The power difference is minimal in real terms, I'd buy the best condition one you can find, the 916 is more sought after in general terms, unless we are into the specials S/SPS/R etc ..
Have you ridden either ? I had a 748SP and because I had a748SP, I have a 748R. I also have a 1098R and a V4 neither of which IMO, make any sense as a road bike. Both are outrageously powerful and blisteringly quick whereas the 748 makes much more sense on the road as it has manageable power and is agile and great fun to ride. Not ridden a 916 but prefer my 748 to the 996 I had. Andy
Not ridden either, i have a 900ss ie which i love(rode it to italy and back in 2015 for museum factory tour and misano motogp) and the power is great as i've had the icu remapped K&N filter and all the trimmings etc, and it's good useable grunt!! I can't comment on either 916 or 748 just fishing for opinions
Got 748E, 748SPS and 916 bip. Have to say the 748 choices give a more involved ride as they will deliver near enough 916 performance but you have to use the box and take advantage of their more revvy nature over that of the 916, they are "more fun" to ride. The 916 is a less frantic experience with a slightly slower revving engine but still a great riding experience.
I haven't seen ths conversation for years. It used to be a staple of Ducati based chat back in the day. The rule of thumb is, the 916 is a better bike, unless you are a 748 owner, who always say the 748 is.
916 in red if you want to hide your lack of skills and grunt your way out of it and yellow 748 for honing your skills and beating the 916 peeps
748 owners used to say the 748 was a better bike because it had a skinnier rear tyre. Clutching at straws I called it. This all takes me back.
Not true, us skinny lads could afford a 916 cos we spent less on eating pies and drinking beer. Done 80,000 miles on the 2 916 that I have owned, never ridden a 748 so I'm not really qualified to comment. But I've never settled for 2nd best either....
