Need advice on a potential purchase....

Thats a great bike . First 999 I ever bought was a 2003 999S . The newer 999 base engine didnt get everything in the early 999s engine . You made a good choice . The early 999s engine is stronger than the later 999 base engine but only by a couple of bhp .

 

Can't say I've noticed it. But then 2 bhp could easily vary from one bike to the next.

 

The Ti conrods in the S and the better balanced crankshaft make the difference tho.