Hello from Bristol. I am thinking of buying my first Ducati (not sure why I have left it this long?) For my sins I like the 749 and 999 models but my tendency is to go for the 749 (slightly less expensive and some say ideally suited to the smaller motor. I want a red bike with the red frame and I understand the later versions have a more robust swing arm. Other than that I have struggled to work out what the later model differences are. I think (please correct me) the S has the Ohlins suspension but other than that the engine internals are the same as the non "S" assuming its later than 2004. Any help identifying any other differences would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
S has the same Showa forks as the Base model but they have a gold nitride coating to the bottom part of them. S also has adjustable steering rake by a few degrees, and i think 8 more hp than the base. Might be wrong on that figure though.
749 Base. O5-06 (facelift). 110 bhp. Sach shock and chrome showa forks. 749S 05-06 116bhp. showa shock and TiN showa forks.(same spec suspension as base 999). All facelift 05-06 bikes have slightly different fairing(nose and sides), black box swingarm, red frame/black wheels and improved electrics.
My second ever bike was/is a black 06 749, which i am in the process of putting a 999 lump into. Bought it new and at the time the 999s was £16k, which was well out of my reach. I would say if you have been riding large bikes for a while and can afford it try and get a 999.
Thanks Pavey, the cost is a factor I also don't ride very often and when I do I am reasonably sensible :angry: (my wife might see this) so outright grunt isn't a big deal. My last bike was a CBR600rr but just got fed up of a screaming 4 . I intend to keep it for a number of years, so am looking for a low mileage mint version with service history etc
i guess there is reving and there is reving,, but be prepared to rev the 749 a little if you want all the power,, i have a mk2 ( nose cone / fairing and swing arm being the main obvious differences ) and love it but i recognise the need to use all the engine,,,in hinesite i wish i had found the extra cash to go for the 999 at the time but am well happy with the 749s and will be keeping it.
Thanks for your input, all very helpful. Is there a "bikes for sale" section on the forum? I have looked but can't find anything
There is, but you may not be able to see it yet until a certain amount of posts, not too sure. http://ducatiforum.co.uk/forums/bikes-for-sale.98/
The 999 is torquier, as well as faster and the size and weight are the same as the 749, so the 999 is arguably easier to ride.
Thanks for all your help. I am much better informed but am now unsure if I should go with the 749 or 999.
you might not know now,, but you may regret it in 6 or 9 months time,, too late then,,,,,,, 999s mate,, best option. ( late mk2 model )
