Hi all, I'm soon to make the leap into Ducati ownership, only I may have messed up? Yesterday I took an 848 out for a test and immediately fell in love! I mean, I really fell in love with it. Never clicked immediately with a bike before but the 848 has brought back the memories of why I love riding so much. (23 years). The problem is, I may have over valued my current bike (or hoped I had a secret bank account somewhere??) And can't really afford one right now. Is it worth holding out for the 848 or should I be totally impatient and get a 749 (affordable) so I can have a Ducati sooner? Is the performance hugely different? I really have my heart set on the 848 so I would be disappointed if I didn't gel with the 749. (I think I know the answer but would like to hear your thoughts). If the opinion is to hold out, send me a pm if you're in need of a kidney, or if maybe you want to buy a cat, or possibly if you're interested in the services of my wife?? On a serious end note - any information will be gratefully received, thank you.
848's are going as low as 5k right now, with 749s going for as little as 3k. If you can hold out a little longer I'd recommend the 848 purely because the 749 could be a huge money pit that never works.
I have just come from a 749 to the 848. Have to say one of the main reasons was that I found the 749 really uncomfortable.....
Thanks guys. The cheapest I've seen an 848 for is over £6k. Now £5k I can manage! Maybe just need to keep my eyes peeled. The one I've seen is immaculate from a Ducati dealer with 9k miles on the clock and 12 month warranty, which I really want. I know I could get cheaper from a private sale, but to be honest I've been bitten before so would rather stay away. Ozz - is the 848 more refined and better performance? Comfort would be a key thing for me, so glad you mentioned the difference. As I said to begin with, I don't remember ever feeling so much love for a bike, even after owning them for a year+. It sounds cliched but I genuinely felt at one with the bike, like I was a part of it. To me that's what riding is all about. And to make matters even better, the 848 looks stunning, sounds amazing and pulls like a rocket. And for the limited time I was on it, I get the feeling I'll never be bored by it, unlike the jap bikes!
I picked my 09 plate 848 up 18 months ago.6000 miles all serviced to date for £5750. Keep an eye out mate they are out there. Oh and when you get one have a word with hutch on the forum. He makes the standard cans sound evil.......in a good way!
Cheers bud Welcome to the forum wayne, case of ripping out all the standard innards & popping some 3" perf tube in there... You can keep the cats inside if you dont fancy the extra tuning work... They DO sound pretty special.. PM me if you want more info mate
Ah, okay. Being totally honest, the standard cans sound superb, especially as I'm not used to them...give it a few months though ;o) (thanks Hutch)
Deffo wait for a 848, the 749 is a nice bike but a cheap one will be a crapper. Also, the 848 is a lot lighter, something like 20kg and if your looking forward refinement, aside from arguably a less comfortable seat position, engine wise it really is from what everyone on here says. I've gone from 748 (through a few other bikes) to a 848 evo and I know exactly what u mean about clicking with it immediately! I did, I have the odd day where I struggle with it but 99% of the time I wouldn't be on anything else
Yep 848 seemed much better. I did love the 749's looks as it was the gloss black S model but it never really felt comfortable or that it had enough umph in it..... 848 is 134 or 140 BHP I think isn't it? Not sure what the 749 was, probably 120?
You going to sell him it for 5k the. Jerry? 848, there are plenty out there, nothing wrong with making a cheeky offer, many over value and don't sell (and wonder why!)
Nice looking bike Jerry, but I'm definitely edging toward the 848. Try and sell it to me....a picture paints a thousand words, but I'm not sure what I'm looking at?;o)
Is it too late to add a 999 into the mix? Seen a couple of low mileage ones available for bargain prices!
You also have to see which model 749 it is. Think it changed 2004 when swing arm colour changed and frame I think. Also got a different motor. I assume same for 999....
