Ducati 748s or ducati 899 panigale?
Discussion
So I have a hankering for a ducati 748 as I just love the 748/916 shape. I have found a stunning 748 but have a niggling issue in the back of my head saying don't bother with "old" ducati and buy a 899 instead. For those that have ridden both what are the positives/negatives of each?
Think I may love the thought of getting 748 due to the shape etc but then get bored really quick.
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to buy both!
Think I may love the thought of getting 748 due to the shape etc but then get bored really quick.
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to buy both!
A timely post. I used to own a 748 many years back and just rode the 899 for the first time this afternoon. Unfortunately there are so many years between the two (and I am now used to a new litre super naked) I am not sure whether I can give a good response.
I loved my 748 but I suspect it would feel a bit slow and agricultural if I rode one today. All relative of course. The 899 was a lovely bike. Very different in feel from an IL4 with noticeable engine braking and such a different sound. Handling has similarities to my 748, a bit slower with the steering but very stable once lent over. However I think the 899 was more agile and easier to turn. Riding position on the 899 seemed better than I remember and much easier to use. False neutrals on the 748 and the flip up side stand drove me nuts.
I still think the 748 looks amazing. Especially in yellow.
But the price difference between the two is pretty big so not easy to compare.
I loved my 748 but I suspect it would feel a bit slow and agricultural if I rode one today. All relative of course. The 899 was a lovely bike. Very different in feel from an IL4 with noticeable engine braking and such a different sound. Handling has similarities to my 748, a bit slower with the steering but very stable once lent over. However I think the 899 was more agile and easier to turn. Riding position on the 899 seemed better than I remember and much easier to use. False neutrals on the 748 and the flip up side stand drove me nuts.
I still think the 748 looks amazing. Especially in yellow.
But the price difference between the two is pretty big so not easy to compare.
From a performance point of view, the 996/998 would be closer to the 899.
The 748 is 30 kg heavier, puts out less power than a 90s 600 and doesn't have massive slugs of torque.
In its own right a lovely bike but like comparing chalk and cheese on every front.
For how cheap the 748s are and can afford an 899, probably best to get both the 899 and 748 if you can't decide.
The 748 is 30 kg heavier, puts out less power than a 90s 600 and doesn't have massive slugs of torque.
In its own right a lovely bike but like comparing chalk and cheese on every front.
For how cheap the 748s are and can afford an 899, probably best to get both the 899 and 748 if you can't decide.
ks off?Not really a fair comparison given that the price is so disparate between the two. If I could only have one, naturally it would be the 899, but I'd have to really want an 899 to get one, as they aren't cheap. The 748S has the undefined "specialness" of a Ducati, but then so does the 899, some would say.
The 899 is going to be way, way quicker, probably more reliable, sharper handling etc, but it depends what you want to do really. If you're not really one for hammering a bike on the road, the relatively slow 748S probably has enough noise and Ducati-cachet to satisfy.
The 899 is going to be way, way quicker, probably more reliable, sharper handling etc, but it depends what you want to do really. If you're not really one for hammering a bike on the road, the relatively slow 748S probably has enough noise and Ducati-cachet to satisfy.
LoonR1 said:
I'm struggling to choose between a Thundercat amd the new R1M. Can anyone help?
Have you perhaps missed the point? He wants a special bike, with one in particular appearing special to him. Just that there is this newer one; would it be much more special?Well, no. It would be more modern, faster, more user-friendly. Both are special.
Your answer is useless, typically sardonic.
My answer: ride both and spend money on the one you like, or just follow your heart as I did.
Edited by castex on Saturday 4th July 00:17
Thank you castex you see what I am getting at. I have now ridden both. Friend has a 748r so bit more special than the S and I test rode the 899. Yes of course if you look at loons analogy then the 899 is a "better" bike as much newer (thundercat to r1m) but the 748 felt more special to me. As I don't ride fast and it will be for the odd sunny day (as a second bike) I have opted for the 748. Bike mistake in some peoples eyes but as castex mentions it will "feel" more special.
Edited by the_nurse46 on Saturday 4th July 08:23
castex said:
Have you perhaps missed the point? He wants a special bike, with one in particular appearing special to him. Just that there is this newer one; would it be much more special?
Well, no. It would be more modern, faster, more user-friendly. Both are special.
Your answer is useless, typically sardonic.
My answer: ride both and spend money on the one you like, or just follow your heart as I did.
No I've not missed the point, not even close to missing it and you've proven that with your use of "special". Tedious, overrated use of the word to describe a mass produced Italian motorbike. Well, no. It would be more modern, faster, more user-friendly. Both are special.
Your answer is useless, typically sardonic.
My answer: ride both and spend money on the one you like, or just follow your heart as I did.
Edited by castex on Saturday 4th July 00:17
Loon, I admire the persistence of your one-man campaign against Ducati but you don't seem to be persuading too many that they aren't "special". "Specialness" is like "beauty" in that it is in the eye of the beholder and often circumvents logic.
I do think you are being a bit hard on the 748 though. Ducati have changed over the past twenty years and the 899 is much more of a mass produced bike than the 748. At the time the 748 was launched they were almost twice the price of a Jap 600 and sold in far fewer numbers so were relatively rare, the shape is iconic and for some (me included) one of the best looking motorbikes ever. Around a track they were slower than the Jap supersports but the riding experience could not have been more different. That clearly doesn't float your boat but for some that difference is special.
I do think you are being a bit hard on the 748 though. Ducati have changed over the past twenty years and the 899 is much more of a mass produced bike than the 748. At the time the 748 was launched they were almost twice the price of a Jap 600 and sold in far fewer numbers so were relatively rare, the shape is iconic and for some (me included) one of the best looking motorbikes ever. Around a track they were slower than the Jap supersports but the riding experience could not have been more different. That clearly doesn't float your boat but for some that difference is special.
If you can find a reasonable 748R that'd be the one to go for.
By modern standards it's a tractor, but if you fancy a project it'd be a great bike for the odd day out.
Bring it back to a decent condition and in a few years you'll lose nothing.
The 748R wasn't a big seller and was overshadowed by the 916/996 but as a true R model it's still good value.
Get under their skin and you'll see it's a very long way from a sticker and carbon tart job. The 748R is very different from the normal S or Biposto models and worth it just for that.
Great little engine, fantastic handling bike even and worthy as a keeper.
899 is just A.N. Other bike imo.
By modern standards it's a tractor, but if you fancy a project it'd be a great bike for the odd day out.
Bring it back to a decent condition and in a few years you'll lose nothing.
The 748R wasn't a big seller and was overshadowed by the 916/996 but as a true R model it's still good value.
Get under their skin and you'll see it's a very long way from a sticker and carbon tart job. The 748R is very different from the normal S or Biposto models and worth it just for that.
Great little engine, fantastic handling bike even and worthy as a keeper.
899 is just A.N. Other bike imo.
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