Hello, I own a regular, great, but kind of run-down 748 and am looking to upgrade. I was looking at a 1999 996 SPS and 2002 748R. Both are in excellent condition, similar mileage, close enough in price. I don't have experience with these higher variants and was wondering if anyone can weigh in on what they would prefer from a riding standpoint. Also maybe how they might compare in terms of collectability?
surely the sps has to be more than the 748r? i have a late 02 748r and i would expect to pay a fair few grand on top to get into an sps of similar quality
If I didn't already have a 996 then I would be all over this 996SPS ... looks like an excellent specimen ... can't hang around at that price, especially if he's open to offers near the ask https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ducati-996-SPS-2000-MY/133462588952
Both are very,very desirable which you can't go wrong on which one you choose at the end of the day,but for me it has to be the 916 with the larger engine capacity and longterm a better return investment wise.
Yes, you are correct!! The 1999 996 SPS is more than the 02 748R, but the 748R is a bit of a distance away so I have to add in traveling/shipping costs, while the owner of the SPS seems willing to negotiate a little lower. So in the end, actual money for either bike might end up being sort of close to each other. So now I'm asking for opinions as a tie breaker. I was originally really wanting an 02 748R but then came across the 996 SPS, and now I can't decide.
Hi I have both, and my 2002 748R is for sale. they are both very different bikes actually, the 748 has a much revvier nature and thrives close to the redline where the 996 has a wicked midrange punch. Engine wise I think the 996SPS trumps the 748, however if it’s a 2002 748R vs a 99 996SPS then I think the 748 trumps it on looks. So it depends on what you want. my 996SPS is a 2000 model, which is why I’m keeping that over the 748, but was a pretty tough choice to be honest
I can’t believe a 748R is the same money as a 996SPS, either the former is overpriced or the latter is cheap. However, if it were me I’d go for the 996SPS. Welcome to the Forum btw and do let us know what you choose.
SPS. Lovely motor, bags of midrange. You’ll get bored of the R and hanker for some oomph soon enough!
Thanks for the welcome...yes you're correct - the actual costs between the bikes are not the same, the SPS was first offered to me at quite a higher price but the seller offered to lower his asking and when I factor in some other costs the 748R would entail, the prices converge enough such that each becomes an option. At first, all I wanted was an 02 748R but when I came across the 1999 996 SPS, I wondered if I'd be stupid for passing. I'm not usually indecisive but this one had me bonkers. Consensus here though seems to be for the SPS. But 02 748R is so pretty and at least in looks resembles big sisters 996R, 998R.
Don’t let anybody fool you that the R “handles better”....this is rubbish, they both have the same basic geometry and suspension so it’s down to set up and tyres.
996 sps I've got one as Well and also had a 748r The 996 is a better road bike on track there wouldn't be much in it.
I see a gap of around 5 to 8 between both bikes so really dont see this stacks up. Either the 748 is over priced or the sps is going cheap If you get the 748 let me know and i will have the sps sight unseen. Thank me later
