MV Agusta F4 750 or Ducati 1098?
Discussion
Right, the R1 has gone to a new home. It sold within 24hrs of my mechanic putting the word out on a sunny day which was great. I was preparing to buy a 1098 my friend bought a few months ago but he is away for 10 days so I am bikeless. I didn't realise just how miserable it would be not having bike (having had one) and seeing others zip about on perfect riding days. The friend in question has relocated his head office to another and, much to his dismay, can't take the bike with him. The bike is sitting with his mechanic and can shipped to me within a week of his return.
All smooth sailing until my mechanic complicated matters by sending me pics of a 2003 MV F4 that is available. It needs a petrol pump and another part, but other than that it runs and looks to be in decent condition. The MV is half the price of the Ducati as getting parts for it in China for non-English speakers is a massive pain if they aren't available on Taobao (Chinese Ebay/Amazon equivalent). This part is fairly easy as I have friends in the car part import business who will order anything I need in.
The mind says get the Ducati as I know it is in phenomenal condition and has been pampered and driven properly by someone I know. The heart says the MV because it is absolutely stunning and with the price, if it went tits up it could always sit in my office and cheer me up. It would also be quite fun to save one of these lovely looking things from being dying a lonely death far from home.
I received plenty of feedback on the 1098 before (thanks), so has anyone owned or spent time with the F4? I have read in a few places that the factory aren't the best with after-sales service, it might be cobblers but if it isn't, are parts readily available for a bike of this vintage?
All opinions much appreciated.
All smooth sailing until my mechanic complicated matters by sending me pics of a 2003 MV F4 that is available. It needs a petrol pump and another part, but other than that it runs and looks to be in decent condition. The MV is half the price of the Ducati as getting parts for it in China for non-English speakers is a massive pain if they aren't available on Taobao (Chinese Ebay/Amazon equivalent). This part is fairly easy as I have friends in the car part import business who will order anything I need in.
The mind says get the Ducati as I know it is in phenomenal condition and has been pampered and driven properly by someone I know. The heart says the MV because it is absolutely stunning and with the price, if it went tits up it could always sit in my office and cheer me up. It would also be quite fun to save one of these lovely looking things from being dying a lonely death far from home.
I received plenty of feedback on the 1098 before (thanks), so has anyone owned or spent time with the F4? I have read in a few places that the factory aren't the best with after-sales service, it might be cobblers but if it isn't, are parts readily available for a bike of this vintage?
All opinions much appreciated.
Cheers for the feedback. The Ducati is in perfect condition so it would be silly to pass on it. It would also help my friend out as he is stuck paying for storage (granted, a feeble argument for purchase). However, the MV is just sitting around and with the laws and regulations here being such a pain, it's not going to be sold anytime soon so I will make a cheeky offer and see if gets accepted. If it does, it would be rude not to follow through on this too. We only live once and all that.. 
Sourced all the parts I needed this morning. Received the shots below from my mechanic that he'd received of the bike being prepared for shipping. One small problem, the bike had been sold to someone else first thing this morning about an hour before I was due to confirm the purchase.
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