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.
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