That is some bit of kit. Although I don’t think it can go on the road and if it could I’d imagine it would be a handful.
1098 or 1198 , the 1198 are amazing machines but seem a bit problematic generally , the 1098s would be a big power upgrade and aren’t dear if you shop around
Maybe need to give the second bike some more thought. Seems I can pick up quite a bit of bike for the difference in cash. Still think the 996 is plenty for the road.
In an attempt to keep costs down, I would recommend a second hand RSV4. Excellent bits of race tech including Ohlins suspension and not as hard on the wallet as a DUC. Keep your 996, it is a sought after bike that will only appreciate in cost over the years if in good condition.
This RSV4 on eBay looks a decent bike. Ideally I’d like some electronics just to help protect the investment. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284002311208 Downside is thank dink in the frame. I’ve booked to view the 1199 tomorrow and the 1299 Thursday. Link further up in the posts. Ideally I would prefer one bike that I can convert to track and back to road.
You don't want a Pani then as they are a real royal pain in the backside to convert from one use top the other, either. run it on an MOT with advisories so like the 1299 you referenced earlier or as one thing or the other, coming from 996/999 track bikes where it's max 45 minutes you can be one or the other, the Pani is ridiculous, its 8 bolts just to get a single middle section side panel off !!!! And all that is before you start snapping lugs and sliders ..... I fill with fear every time I have to take a panel off, and lets not talk about the bottom 2 bolts on the screen !!!!
My concern is just the cost of having an off. Appreciate it can’t be completely avoided and maybe I just need to come to terms with the fact that’s its an possibility and to deal with the outcome if it happens.
My plan for the 1299 would be to keep the grey fairings on and just replace the headlight, tailight and mirrors with blanks and go from there. That way if something happens on track the bike could be converted back to road use with the original unharmed plastics.
Haha, the Cat D 1199 may be a shout if the price is right as that should have already lost a chunk of value because of the HPI status. For essentially what little riding I do I just couldn’t make it work. I think most is this is in my head. Motorcycling is my hobby and passion so I’d love to just spend all my money and more on it but need to add a hair of logic to the mix.
I also think an RSV4 or S1000rr are both good shouts but I just like Ducatis. They may be better or they maybe worse but that’s what makes me open the garage and smile.
If you are serious about a RSV4, buy as new as possible. Ideally a 2017+. Pre-2017 bikes are a little down on power compared to the same year BMW and Jap contingent plus you have the ongoing worry of valve springs. The 2017 revisions were fairly significant changes to the engine and electronics.
