Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > General Motorcycles only > Help

[simon britt]

Hello everybody
Could I impose on your good natures.....
I will hopefully be purchasing a Ducati next year,however I really am stumped my heart is set on an early model 916, but
how would an 851/888 compare ?
This is really only going to be a summer ridden bike so mileage will be quite small and very little long distance.
Also I would like to base some of my decision from an investment point of view...
Thanks all.
Ps...I currently ride a ZZR1100 all year round

[GsxrAge]

My heart would say a later 916 with new type regulator.

I wouldn't say no to an 888 as a second duke but i don't think the wife would let me have two

[Redruth]

Simon. Go on looks alone
916

After all, it's a bloke thing

[simon britt]

Ok I agree the 916 is the best looking bike............... ever...!
However would the others make a better long term investment...?

[GsxrAge]

Well I think either a 851/888/ or 916 style would be a good investment.

The above more so than the 999.

The 998 is fetching more than the early 999 at the mo.

My advice would be to follow your heart, I do think your servicing costs would be lower with the 916 shape against the 851/888.


Oh welcime to the site mate

[simon britt]

top site.......thanks

I really am in the throes of doing a lot of research re:- running costs etc....
The other thing that I am considering is the rarity value.
Am i right in thinking that there were far fewer 851/888 made ?

[GsxrAge]

I can't help you with that one but I would assume there were fewer 851/888.


hey as long as it's a Ducati and it's RED

[philthy]

Simon

Before you make a decision try and ride a few different models. I've had my 851 for 9 years. The bloke I bought it off sold it to buy a 916. He couldn't get on with the 916 and sold it not long after.

To me the 851 / 888 bikes have a more comfortable riding position than the 916 - but then I'm built like a baboon so what do I know

But whatever model you get .....just make sure it's red, there's a good chap

[adnydrum]

Well said. Everyone lusts after a 748/916 etc.....usually right up until they actually sit on it. Steering by holding the front spindle loses its appeal pretty quickly!! After playing with a 748 I got a 900SS and love it. Cheaper everything, it's a proven model-range, and half-decent comfort. Enough to take my 16-stones to WDW2004 and back with no probs. Oh, and it's never broken down, either.

[KeefyB]

Originally posted by simon britt
Hello everybody
Could I impose on your good natures.....
I will hopefully be purchasing a Ducati next year,however I really am stumped my heart is set on an early model 916, but
how would an 851/888 compare ?
This is really only going to be a summer ridden bike so mileage will be quite small and very little long distance.
Also I would like to base some of my decision from an investment point of view...
Thanks all.
Ps...I currently ride a ZZR1100 all year round

Hmm,sounds like you are going to be looking at it more than riding it.(Goes against the grain in this club!)
I would suggest the 851/888 series are the best bet,especially an early SP,like an SP2 or 3.
What do you mean by 'investment'?