Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > 998 / 996 / 916 / 748 > Couple of 998SFE Questions

[mr red]

1.I was looking at a new Ducati 998 s final edition in the showroom and noticed it has die cast cases (smooth outer finish) whereas some other regular 2002 998S models I've seen have had the sand cast cases (rough outer finish).

Why is this and are there any technical advantages to having sand cast over die cast cases?

2 Also is it just me or is the colour of the SFE more of an orangey red than normal-a 2002 bike parked nearby looked to be a darker & deeper red in colour than the SFE?

[ziggi]

First of all welcome.

As for the castings - it could be the case that rather than splash out on new dies for the FE model, they knocked up some sand moulds quickly for a short run. Cheaper option i'd say.

The colour of the red might be different - how does it look in comparison to the 999? It might be that the 999 red is slightly different and rather than get an old batch of red they've used the new 999 red.

Just some thoughts based on production efficiencies

[smilo006]

Is the 998FE really value for money though?

[Henners]

.. and I think so. Bearing in mind it's a 998S which were being sold new 2 years ago for £13,995 (£500 more than the FE) and it comes with Ohlins forks as standard. Mine puts out 130bhp and 75ft lbs with 50mm termis after being run in and there is more to come. I had a 998 bip (2002) before and I kept the fairing panels and seat for use on trackdays. With them on I can't see any difference in colour with the original tank and top fairing/mudguard.

There won't be another new 916 coming along ...

Is the 998FE really value for money though?

Old technology..........get yerself a 999

[Henners]

Old technology..........get yerself a 999

Old technology..........order a Desmosedici

[baylissboy]

Old technology? Correct me if i'm wrong,but a 998S & a 999 have the same engine! The only "true" 999 engine is the 998R & THE 999R!

The 916 family looks better too!!!

That'll stur up the 999 owners,no doubt!

[smilo006]

It just seems that the FE is only very marginally better than the 998S and as soon as it goes out the showroom it will drop significantly in value.

For the same price you can get a 996R with run in milage.

However any 99* is still great to ride and own. So good luck. You will no doubt love it.

With regard to the old technology 99*, new technology 999 argument. If the 999 is sooo good how come the sales are, to quote Ducati are "disappointing" and Ducati Corse have asked the bike to be modified for next year because the aerodynamics are not up to the job. However there is no end to that discussion!

Desmosidici it is then.

[Henners]

... two/three year old 996Rs are going for less. I just wanted a new bike which I had ridden from day one is all. Well happy

[smilo006]

Tried it both ways and there is something really nice about a brand spanking new one, agreed. No doubt some people think the same about virgins! Nuff said.