Test rode a 916 today, it did a mile and a half and then the L/H front calliper locked on, and that was the end of that. Still, some definite good points to the ride I've waited twenty years for!! Undeterred, I'm still looking, which brings me to point.......916 or 996? I'm sure this has been asked a thousand times but what do you think and why? The 916 was the original but the 996 "addressed some issues" not sure what to do opinions please cheers
On Ducatisti we polled the flakey rocker issue and found that a much higher proportion of 996s had issues with the rockers than any of the 916/748/996 variants with the 916 having substantially fewer than the rest. This was mainly due to the 996 production coinciding with Ducati's rocker supplier quality issues in the 99/00 time frame. If you go for a 996, in additon to the service history try to find out about the rockers. However the 996 has the better regulator/generator, more power and some people prefer the 5 spokes and gunmetal frame and wheel to the three spokes and gold
Yeah I read about a flakey rocker issue, but didn't really know the affected bikes, that's good to know! Cheers
916 as ultimate investment if you are keeping 5/10 years maybe but possibly far more Gremlins to solve than on (pretty much sorted) 996. As Steve says history has shown that twin injectors were o.t.t./unnecessary on 996 (yet ok on later higher output ST4) and a bit of a mystery - made me wonder if it was for homologation if raced. 996 for me (but possibly biased!)
The original 916 is the first of the breed and if standard with original bodywork, will hold its value more-so than the later versions. If you want it to use like a Ducati should be, go for a 996, like the other chaps said, its upgraded, more power and has the same characteristics on the road.
Or go for a 916 SPS. 996 engine, P8 ECU to control the twin injector set up and they are not that common either.
Depends what you want it for really, of course the 996 has the better charging system and more power but I don't think you would be disappointed with ether. Steve
Great feedback guys!! There are pros and cons with either it seems, so I guess I look at both and I assume it'll come down to condition, price etc. Thanks loads for the info, I'm sure it won't be long til I have I one
Better engine? More powerful maybe, but a lot less character. This has come up many times. The 916/996 engine has a rawness which many people prefer (me included) over the 998's testastretta engine. Anyone considering a 998 against a 916/996 would be well advised to try a test ride on both as they are quite different.
If I had any more character in the motor of my 998S I would be suffering from character overdose thanks very much :biggrin: There is only so much character a person can handle:tongue:
I would certainly be interested in one however, I can't really stretch to one. Plus, if I'm honest, I know it's a changable, small cosmetic thing, and I'm not knocking anyone's bike, but the 998 looks slightly slab sided in comparison and I personally prefer the "big 'ole" in the sides of the 916/996. But I certainly wouldn't discount one based on that!! :smile:
