[BigJohn999]

An interesting one, these comparisons...

I bought my 999 in Oct 02 because a) for the first time in my life I was in the position of being able to afford a new bike and b) my 748sps was just too uncomfortable.

The 748 is a good looking bike but the original 999 is the best of the later breed. Why? On this first version the original design concept came through unadulterated and pure without the modifications later demanded by public opinion - the slashes in the nose fairing, the cast swingarm. I actually prefer the earlier look. Having owned it for almost 4 years now, the same 2 major things annoy me now as they did in the 1st week of ownership - poxy mirrors, too small a petrol tank. All the mirrors need is another inch on the span of each, all the tank needs is another 5-6 litres / 50 miles range. Why didn't they change these? - much more of an annoyance in everyday riding than the supposed instability caused by the upper vents and the supposed lack of rigidity in the cast as opposed to the fabricated swing arm.

Comfort-wise the 999 is much better to ride than the 748 - it just fits 6'4", 16 stone me better. Lights on the 999 are miles ahead of those on the standard 748, but not quite as good as the Australian spec dual main/dip I fitted to the 748 for its last few months.

The 999 was the first mainstream bike to reflect the stealth fighter-style of slabby, angular planes that is now best seen on KTMs. I liked the new clocks with all the readouts you could want and an easy change from mph to kmh for when you go abroad. I even like the little pilot light in the screen - it gives that extra little bit of visibility to other road users.

What really ****ed me off was the fact that you could buy brand new 999 base model for about 8.5k from DK Motorcycles within a couple of years of their launch. OK, I don't expect any manufacturer to worry too much about us early purchasers a couple of years down the line, but do you remember when 916s were really expensive and kept their price? Ducati offloading stock cheap did me no favours, but all you lucky people who took up this offer were the real winners. I'm sure Ducati lost money on it and devalued their brand to boot.

So back to the original thread. MCN can say what they want. Same as I can. My speculation can be as good as theirs. The 916 series is really beautiful but dated when compared to the 999 series. The replacement needs to compete with the modernity of the latest KTMs, the raw beauty of MVs and the general sharpness of Aprilias and some Benellis, whilst retaining some of the better features of the 999. I like the look of the desmosedici - maybe something with a hint of that in its styling? There should perhaps be hints of the 916 series but no more than that. Practicalities? well, a bigger tank, better mirrors, a bit more comfort, lower servicing costs. Would I buy one? I don't know, I haven't seen it yet. But it will be great!

If I were to buy another bike it might not even be a Ducati (but I'd try to keep the 999 too). I do like the look of the Moto Guzzi Griso. Apart from the 999, the current Ducati range leaves me cold. The sports classics are interesting but I've got a real one from 1980 (a 900ss) so I probably wouldn't go for one of those. STs just look dull, Monsters maybe, Multistradas, hmmm, but a hoot to ride I hear. Aircooled 1000ss? dodgy styling now almost 10 years old. Maybe a Superlight? oops, they don't make those any more....

I shall now go and get my tin hat and take cover....