aprilia.

For an Aprilia fan to own an Apirlia is a passion, just like owning a Duc is a passion for a Duc fan.

I think youll find all the wsb race parts fit straight on to your showroom 999 if so desired.!

And, the development strategy of ducati filters down to the road bikes within months...look at the swingarm, fairing nose etc!
They are a dam site closer than the japenese stuffs development. Or Aprillia...they aint even in the competition anymore.mind you, would you want their race development stuff..


:lol::lol::lol:

octo ...
 

Don't make your mind up without trying that 998 testastretta engine - it's going to amaze you with the way it launches you out of corners :D Don't forget that Aprilla have had their problems too ...

Good on you for sticking with Italian bikes though mate.....its just the Aprilia is a bit like the poor relation!

if we all liked the same thing then there wouldn't be this discusion going on now. dont just look at the performance of the both bikes cos half the time you cant use it any way. look at all your options, then report back. we all want to hear your decision now.