Newbie, Looking to buy soon-ish so will be trying to do some research before I spend any money. I suspect I will be after a 916 or 996, not sure what model yet.. I've owned a few Jap bikes over the years but stopped riding. I still have an old R6 collecting dust so that will be going. I want something I can take out on sunny days, possibly to shows or meetings and try to ride a little bit more sensibly than I did in the past.
Well I've been doing some reading and looks like I will probably be after a late 996 SPS/R or a 998. I assume they are the same chassis as the 748? I need to learn how to tell the models apart to make sure I am not being ripped off. I prefer twin injection, Ohlins rear shock etc... Looks like that will up the price considerably but I don't think I could live with a 748 which seems more affordable, the pre injection R6 in race trim feels slow after riding R1's and Fire blades but that is due to lack of torque not once it's wound up, I guess the Duke will not lack torque I don't want a bike to ride like a fool but I don't want to feel like I am thrashing it all the time (like a four stroke single super moto) or working the gearbox like a two stroke.
Probably Or because I'm bike less or my welcome in was crap :Oldman: I did wonder if anyone would notice and it took a newbie :Bucktooth:
A 996S will get you an Ohlins shock and twin injection for a hell of a lot less money than a 916SPS (if you can find one) or a 998. Although why you want a twin injector model isn't clear when lots of people do nothing but complain about them misfiring and stumbling at low revs and end up disconnecting one of the injectors. I had a 996S about 10 years ago and I loved it, but it had been FIM chipped to make it run right. There's loads of info on the interwebs about this issue A 748 will feel slow in a straight line compared to a Jap 4, and although even a 916 will be 50% down on power compared to such bikes, the Ducati experience isn't really about that and it'll have plenty of oomph to keep you interested. Barrel chested thrust from low revs, a booming exhaust note, lovely and involving handling which takes time to appreciate and gel with, the melding of form and function in the engineering and styling and the bond you forge with the bike are where its at. If you're after a 916 shape bike, then any of the non-limited edition 996/998 bikes are a good compromise between power and price. If you're after SPS/R models, then they're very special, but also very expensive and are effectively collectors items Oh, and "hello"
Hi guys, thanks for the replies. I hoped my previous post covered, I do not want to ride like a fool. I do not want a bike I need to work too much or thrash - hence I want a larger cc... It has nothing to do with "getting banned" or full potential ;-) I do not know much about Dukes and still reading up. Thanks for the advice Zhed46 I have much more research to do and will looking into it I'd perhaps buy an S but I would probably like a rarer bike for the collectors perspective. I don't plan to ride in all weather, those days have gone. Much more in classics these days, hence now wanting a Duke and not interested in owning a Jap bike again.
Good morning and welcome, 916 996 starting to get very collectible for the right bike i have noticed prices are creeping up, 748 great bike loads of punch, can be a bit pricey to keep on the road but if your handy a lot of servicing can be done yourself, make sure the belts are changed properly
If your not set on the 9xx series (748,916,996,998) I would suggest an SS, ST2/3 or Monster if your not going to ride it often or track it. All depends on what you want to do with it. For normal commuting or weekend blasts a 2 valver is just easier, depends on so many things and personal choice, you will get many opinions. I would even like an air cooled Hypermotard for hooligan antics and great options, like brembos, ohlins and forged wheels, light weight and easy to ride. Craig
