Ducati 916 vs MV Agusta F4 vs Ducati S4RS
Discussion
So after 12 years of commuting in central London, I have made the move out to West Sussex and my Ducati Monster is no longer required for commuting.
Over those twelve years, there has been a wide array of bikes from my first Ducati Monster 620 through other Monsters (some R and RS models), a 749 superbike, a KTM Superduke and a Streetfighter 848.
Given the less frequent use of the bike (once a month) now, I would prefer something that elicits an excitement of ownership over practicality. It will be used for casual weekend rides with mates and a bit of tootling around Sussex, maybe beyond. I hate to use the words 'keeper' but it's probably the one that best describes. Bike will be immaculate at all times, garaged, paddock stands etc.
Budget is sensible (absolutely not more than £10k) but not outrageous.
The thought process goes:
- Ducati 916 Monoposto in red with gold wheels. This is the bike that sparked my interest in motorbikes at the impressionable age of 16.
- MV Agusta F4 1000 monoposto in Red over silver. To me, this is without the doubt the most outrageous and beautiful bike ever made.
- Ducati Monster S4RS in white over red trellis. This is easily the best looking Monster made, collectable and one of the most enjoyable bikes I have ever ridden.
The curveball is that funds permitting in years to come, I am not adverse on having both a 916 AND the MV. In which case, would a pair of Senna-liveried bikes be a good combo to have as curiously both Ducati and MV produced Senna-based liveries for their bikes.
These are not strict investments, otherwise I should probably look at lifting the budget to the more ltd edition SP and Ago bikes but I am never adverse to some mild appreciation over the years. I am not a track-rider, neither an A-road warrior. I just adore bikes, the way they look, the way they sound, tooling around country roads with the occasional blast of speed.
Any help, advice, tips that anyone has would be very much appreciated,
Thanks, Tom
Over those twelve years, there has been a wide array of bikes from my first Ducati Monster 620 through other Monsters (some R and RS models), a 749 superbike, a KTM Superduke and a Streetfighter 848.
Given the less frequent use of the bike (once a month) now, I would prefer something that elicits an excitement of ownership over practicality. It will be used for casual weekend rides with mates and a bit of tootling around Sussex, maybe beyond. I hate to use the words 'keeper' but it's probably the one that best describes. Bike will be immaculate at all times, garaged, paddock stands etc.
Budget is sensible (absolutely not more than £10k) but not outrageous.
The thought process goes:
- Ducati 916 Monoposto in red with gold wheels. This is the bike that sparked my interest in motorbikes at the impressionable age of 16.
- MV Agusta F4 1000 monoposto in Red over silver. To me, this is without the doubt the most outrageous and beautiful bike ever made.
- Ducati Monster S4RS in white over red trellis. This is easily the best looking Monster made, collectable and one of the most enjoyable bikes I have ever ridden.
The curveball is that funds permitting in years to come, I am not adverse on having both a 916 AND the MV. In which case, would a pair of Senna-liveried bikes be a good combo to have as curiously both Ducati and MV produced Senna-based liveries for their bikes.
These are not strict investments, otherwise I should probably look at lifting the budget to the more ltd edition SP and Ago bikes but I am never adverse to some mild appreciation over the years. I am not a track-rider, neither an A-road warrior. I just adore bikes, the way they look, the way they sound, tooling around country roads with the occasional blast of speed.
Any help, advice, tips that anyone has would be very much appreciated,
Thanks, Tom
No advice on bike choice, all are lovely.
It seems all 3 916's in budget are around me, the HM Plant liveried one is at Chris Hall's where I got my bike from and who share garage space with Doncaster Motorcycles. Chris Hall ran Cusworths who were a Ducati dealer and the guys in the back worked there as the tame spanner monkeys.
Jem speed shop is Huddersfield and ritebike is Bradford so not too far, you could easily see all 3 in a trip.
It seems all 3 916's in budget are around me, the HM Plant liveried one is at Chris Hall's where I got my bike from and who share garage space with Doncaster Motorcycles. Chris Hall ran Cusworths who were a Ducati dealer and the guys in the back worked there as the tame spanner monkeys.
Jem speed shop is Huddersfield and ritebike is Bradford so not too far, you could easily see all 3 in a trip.
I had an MV on loan for a weekend, didn't much like riding it (could have probably got used to it with more time), but I spent hours walking around it in the garage admiring from all angles, as a piece of design it is beautiful.
I'd say buy them both, neither will depreciate much, and cash in the bank isn't very interesting.
I'd say buy them both, neither will depreciate much, and cash in the bank isn't very interesting.
These were the last two sports bikes I owned:-
Although the Senna looked wonderful it wasn't great to ride - very hard, poor fueling around 5k and not a terribly nice noise. I only had it 2 years.
9 times out of 10 I rode the SPS. I owned it 12 years and loved it. Was always more of a v-twin fan, loved the noise and the torque.
Although the Senna looked wonderful it wasn't great to ride - very hard, poor fueling around 5k and not a terribly nice noise. I only had it 2 years.
9 times out of 10 I rode the SPS. I owned it 12 years and loved it. Was always more of a v-twin fan, loved the noise and the torque.
There is a chap on one of the MV boards on Facebook selling a low mileage F4 312RR 1078cc in Red/Silver. This is that last of the analogue MV's and as the flagship model it came with:-
Marchesini forged alloy wheels
Brembo monoblock calipers
Slipper clutch
Titanium inlet valves
Forged pistons
Adjustable rear sets
I understand that £8k will buy it.
Helluva bike for that amount. 2500 miles and like mine on a "10" plate.
Marchesini forged alloy wheels
Brembo monoblock calipers
Slipper clutch
Titanium inlet valves
Forged pistons
Adjustable rear sets
I understand that £8k will buy it.
Helluva bike for that amount. 2500 miles and like mine on a "10" plate.
Edited by Chipchap on Tuesday 15th March 14:17
Thanks MV boys. I guess the thought behind buying the original F4 is exactly that reason, it's the original...a bit like buying a 916 rather than the 996.
I have heard that the early bikes are a bit of a pig to drive, especially for an intimediate. Can't be any worse than trying to thread a 749 Testa through heavy London traffic in the middle of summer with a burnt bum (exhausts) and swollen wrists (drop bars)!.
From a noise perspective, I once heard one that must have had custom pipes, it sounded crazy, like an F1 car.
But then....a 916, on decat Termi's and an open clutch. Would debate it's a much cooler sounding bike.
Will have a look on the MV forum at that bike though. Finding a good 916 won't be a short process!!!!
I have heard that the early bikes are a bit of a pig to drive, especially for an intimediate. Can't be any worse than trying to thread a 749 Testa through heavy London traffic in the middle of summer with a burnt bum (exhausts) and swollen wrists (drop bars)!.
From a noise perspective, I once heard one that must have had custom pipes, it sounded crazy, like an F1 car.
But then....a 916, on decat Termi's and an open clutch. Would debate it's a much cooler sounding bike.
Will have a look on the MV forum at that bike though. Finding a good 916 won't be a short process!!!!
counterofbeans said:
These were the last two sports bikes I owned:-
How could you ever get rid of these, what a fabulous combo. Completely ignoring the fact that they would have (and may well have made) great investments.916 is the cooler looking bike but I think the MV is the better looking one. Dammnit, how do I convince the Mrs I need both!!!
Dog Star said:
Ah, you;re on there too. I'm the chap who's selector spring broke yesterday!
As am I, I'm the chap who started the board.Glad you got recovered.
On topic, hard choice, I would go with the MV and I'm not biased as I also own a Ducati. Add some Bodi's on to the MV and it will sound great.
Wildfire said:
Dog Star said:
Ah, you;re on there too. I'm the chap who's selector spring broke yesterday!
As am I, I'm the chap who started the board.
tch911 said:
Any chance you could give me a steer as to which board, there are quite a few and having looked at about 10, not found yours yet! Thanks
MVOCUK Group on Facebook. Fairly active and a few dealers on there. There is a bit of advertising from them, but by in large they have been very helpful, just ask dogstar.Ah - here's mine!
Been with ADAC for about 5 years so I was relieved that it actually worked - quick call to Germany and the AA turned up. AA chap took it off to Russell's house and the OH picked me up from work. Quite lucky it went wrong where it did - I'd have not been impressed if that'd happened on holiday somewhere.
Been with ADAC for about 5 years so I was relieved that it actually worked - quick call to Germany and the AA turned up. AA chap took it off to Russell's house and the OH picked me up from work. Quite lucky it went wrong where it did - I'd have not been impressed if that'd happened on holiday somewhere.
Out of the two I think it would be the F4 for me, I'd say the 916 is more iconic and it's a fantastic modern classic, but I prefer the engine in the MV, of course if you're talking about the more modern version of the MV, I'd take an Aprilia over one, I've always liked the original 750cc F4 best.
Edited by Walter Sobchak on Tuesday 15th March 19:07
tch911 said:
The curveball is that funds permitting in years to come, I am not adverse on having both a 916 AND the MV. In which case, would a pair of Senna-liveried bikes be a good combo to have as curiously both Ducati and MV produced Senna-based liveries for their bikes.
Why not the 916 and the Monster? rather than 2 head-down-arse-up race reps? The Monster is more fun for if you're in the mood for taking it a bit easier, but still no slouch and surprisingly capable at 'reasonable' pace.That would be my thinking anyway, in fact it is exactly my thinking as I have both a 916 and a Monster, though not an S4 - I reckon the air-cooled 2v engine suits the Monster better due to it's bigger low-down punch and it really doesn't really 100+hp IMO.
Plus, if you're into doing your own maintenance then having 2 similar machines makes it easier and despite the relative complexities of Desmo valves they are really easy to work on. If not then with either the Ducati or MV prepare for some large servicing bills.
As for Senna paintjobs, that's a personal thing but I prefer the plain bikes.
You could always get all three, you know it makes sense...
I had an S4RS. Looked great (mine was black with white stripe and the entire DP carbon catalogue thrown at it), but it was awful to ride. As a general rule, naked bikes are not good investments regardless of rarity.
Between a 916 and F4, for collecting and the occasional ride, I'd go 916. _The_ iconic superbike.
Between a 916 and F4, for collecting and the occasional ride, I'd go 916. _The_ iconic superbike.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff