Which, 749s or 999
 

Right poeple, Which do I buy? I'm getting back into Duke's, last one 2000.
Can get 749s, 05 model, 3k miles £6500 or 04 999 1800 miles £8000.
Both mint.
What are the pro's and cons.
No extra's on either.
Do both have the ajustable seat unit ( I'm 6'5" ) and has anyone ever lowered the pegs?
Have I heard that there are problems with the sumps catching on some models (I'm 16 stone dry weight)
Help me guys, What do I do???
Cheers
G

or you could get my 2004 749R for £9250

Ahh .. you have learned well my young padewan

:ninja:

Adjustable seats only come on the monoposto bikes, not the bipostos. You haven't said which the two bikes are?

Do you like it grunty, or more revvy? The chassis' are the same on both (except the '05 749S has the newer style swingarm).

I haven't ridden a 999, but I have a 749S that suits me perfectly. I don't need the extra grunt of the bigger engine. Take them both out for a test ride and see which you prefer.

Now that 749R would be my choice :D

But if that's too much, you have to consider resale I guess...

05 749S new swingarm
04 999 old swingarm

I reckon the older swingarm will be a big loser in the resale stakes personally (hope no-one takes offence) but the 999 has more grunt, tough call.

There have been several reports of sumps grounding out, but that could be a number of things I guess, for your weight you'd probably need stiffer springs anyway so that would/should alleviate the issue I guess.

As for riding position, I'm not sure, it would be worth checking each one, the frame on my R is different to any other model with respect to rearset positions etc. I have my seat as far forward as possible to get more weight over the front and I'm 6ft tall.

Welcome to the board anyway, where are you in N. Wales? I often pop up to the Ponderosa on a Sunday for a quick blatt!

Oh look the bars open :) I'll have a pint of strongbow please :D

No substitute for cubic inches, as they say.

:puzzled:I've got a 03 749Bp and i can adjust the seat on it.I'm 6'2" and close to 16st. and have no problems with the pegs and until recently had the seat in the forward position.The looks are deceptive,it's actually quite roomy.:devil:

Sounds like your bip was originally a mono??? I'm sure only monos have moveable seats...

I had an ST4S so was used to lots of grunt. I test rode a 749S with the intention of buying either that or a 999. This was back in 2003. I could have afforded either at the time.

Bottom line is that I fell in love with the 749S. It is not as revvy as I've heard 748 were (forgive me if that is incorrect, but that is waht I have been told). Putting a Termi can on did give it a stronger midrange though, or it seemed to. I love the handling on it, for a road bike it is prefect. If I 'lost' it, then I would probably have another. The ONLY time I have wished for more grunt is on a trackday.

I am sure others will say go for the 999, but I had an opportunity to "live with" the 749S for a day and take it around my favourite roads. I was immediately riding the bends faster and more confindently than on the ST4S that I'd had for a year.

That's my 4 penneth worth anyway.

Oh .... and the 749S might well be a good buy, IMHO.

As mentioned before;
Seats are only adjustable on the monoposto (single seat) models.I have'nt tried lowering the pegs,I'm quite happy as they are.
The sump "problem" only affects the deep sump bikes,ie 999R,999S and 749R.Saying that I'm similar weight to you and I have'nt had any problems with my 'S' sump grounding out.And thats taking in some fairly bumpy back roads and the odd humpback bridge.;)
I've ridden both 749S and 999 and to be honest,there aint a lot to choose between them.Either way you wont be disapointed.

999

Brilliant folks, I didn't know only the mono seat was ajustable.
I would like the 999R but as this money was for a new kitchen I daren't spend any more. I also have a Trumpet speed criple which I'm keeping.
The Ponderosa is our local cafe (20mins) we also do breakie at Truckheaven Whitchurch and buttie van at Broxton A41. Look forward to seeing you there.
Keep any more good info coming.
Thanks for your help
G

I've read a few reports where people reckon the 749S is the best value superbike in the Ducati range...

Yup - I think I pretty much implied that above. :)

About the pegs - I was close to touching side of foot on a trackday so I moved the pegs from the original (mid) position to the back. Tucks your legs under a bit more, but soon got used to it. If I was doing some long distances I might consider moving them back again for the trip. I do prefer them in that position for riding though.

Oh, and I am 6 foot, 14 st. The rear shock is a little on the soft side, the sag is a little too much. Going to see if a bit more preload wil solve it but at worst might need a stronger spring. I've ridden it like that for 2 years though on road and track (8 track days this year) and frankly I can't really fault it.

As Keith says, the mono is the only one that has adjustable seat position. I wanted that when I started looking at 749/999, but the one I test rode was a bip and it felt fine. The bip has the seat in the "mid position" of the mono adjustable range. (or so I was told). THe pegs are adustable through a range of positions on both models.

:puzzled:Bugger,ignore anything i say in future.I won't tell you,why it's too stupid:lol:

Don't tell me - you converted yours!!!!

The mono's subframe is a lighter aluminium affair, not meant to take the weight of a pillion. It is also shorter, as I found when I put a (cheapy) mono seat unit on for track day use.

If you were to unlock and lift the pillion pad on the bip and look at the 2 socket head screws at the back that hold the seat unit down to the subframe, you will find it hard to imagine how the bip seat unit can move anywhere.

Having said that .... I know of (and seen myself) one 2003 749 that has a ROUND swingarm pivot hole instead of the usual oval one. Considering that, then I guess there could have been odd variations in frame/subframe design. :P

Even more great info, thanks.
Next question; Rode 749 today and felt great but clutch was real heavy even compared with the older Dukes I've had. Is this the norm on them all?
Last and not least are there any recalls / mods needed for the 749s as this is looking favouite.
Cheers
G

The 749S I test-rode had a clutch as light as a feather, same as my 999S I actually bought, but then I'm used to the heavy sod that's on my 750ie.

Neither bike will disappoint you - I just wanted the cubes cos I can be lazy about gear changes when bimbling.

Clutch weight does seem to vary, guess it depends on what model/year it is. There are various aftermarket clutch slave cylinders that will offer a lighter action. I think our very own Nelly at Cornerspeed does one, so I'd recommend that. Cost around a £100 I think, but go and look.
http://www.cornerspeed.co.uk

Recalls - there was one for the oil cooler, and another for a clip to keep a cable out of the steering stop. Those were on 2003 models though so if you are looking at 05 shouldn't be a problem. Don't think there is anything else.

:puzzled: Do you really think i'd be that thick?
























:P Bugger,caught out again:P

[Edited on 15-9-2005 by swannymere]

749s
 

Go for the 749s and spend the change on a rear shock suitable for your weight. Had a couple of Dukes in the past but now ride an 03 749s and more than pleased with it. Only had a quick spin on a trebble9 so can't really comment,but if like me you like to use the bike to its full potential and get out of it what you put in then the 749s is the one. Handling is sweet as, and there is nothing like being cranked over on a sweeping bend nailing it,changing up nailing it again and it just staying planted on line coming up to another bend no brakes just bang it down 2, drop your shoulder and wind it on some more,awesome and still feeling in control. I've been on lots of quicker bikes gixer thou's r1's etc but too fast and soul less not so with the 749s or any Ducati for that matter.

the 999 all the way,I've got a 999s 04 and I'm 16 1/2 stone and 6'4, the pegs were in the low position but my boots were wearing out so I'ved moved them up as far as they can go, it's not high enough so I've put self tappers in them and it's working.
you will need to firm up the suspention but the bike is good for people our size, thats why I bought a 999 in the first place, it's gone full circle with the jap bikes now being smaller than ducatis.
ps you can get a 999s new but 04 model for 10 grand and being a S it will be worth more when you sell it.:flame::burn::burn:

the 999 all the way,I've got a 999s 04 and I'm 16 1/2 stone and 6'4, the pegs were in the low position but my boots were wearing out so I'ved moved them up as far as they can go, it's not high enough so I've put self tappers in them and it's working.
you will need to firm up the suspention but the bike is good for people our size, thats why I bought a 999 in the first place, it's gone full circle with the jap bikes now being smaller than ducatis.
ps you can get a 999s new but 04 model for 10 grand and being a S it will be worth more when you sell it.:flame::burn::burn:

:D Welcome to the club,are you THE rob jones?Tradition states that newcomers get a round in at the virtual bar,mine's a Gin & Tonic with lime thanks.:P

I've owned a 749s for 2 years that has a modification or two. Recently had the chance to put a couple of hundred miles on a 999r. Being honest the 999 was awesome and by far the better bike for handling but I guess that was down to the Ohlins, wheels etc. I would not have thought the 749 could be beaten on handling until I rode it the 999r.

Handling and brakes aside the biggest difference was the speed. The 749 will do 135mph plus with a little work, the 999 will do 135mph with ease and is still accelerating as hard as anything.

If you want out right speed go for the 999, if you want to save a little cash to spend on goodies go for the 749s. Still a great bike and still more than quick enough in most circumstances.

Welcome. Gin and tonic with lime for me too :bouncy:

Hard question...... if you don't mind much about power and speed go for the 749S. If you, do get the 999.