Ducati 916 vs MV Agusta F4 vs Ducati S4RS

[tch911]

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

[tch911]

First time I have ever seen them side by side. It is a very tough call, they both pull the heartstrings. Looking at Senna bikes, I definitely prefer the ride bikes as one is black, one is gunmetal. If they were a complete match it might be different.

[tch911]

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!!!!

[tch911]

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!!!

[tch911]

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.

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

[tch911]

A lot of love for the MV bikes but the more and more I look at them, the 916 just keeps winking at me. I did have a quick look at the MV RR on Facebook, thanks for the link but alas I prefer the purity and graphics of the very early bikes.

I definitely think a red 916, completely original except for an open clutch and Termi race system is what I need.

Any thoughts from anyone on 916 vs 996 vs 998? They do look amazingly similar and I have had the 996 and 998 engines in various monsters over the years. Imagine that the 916 is obviously the long term investment bike over the 996 and 998.

I want Monoposto, for the clean lines, but would again think that this is what the market will ultimately want in the future as well.

[tch911]

Steve Bass said:

The models to go for would be S, SPS or R variants. The R models command strong money but i very much doubt you'll lose anything.
Biposto models, even converted to Monoposto aren't desirable...
998 is a far better engine compared to the 996/916 so that'd be my starting point

I fear that the superior models might be a little out of my price range at present and loaded suitably for investment targeting. I think a good honest 998 might work well. I think it is probably key to ride a few first. Thanks though

[tch911]

epom said:

Hi OP, you keep mentioning the 916 keeps winking at you, pulls on the heartstrings etc. My advice go and get one. If it then doesn't do it for you get the MV. You're not going to lose your shirt on either bike. Happy hunting.

Thanks. The great news is that, as expected, my Ducati 796 commuter sold straight away so the search for a 916 begins. Might also ride a 998 to see whether I really prefer it to ride. Thanks to everyone for all of their advice.

[tch911]

Samt09 said:

I appreciate it is been some time but i am keen to know what you went for?

I to am in a similar predicament and cant decide which way to go.

Not at all, some time, and little movement. I very almost bought a 998FE but got distracted and the deal snatched away from me by a keener buyer.

I will be on the hunt again soon and a 998FE is my choice, 916 looks with far better reliability, a bad 916 just doesn't bear thinking about. Would still love am MV as well but it will have to come second to the Duke, this will be my 11th Ducati after all!