TL1000R Vs 999S Vs RSVR (maybe Tuono)
Discussion
Hi guys, I just sold my bike and have decided to buy something cheaper. I had £10k+ tied up in my last bike and I just didn't ride it enough to justify keeping it. I work over 50 hours a week so have decided to spend between £2,500-£4,500 and want to get a V-Twin. I want to buy a really nice bike and I know I should ride one to decide but I don't have time so will just buy a good one from a forum member to make sure it is good.
I am not a fast rider just want a nice bike to keep and go out for a ride every now and then on my own. I might ride about 500 miles a year. I will not be riding it on the track. Just a ride for an hour or two. I am 6 ft and 18 stone as well. Like a rugby player.
TL1000R - Bullet proof. Cheap to maintain, sounds great with yoshis, looks great to me and you can get a good one for £2,500.
RSVR 04+ I like the newer model with the twin headlights. A bit newer tech than a TLR, more agile and modern looking. Already comes with Ohlins and lighter wheels. They aren't without their issues though I hear. Good ones are around £4-5000 ish.
Ducati 999S. Looks amazing to me. Looks more exotic. Might feel too small compared to the others? I am worried about the costs of the upkeep. I know belts are around £800 to replace every 2 years. If I only ride a 500 miles a year that sort of costs every 1000 miles might take the shine of it.
I am sure some of you have had the above bikes so would be keen to hear from you.
Thanks!
I am not a fast rider just want a nice bike to keep and go out for a ride every now and then on my own. I might ride about 500 miles a year. I will not be riding it on the track. Just a ride for an hour or two. I am 6 ft and 18 stone as well. Like a rugby player.
TL1000R - Bullet proof. Cheap to maintain, sounds great with yoshis, looks great to me and you can get a good one for £2,500.
RSVR 04+ I like the newer model with the twin headlights. A bit newer tech than a TLR, more agile and modern looking. Already comes with Ohlins and lighter wheels. They aren't without their issues though I hear. Good ones are around £4-5000 ish.
Ducati 999S. Looks amazing to me. Looks more exotic. Might feel too small compared to the others? I am worried about the costs of the upkeep. I know belts are around £800 to replace every 2 years. If I only ride a 500 miles a year that sort of costs every 1000 miles might take the shine of it.
I am sure some of you have had the above bikes so would be keen to hear from you.
Thanks!
For the money as a road bike a TLR is hard to beat. IMHO, get a mint bog standard one, OR, get one with the full house of common mods on it, rear shock, front forks, exhaust etc.
Why those two extremes, well if you have a bone stock one, you'll appreciate how rare it is now and how they hold their value or appreciate. If you have one with a few bits on, you'll catch the bug and add more stuff to it!
You can be lucky and get a well sorted bike with ohlins gear and exhaust for 2500 to 3k, or a mint stock one will be 3k. But they'll both still be worth that or more in 2 years.
As a road bike, they are really nice even in stick form if you set it up with a bit more weight on the front. The net has some great stock kit settings. And you're right, they look fantastic!
Btw, I have or have had all that era of v twins. I have a Mille Colin Edwards rep, it goes well and is nice handling, (taller than the tlr) but it's a little fragile in some areas, not least the horridly expensive titanium exhaust cans that are marked but the merest of touches in car parks, garage etc. makes it a pain to actually use!
My sp1 went a few years ago, when at strong money, (still are). Nice bike, and rode ok, but the Mille was quicker and nicer to ride. Don't get me wrong, the sp1 is lovely and a proper HRC bike, but it is compromised in some areas on the road. Main issue was the steering lock, ok when in the mice, but junctions were a pain and needed planning, it's not just the lock, it's the lack of petrol tank cutouts for your wrists, you just can't get any lock on them. Just means you have to line up at the junction on the piss toward the way you want to go! May seem minor but is a bit annoying on road bike. Still a fabulous bike though, don't get me wrong.
Only Duc of that era I had was a 999. Actually I really loved that as a ride on the road, it feels really old Skool, your weight is well back, a long lean over the tank, nit much weight on your wrists compared to the others, so nice on longer rides. Handles well, (mine was an s with ohlins), BUT, running costs are high compared to the others. Do a lot of miles and its crippling, even if you don't, it feels like a time bomb if you don't have an annual service! The others are far more maintenance friendly. But don't get me wrong a 999 is a real nice bike to ride on road. But they are nit that 'special'. Turn up at a bike shop on the TlR and there's a crowd round it quickly! They're rare and have a bit of a bonkers rep (ill founded) and look unusual compared to modern bikes. Plus, Suzuki won't ever do another 'sports v twin'. Ducati have done plenty and they're ace, for sure, but the older Ducs just don't quite seem as interstitial when you see them parked up.
I still have my Edwards and TLR. I ride the TLR the most, and it's my favourite road bike. Hard work but surprisingly good by modern standards on track too.
Why those two extremes, well if you have a bone stock one, you'll appreciate how rare it is now and how they hold their value or appreciate. If you have one with a few bits on, you'll catch the bug and add more stuff to it!
You can be lucky and get a well sorted bike with ohlins gear and exhaust for 2500 to 3k, or a mint stock one will be 3k. But they'll both still be worth that or more in 2 years.
As a road bike, they are really nice even in stick form if you set it up with a bit more weight on the front. The net has some great stock kit settings. And you're right, they look fantastic!
Btw, I have or have had all that era of v twins. I have a Mille Colin Edwards rep, it goes well and is nice handling, (taller than the tlr) but it's a little fragile in some areas, not least the horridly expensive titanium exhaust cans that are marked but the merest of touches in car parks, garage etc. makes it a pain to actually use!
My sp1 went a few years ago, when at strong money, (still are). Nice bike, and rode ok, but the Mille was quicker and nicer to ride. Don't get me wrong, the sp1 is lovely and a proper HRC bike, but it is compromised in some areas on the road. Main issue was the steering lock, ok when in the mice, but junctions were a pain and needed planning, it's not just the lock, it's the lack of petrol tank cutouts for your wrists, you just can't get any lock on them. Just means you have to line up at the junction on the piss toward the way you want to go! May seem minor but is a bit annoying on road bike. Still a fabulous bike though, don't get me wrong.
Only Duc of that era I had was a 999. Actually I really loved that as a ride on the road, it feels really old Skool, your weight is well back, a long lean over the tank, nit much weight on your wrists compared to the others, so nice on longer rides. Handles well, (mine was an s with ohlins), BUT, running costs are high compared to the others. Do a lot of miles and its crippling, even if you don't, it feels like a time bomb if you don't have an annual service! The others are far more maintenance friendly. But don't get me wrong a 999 is a real nice bike to ride on road. But they are nit that 'special'. Turn up at a bike shop on the TlR and there's a crowd round it quickly! They're rare and have a bit of a bonkers rep (ill founded) and look unusual compared to modern bikes. Plus, Suzuki won't ever do another 'sports v twin'. Ducati have done plenty and they're ace, for sure, but the older Ducs just don't quite seem as interstitial when you see them parked up.
I still have my Edwards and TLR. I ride the TLR the most, and it's my favourite road bike. Hard work but surprisingly good by modern standards on track too.
Edited by poo at Paul's on Sunday 19th April 11:03
With how much you will ride it I would say dont go for the Ducati, it will cost a lot more than the other 2 with only gorgeous looks and the 'soul' to benfit from.
I have a tls and its brilliant on the open road and I doubt you will ever think, wish i had the rsv - but that would be a better bike. Its how much you want to put into a bike really.
I have a tls and its brilliant on the open road and I doubt you will ever think, wish i had the rsv - but that would be a better bike. Its how much you want to put into a bike really.
If you like mirrors that are even a tiny bit functional, then the 999 may not be the bike for you. Completely, and utterly useless. Apart from that they are nice bikes, but your budget puts you at the lower end of the market. The 749's are cheaper, but prices of both have been rising. For 999 money I'd be looking for an SP1/SP2 personally, or a later RSV Factory.
I think of all the bikes you are considering the RSV is probably the best all round machine. Plenty of power and superb handling coupled with decent build quality and reliability. The TL is a good looking (and sounding) machine, but you'd have to spend an awful lot of time and money to get it to handle anywhere near as well as the RSV.
I think of all the bikes you are considering the RSV is probably the best all round machine. Plenty of power and superb handling coupled with decent build quality and reliability. The TL is a good looking (and sounding) machine, but you'd have to spend an awful lot of time and money to get it to handle anywhere near as well as the RSV.
Late Tuono's are very good road bikes. I (uncomfortably) sat on the back of a late 'factory' model and it was a cracking bike.
My TLR even with all its upgrades is a compromised bike (but it is getting on a bit now) but it has a charm where I'd be sad to part with it. Sound great with an M4 (or similar) system.
A mate of mine had a 999 and I think he still misses it to this day. Also a very good road bike even if the looks split opinion.
My TLR even with all its upgrades is a compromised bike (but it is getting on a bit now) but it has a charm where I'd be sad to part with it. Sound great with an M4 (or similar) system.
A mate of mine had a 999 and I think he still misses it to this day. Also a very good road bike even if the looks split opinion.
Hi guys, thanks for the great replies so far! I know what you mean about the KTM. Looks amazing but a bit more than what I wanted to spend right now even though they are a bargain for what they are.
The SP1/SP2 are also great bikes but the SP2 is getting up there as well and maybe a bit to focussed for me.
The hard bit to work out is that I know the RSVR is more modern than a TLR but is it worth nearly double? Is it that much better?
The Ducati 999S has always looked great to me and I personally like the styling. Looks even better with age. I can imagine me sitting in the garage just staring at it. But a good one is at the top of my budget and the cost will also be the most to run.
Hard to know if they are both paying double or more for or if the TLR is actually a real bargain.
Does that make sense?
The SP1/SP2 are also great bikes but the SP2 is getting up there as well and maybe a bit to focussed for me.
The hard bit to work out is that I know the RSVR is more modern than a TLR but is it worth nearly double? Is it that much better?
The Ducati 999S has always looked great to me and I personally like the styling. Looks even better with age. I can imagine me sitting in the garage just staring at it. But a good one is at the top of my budget and the cost will also be the most to run.
Hard to know if they are both paying double or more for or if the TLR is actually a real bargain.
Does that make sense?
if you get very limited availability to go out riding avoid the 999.
Like you i don't get out as much as i'd like. My no1 consideration on the last purchase was something that would start on the button every time.
about 75% of the time i went to go out on my 999s it either wouldnt start or if it did decide to start would break down shortly after.
bloody lovely to ride when it did go, although the underseat exhausts are horrendous for throwing out heat, just didn't work most of the time.
I had an SP1, that was fantastic, although i sold it in 2007 when they were about at the bottom of their value
Like you i don't get out as much as i'd like. My no1 consideration on the last purchase was something that would start on the button every time.
about 75% of the time i went to go out on my 999s it either wouldnt start or if it did decide to start would break down shortly after.
bloody lovely to ride when it did go, although the underseat exhausts are horrendous for throwing out heat, just didn't work most of the time.
I had an SP1, that was fantastic, although i sold it in 2007 when they were about at the bottom of their value
Thanks for the replies. I sell cars for a living so I only get one weekend off a month and 1 day a week. 2 children keeps that day fairly bust too! I only did 400 miles last year but I would like to try and get more in this year.
I thought about a SP2 and I think look and sound amazing. I would have to buy a SP2 as if I bought a SP1 I would always wish I had a white SP2. I think the riding position is too extreme for me as well and they are getting pricey.
I am looking for a better general road bike as I won't be racing it or trying to beat any records on it. Just a really nice Sunday ride out on the bike.
I am just wondering if it is worth stretching the budget to get a RSV Factory or the Tuono? A lot of people love their TLR's!
I thought about a SP2 and I think look and sound amazing. I would have to buy a SP2 as if I bought a SP1 I would always wish I had a white SP2. I think the riding position is too extreme for me as well and they are getting pricey.
I am looking for a better general road bike as I won't be racing it or trying to beat any records on it. Just a really nice Sunday ride out on the bike.
I am just wondering if it is worth stretching the budget to get a RSV Factory or the Tuono? A lot of people love their TLR's!
Big Tav said:
I am just wondering if it is worth stretching the budget to get a RSV Factory or the Tuono?
The Factory seems to hold it's value better than the base models, though you have to tie up more money to start with. You get posh suspension and lighter wheels, but even the standard ones handle very well.And yes, with both in standard form the RSV would be a significantly better handling bike than the TL1000R, though the TL does sound lovely with it's 90 degree engine.
Another vote for the tuono. I have a gen 1 tuono r and love it. It is reliable (engine and running gear is bullet proof, just keep it on an optimate to avoid sprag clutch issues), looks pretty special (though mine is a r/factory model)and never fails to make me grin when pinned in second and third. Handles and stops really well too.
With the aprilia akrapovic cans on it sounds like a spitfire, the engine is great, it loves to rev and doesnt feel lazy at all.
Apparently the gen 2s are a bit more refined than the gen 1s. Aim for the R or the Factory as it has all the good bits on as standard and feels special and will make you smile when you get it out the garage.
I am 6'5 and just about fit on it, you will be fine. Just get the suspension set up for your weight.
With the aprilia akrapovic cans on it sounds like a spitfire, the engine is great, it loves to rev and doesnt feel lazy at all.
Apparently the gen 2s are a bit more refined than the gen 1s. Aim for the R or the Factory as it has all the good bits on as standard and feels special and will make you smile when you get it out the garage.
I am 6'5 and just about fit on it, you will be fine. Just get the suspension set up for your weight.
In my view, older Ducatis make most sense if only doing few miles, but servicing will be relatively expensive. You'll lose nothing though and love the event. A nice 999 would be fantastic.
TLR1000 is great, but heavy and looks divide. You'd have decent money left over though. First choice if you want to modify as they respond well to mods by all accounts.
SP1/2 - forget about a nice one for that money.
RSVR best bet for performance, comfort, engine, running costs and nice event. That budget should get a nice one too.
I had the same dilemma when looking at V-twins a few years back. Ended up buying a 996S as I wanted to own THAT Ducati, but the RSVR would have made more sense and it was a close run thing. I'd have kept the 996S as an investment but it was not going to get ridden at all due to comfort in the end so sold it to get an 1198 which is considerably more comfortable. I'm not sure where the 999 fits in comfort wise as I've not ridden one.
TLR1000 is great, but heavy and looks divide. You'd have decent money left over though. First choice if you want to modify as they respond well to mods by all accounts.
SP1/2 - forget about a nice one for that money.
RSVR best bet for performance, comfort, engine, running costs and nice event. That budget should get a nice one too.
I had the same dilemma when looking at V-twins a few years back. Ended up buying a 996S as I wanted to own THAT Ducati, but the RSVR would have made more sense and it was a close run thing. I'd have kept the 996S as an investment but it was not going to get ridden at all due to comfort in the end so sold it to get an 1198 which is considerably more comfortable. I'm not sure where the 999 fits in comfort wise as I've not ridden one.
This is where my money would go having ridden none of them.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aprilia-RSV-1000-super-s...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aprilia-RSV-1000-super-s...
If going down the 999 route, the facelift models (fat swingarm, single vents on nose) are a large improvement over the non-facelift and worth the extra. A facelift non-s would be my choice over a pre-facelift s.
I owned a 05 999, it was my first Ducati and if I had to make the choice again, I would go for the RSV. The sense of ownership of the 999 was great but the costs were crazy and a few electrical gremlins spoilt it.
Handling - great but changed geometry rather a lot as the standard setup is very, very slow turning.
Engine - Peachy and even better after a full system & dyno
Costs - Ouch.
Looks - Controversial but after changing to a monoposto rear it looked much better, see below
I owned a 05 999, it was my first Ducati and if I had to make the choice again, I would go for the RSV. The sense of ownership of the 999 was great but the costs were crazy and a few electrical gremlins spoilt it.
Handling - great but changed geometry rather a lot as the standard setup is very, very slow turning.
Engine - Peachy and even better after a full system & dyno
Costs - Ouch.
Looks - Controversial but after changing to a monoposto rear it looked much better, see below
^ That's lovely.
And to counter it, here's mine.
Hear it there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaJK5Jd5H9A&fe...
And to counter it, here's mine.
Hear it there: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaJK5Jd5H9A&fe...
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