Took the 999 out for 3 hours on Sat for a test
Impressions
Engine
999 is much smoother , not sure if any quicker as the smoothnes is deceptive it also pulls from much lower down the rev range
Gearbox
999 is looser ,but to hop on & ride its prob easier to use
Ergonomics
999 is dammed uncormfortble after 100 odd miles i was sore
Handling
999 seems to track round corners better, mid corner is deffo better ,on the brakes is similar on the power no better maybe a bit worse but the tyres would have a lot do do with that the Mic sports that where fitted are not to good compared to the Diablo Corsa's i use
Build Quatlity
Very poor !!!!
Styling
IMO the 998 is much better , even though the 999 is growing on me slightly
This is all in comparison to my 2002 998 with 45mm race Termis & ICU ,with Full Ohlins in the forks & the rear re-sprung also has been set up to suit me ie clip-ons & rear sets , so the 999 after setting up the same would prob be more comfortable
Overall
Well i think i will keep the 998 or maybe go for a 998S in the future as i was disapointed with the 999 , i think the bikes are so diferent that a direct comparison is quite hard
If you take a 998 & water it down to make it more like a jap bike then you have the 999
Each to their own !!!!!!!!!!!
Next bike to test is R1 ,ZX10 then the Blade or in what ever order i can get them in
Feel free to argue as these are only my opinions !
[Edited on 20-6-2004 by Totto]