Advertised prices of the 999 are on the up whilst those of the 848 are on the way down so there is now little to separate them. Which is the better bike, and why ?
Well I wouldn't touch another 999, had one a few years ago after owning a 998 (I wish that JCB never pulled out in front of me!) The 999 was trouble from the start, it was 6 months old when I got it, I had to have the tank replaced because it had rusted inside, I had electrical problems(cannot remember the details now) the sidestand was very weak, bent and finally snapped. And to round it off, one day whilst overtaking a car doing about 40mph the front brake just jammed on for no reason whatsoever..... more titanium in my ankle! The build quality was cr*p compared to the 998. I now have a 748 and would not even swap that for a 999. Cannot comment on the 848, not had one of those(yet)
marc That 999 you had - was it even made by Ducati? Doesn't sound like my 999, that's for sure, but from your own personal experience I can see why you don't like them! You really did get a Friday afternoon special - either that or you bought it from someone who seriously hates you. I've never ridden an 848 so I cannot really comment on it ... other than to say that I don't have anything like the desire to own or ride one compared to how I felt when the 999 came out. The 848's looks do nothing for me - if I had one I suspect it would be just another bike I owned (doubtless a sweet handling one, of course).
Each to their own isnt it? I much prefer the looks of the 848 to the 999 but I appreciate its personal taste. Having said that I think the 999 shape is looking better as time goes on. I rode a 749 a few years ago (I appreciate not the same as a 999 in terms of engine) and as far as I can remember its more of a focussed position (weight on the wrists) than the 848. Its also got the dry clutch which adds a little something to the experience (character for some, nasty bastard in stop/start traffic for others). Are either of them future classics or good investments? I can see the 999 being a better prospect as it wasnt embraced when it was made so there are likely to be fewer of them about. It's likely that the 848 will be the last of the tellis framed sports bikes and that might make it desirable but I can't see it at the moment. Maybe best to ride them both and tell us what you think back to back? Which one floats your boat more at the moment?
I have never owned a sports bike and whilst I have concerns for lack of comfort, and knees in particular, it is a recurring itch that just wont go away. If I went ahead it would be in addition to my Multistrada and not a replacement. I have ridden an 848 and liked it but it was pretty firm particularly compared to the 1199 that I rode the same day. The 1199 was the nicer ride but as a second bike I think it would be impossible to justify.
The 848 is my first sports bike too. I find it much more comfortable than my Speed Triple which by rights should be much more forgiving on the body. I have zero issues with my wrists and I dont straighten my legs out half as much to ease my knees as on the Triumph. Ive never been stiff (phnar) getting of it either. Go and ride one for an hour.....im sure there are plenty of dealers who would give you the keys for a bit!
My Multistrada will be getting its first annual service later this month, I will have to book an 848 for the day.
I'm comfortable being a c*nt thank you. I have both bikes and the 848 is rider friendly IMO. It always depends what mood my 999s is in when I ride it to how it performs.
Hi JohnV, I tried 2years before the 848 on slovakiaring when Ducati had there open days. The bike was really great very easy to handle and its look very nice.The seat is also more confortable like in 999. In the city at low speed with this bike will have more nervous like with the 999. The 999 is shit as well at low speed but have more torque which is good at low speed. If i will be on your space i will choose the 848 if is in good condition.
The 848 is notoriously set well 'ard out the box and many owners don't tweak the suspension during tenure. Get it set for your own weight, sag done, lar de dah and yr good to go...
As Nelson said. If I had a penny for the number of times I've heard the tale of the hard-sprung 848 ... I'd have well over a quid now. It needs your attention to get it right! Whereas, out of the box, the 999 was set soft and slow-turning. Tweaking was required to get the T9 to turn more readily - and of course plenty of folks took the "short-cut" of changing the 190 profile tyre for a 180. Unnecessary, if the suspension, ride height and fork yokes were adjusted correctly. Plus, you get lots more rubber to play with on a 190
848, all day every day. Love mine Great handling, great motor, goes like stink and looks the mutts. Fact. It's a future classic. Mark my words.
I've never ridden 999 but I have 1098S and I took 848 and 848Evo for a test ride. All really good bikes. Comfort may be an issue but they were never made as touring bikes You can always change seat, rearsets, clip ons and Speedymoto top yoke and this should sort it out 999 was out of the question for me as I'm not a fan of it's look.
I for one also hated the 999 when it for appeared, but after owning a 999s for a number of years and still have it in my little collection. It really is a great bike and so under valued and even i have changed my mind on the looks, it was just such a big change when it first appeared but now if it was a current model it would sell i think, age has been good to it's design. Although i haven't ridden an 848 but i also own a 1098s and a 998s Final Edition so also very much like the 848/1098 shape. The best thing is compare the prices of both and see if any of them come with any add-ons. I think either of them won't disappoint you.
Rode a mates really well sorted T9S, more incomfortable than a spike up the arse but handled sweet, altho I couldnt get the visibility (ie head couldn't be lifted high enough) for me to get a good pace on. Blade I was on knocked it into next week. Off Blade and onto 848, immediately could ride as quick as Blade just lacked power. So for me 848. Also happy to be a c*nt as its useful and far more attractive than a cock of a T9
