I have to agree with the first half of your post mate on the 999. I also thought the 1098 was too Blade looking upon release, but don't now. Time has changed my opinion i suppose. I feel the Panigale is even more Japanese looking though, what with all the exposed engine, almost half fairings, very much like a Blade, Gixxer etc.
I can take or leave the 916 et al. Never really understood the beauty that others see but have always loved the stacked headlights and US train design of the 999/749. I would love to buy a really nice mono 999 to go with the well used 749s I bought recently.
Has anyone had a chance to test them back to back? I'd be curious what the differences were. I'd also like to see if a well sorted 999 could keep up with a 749r.
I have to say going from a 749S to a 749R, there is no comparison, the R is a completely different machine, it feels a totally different bike.
