Same as my 996 other than the low fuel light not working the first time I rode it and I ran out of petrol. Other than that it's been perfect even with a few track days thrown at it.
I've to say i do like the original factory Brembo wheels but the magnesium ones are much nicer & lighter, as for the 749 / 999 range.....i wouldn't say no if i'd the room & money.
On top of what everyone else has said, be aware that if a US 998S comes available for sale it does not have the deep sump more powerful engine of the EU spec 998S and that includes the Bayliss and Bostrom reps. The deep sump engine couldn't pass US (read California) emissions regulations. To compensate for this the Bayliss and Bostrom reps that went to the US were given carbon fibre fairings (a la 998R). The 998S is a rare beast indeed - Bayliss, Bostrom, FE and Matrix editions aside - only 405 were produced, this is why you may see one of the editions available for sale more frequently than the 'standard' bike.
996R 136HP sandcast deepsump: ti rods. 998 123hp die cast, no deepsump: steel rods 998S/Bostrom/bayliss 136hp „sandcast“ deep sump exactly the same engine as the 996R, ti rods 998S FE die cast and steel rods 998R different era: 104 bore, 139HP etc USA versions are 123Hp and yes full carbon fairing, but don’t really care about the USA thingy
afaik yes. The 998S engine is identical to the 996R homologated engine which is slightly different to the regular 998 engine, but both engines are testastretta ie narrow head.
I had them both, Bayliss and bostrom. Both sandcast, deep sump, and ti rods, same engine as the 996R and the 998s (not the same as the FE 998s, that one has the deep sump, die cast 999 version.
To all that have educated me on the mechanical differnces of the 998 models I thank you very much Next quenstion then ........ If you had the option what would you do? buy an immaculate 998 Testetretta with low mileage and upgraded susspension and probably loads of history from a local guy or wait for a decent 998s to become available? I want one for the looks and the sound and because i've never owned one and it is to fulfil a childhood dream. I don't think i'm buying one as an investment as i would use it occasionly and/or when the mood takes.