To Upgrade or not Upgrade, that is the question.

[veetwin]

I have grown more and more fond of the 2005 Ducati Superbike model range (999,749). As my passion lies with the Bologna mark, should I look to upgrade this year?? My choice and wallet would allow for anything up to a 749R. My head says go with the new range as according to the media they are fantastic vehicles....

However, my heart pushes me to stay with the classic shape and go for a mint second hand 996/998R. My question then is, would I find the upgrade from 748 to the 749S a considerable enough jump in performance/handling? Or, alternatively would I be better off going for the classic 996/998 as I am used to the handling and would appreciate the extra power. I am told that my current bike enjoys revving more than it's bigger brother, does this mean that I would find a 996/998 a more relaxed performance?

I suppose to answer all this myself is to get out and test ride some bikes. Unfortunately, a lot of Ducati dealers are reluctant to let you have a go. Has anyone out there got any experience of the alternatives mentioned?

[Incorrigible]

Well, I was definately going to stick with the 748 until I took my mates 'onda for an MOT

While haging around drinking crap vending machine coffee I got talking to the nice salesman

999s brand spankers, in yellow Fila colours &9.5k etc

[Waynes World]

It will be mine, oh yes

[/Waynes World]

[veetwin]

Nice one Ben, what dealer was that, P&H??

[Incorrigible]

veetwin said:

Nice one Ben, what dealer was that, P&H??

Can't afford it of course. We'll see in a month or two

So are you coming on any track days next year then or what ?

[veetwin]

Would love to do the Folembray or Nogaro excursion. I have just booked up Le Mans 2005, so funds allowing. I would have thought that the Duke is great on track, the CBR 6 I rode at Donnington Park was a screamer and handled like a 250 but my Duke would have p*ssed on it driving out of the bends. I reckon it would carry slightly more corner speed as well.

Did you go on track with Dave and Anna etc.? How did your Duke fair against the other bikes?

[Incorrigible]

veetwin said:

Did you go on track with Dave and Anna etc.? How did your Duke fair against the other bikes?

With Dave, not Anna, great fun. Dave is bloody fast though

How did the bike fair ?? Faster than some fireblades slower than some sv650s All about the rider I do have scuffed kneesliders at last though

[fergus]

Get a 749R if you can. Extremely fast bike if ridden well (on standard-ish) setup. I think you'll be pleased. Don't bothr with the big brother - you'll just suffer more depreciation for not an awful lot more real world performance.

[S2rr Kitty]

Tough one James...

I rode a 998r in Italy last year, all round the lakes & mountains & in the end swapped it for a Gixxer 1k cos I was struggling with the clutch (girl syndrome). However I can't tell you what an awesome machine it is... if you get a chance to own one then I reckon it's an opportunity not to miss.... depends what your main purpose is - it's definately not an all rounder! but I've seen a couple in action on tracks & they are aweseome!!
As for the 749r - that would be my personal pref if I was gonna join the Ducatisti again....

BUT I've got such a great all rounder in the blade that it's proving difficult to make a decision as to what to do myself next year - will prolly keep it & make it more track friendly. (ie crash bungs etc). My alternative would be the 600rr but it would be too gay to have identical bikes in the family!

[veetwin]

Thanks for the opinions, I think that I may pop down to P&H in the new year to see what offers are available. I think that the 749R is a possibility. The thing is, I would have to start again with all the mods. Do the 749Rs come with Termi's? Is it worth getting an ultimap chip for these bikes? Dubble Bubble screen etc.

[fergus]

VT

If you're looking for Ducati, don't forget to give 'On Yer Bike' (aYlesbury) a call. They always seem to have loads of stock and are reasonably priced.