Nick - personally, I believe the big point on the 999 v 749 issue is money rather than performance - I currently have both although am planning to offload the 749s as soon as the sun starts to appear on a regular basis. What I would recommend is that you look to buy an '05/06 model, whether it be a 749 or a 999, secondhand or new - as already suggested on this thread, both models received significant improvements including the new black alloy swingarm etc for 2005. The performance differences, particularly on the road, are less than one would expect although it is very much the case that the 749 needs to be worked harder - higher revs, more gear changing etc. However, some are of the view that this actually gives a more 'involving' relationship, contributing to a greater degree of rider satisfaction.
You will have seen the quite significant additional cost of the base 05/06 999 over the 749 (list £11,250 v £8795). Going back to the pre 05 models, you will probably have also noted that this disparity grows less with time. so..if you have been persuaded by the 999 lobbyists, then you may need to be looking pre 05 with the grey swingarm? If going pre05, would look for an 's' model as again the +£1,000 price difference on the 749 & +£2,745 on the 999 tends to largely disappear over time.
In a nutshell, although I now have a 999, and you will probably want one in due course, unless you have a big bagful of money, you will not be disappointed with a 749, ...still a great machine, lower insurance costs and no slower on the road unless you are a big risk taker with both licence & personal safety..on the other hand, most that buy a 749 sooner or later want the 999...
Threaded Mode