I have a stupid question
 

Most people rate the 749/999 for comfort and handling but not for looks.

My question is how hard would it be to make it look like a 748/916/996/998?

The reason I ask is that at the factory trip it struck me how similar all the bikes looked before the tank and fairings were fitted.

Given the large amount of aftermarket bits (fairing, exhausts, swingarms) available could this be done without going into silly money?

I think your biggest problem would be the clocks/headlight assembly, and the airbox/tank combination.

Why? The comfort comes from the different seat position, and footrests.

[Edited on 23-2-2005 by Felix]

i would have thought very easily if you wanted to.

in the book 'ducati 999 birth of a legend' they show how the 999 was developed with a 916 'clothed' in 999 bodywork and apart from the single sided swing arm you wouldnt have known. so done see why it couldnt be done the other way round with a bit of modification.

cant imagaine why anyone would want to though. :D

[Edited on 23-2-2005 by dickieducati]

I wasn't suggesting an exact replica, just one that bears a passing resemblance. eg my 900SS has a 916 tail unit and underseat pipes. When you look twice you can see what it is. So, change the exhaust, tail unit, headlight assembly, fairings and possibly the swingarm (but not the tank, clocks or pegs.

Can it be done, or is it just a pipedream?

says the man with the 999. I must admit, I do think the 9's have been hit rather hard with the ugly stick.

Sorry, but can't see the point:puzzled:

there goes another one at turn one cadwell.! ;)

the 2005 version looks much neater and not so fussy from the front- but after alot of thought on this i think the part that lets the 999/749 down is the area around the seat/tank area where the back head of the engine is exposed and the sweep of the subframe holding the seat looks very awkward and messy. it also makes the tank look small and as it is not "sitting" on anything. The earlier 748/916 etc has the nice sculpted infill panel which carries the fairing line thru the the tail unit and supports(visually) the back of tank and front of seat (yes - i am in the design business) - also the running light is rubbish.

Mav was selling some of these...........Ill have to try them!:lol::lol:

Personally, I've got used to the looks on the 749/999 having owned one for 18 months, and perfer it now.

As for the area to the rear of the tank, DP do carbon infil panels for that. I didn't go for them though because I like to be able to see a bit of the motor.

Takes all sorts I guess. :burn: