Questions for anyone who has riden an 848 and a 916. How similar are they to ride? If you own one, do you ride it loads or mainly admire it? Would changing an 848 for a 916 be a mistake? The reason I ask is that I would like a 916, but dont know whether I would be better buying one to replace the 848 or have it as an addition. That decision would obviously effect how much I would have to spend on one.
Personally, a step backwards by some way. Riding position, reliability, the way it rides generally is very different. IMHO no....unless its an SPS in which case I may be tempted
+1 on this^, the 748/916 riding experience is something special, the 848 IMO to me feels more sanitised and less extreme, but that's no bad thing in the real world. I would have both!
I have a 1098 and a 748sps with a 916sp motor and apart from the noise there is no comparison. the 1098 is far more comfortable. 10mins riding round town and you will be aching in palces you didn't know you had on a 916 till you get used to it. I wouldn't get rid of mine though
...Interesting, depends. Yes for the right 916. 916's are love jobs. Do you hanker, yearn, crave after a lovely beautiful 916 that will ruin you in every way? Or are you happy enough with the 848? No brainer. I'm not helping am I ...:wink:
+1 - my 748 can be a torture rack, you have to learn to ride them comfortably but I love it - the classic never ageing looks, THAT sound, the feeling, the admiring glances, and the work of owning it - there is no doubt they are maintenance intensive bikes but for me I love that about them, gives them more character and makes you feel more connected to them (I do all the work myself mind you..) but for me personally the newer bikes seem to miss something BUT no argument are definitely more reliable.
ive had 3 996's so far then went for a 848 a wee bit more comfort but initially i found it hard too ride having been on the heavier and planted 9 .....em has a 748 so ive now got the best of both ...when i can get the keys off her , i miss her .....ive down geared the 8 and oh my!!!!! up she comes , there both gorgeous in there own right go try them
A unique viewpoint Major but full respect for asking. I don't think you could call it purely a mistake as there are so many aspects involved in the decision. If your body is of a suppleness that can put up with a wide range of punishment then i'm sure you wouldn't regret trying any of the higher spec 9**'s as has already been said. Might be an idea to set up a decent test ride with a major dealer if possible. I often wonder how other bikers would list their priorities when buying a bike because we must all be different. Possible Main contenders (debatable of course) :- it's reliability, how it holds it's value (how practical is it from an 'available spares' point of view), it's looks, it's design features, it's straight-line grunt and the way the engine delivers it's power generally, it's handling and road-holding (how much fun would it be on-track).
I`m afraid suppleness is getting to be a scarce commodity these days. Maybe that`s a good reason to get one ASAP before there`s none left! As far as priorities for the purchase on this occasion it would be looks/design/ownership, and to justify the expence of a third bike, how well it holds its value.
Never buy a bike as an investment. Even the Desmosedici has proved to be anything but. The 916 will cost more to run, be slower and be more uncomfortable. But it is the most iconic bike possibly of all time. Get a test ride and make your own mind up.
I went from a 748 (853) to an 848 and pretty much agree with all of the above. To put it in a nutshell, I wish I'd kept the 853 but don't miss the 848 at all though the 848 is a fantastic machine. The 848 is more of a comfy armchair than the 748/916 but I found the 748 'fitted' me fine and I never had any problems with comfort (Dundee to Brands Hatch in a day, Dundee, Donnington, Dundee in a day) except after fitting a deep screen that took the wind off my chest then you really feel the weight on the wrists. If you can afford it, get both. In 10 years time you'll still have the 916, the 848 will be a distant memory....
