In with the new out with the old (Praise the 999) - Page 2

**theoldbuzzard** · 25 Nov 06, 05:48 AM

I rest Rod's case

God your a know it all Rod :wink: Just what the hell are you doing up at this time of night? At least I've got the excuse of being on a night shift

**khushy** · 25 Nov 06, 07:59 AM

Personally, I didnt think that the 999 was a stunning bike - which was the only reason I bought my 748SPS by the way, ut after my 748 lost a big end I needed another Ducati (NEEDED) and opted for the 999.

After having customised it - I think its a stunner!

However - I have to say that the 1098 (in black) look stunning straight away - although I guess (and hope) there will be room for improvement!!!

Khushy

**desmodeejay** · 25 Nov 06, 07:59 PM

Hi guys,

Just read all the above comments and I'd like to offer a little info. Firstly, whatever they claim, I can tell you that MCN absolutely have not ridden the 1098 yet. Last week's test was lifted from the Italian publication Motociclismo.

I think "khushy" has got it right. The 999 was actually a great bike but maybe a couple of evolutions ahead of itself. The 1098 is a complete redesign that has been done to address some specific things for racing as well as styling. It's also by a completely different designer.

The 999 still stands as an outstanding machine. It doesn't matter whether you find it attractive or not, it performs brilliantly as one of the most ergonomic sports bikes ever. But models have a specific life-span in a competitive market and the 999 had reached the end of its development.

**Mr.R** · 25 Nov 06, 09:26 PM

Hi, All i can say is they all look wonderful, unfortunally i can't afford any of these new models, so i'll just have to struggle on with my 250 desmo,900ss bevel and 851/916sp special.....Poor old me.....ah!!!!.
Steve

**cooleronthecoast** · 25 Nov 06, 10:02 PM

250 desmo was a bike I used to lust after when I had my RD200 Yammy all those years ago.

**nogaromill999** · 25 Nov 06, 10:47 PM

To be honest, I bought my Aprilia Factory because I hated the way the 999 looked when it first appeared, the slots in the nose cone looked odd, and the original swingarm looked like something from a Dinky toy, all cheap and nasty, and the exposed frame rails around the seat looked like a parts bin special. However, by the time they did the 05 mods, did away with the upper vents in the nose cone, widened the fairing a tad, and changed the swingarm, I'd have bought it, and I have grown to like it a lot.......but they ALWAYS needed something to blow the Jap Crap into the weeds, and the 1098 gives them that, along with the more graceful design heritage that was started with the 916.......the 999 did a job, but also brought Ducati to its knees, it was a sales DISASTER, however you look at it, and even the Multi Strada outsold it from the moment it was introduced........and not even its heritage, level of refinement, and rider friendliness were enough to prevent that from happening.

**RodH** · 26 Nov 06, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desmodeejay

Just read all the above comments and I'd like to offer a little info. Firstly, whatever they claim, I can tell you that MCN absolutely have not ridden the 1098 yet. Last week's test was lifted from the Italian publication Motociclismo.

I'm not a big fan of MCN, but in their defence they never actually claimed to have ridden the 1098. The article was written by Federico Alivieri of Motociclismo and he was clealy credited with the piece by MCN. Trevor Franklin only made comments on the bike.

**desmodeejay** · 26 Nov 06, 07:04 AM

RodH,

You're absolutely right.

**c 999r** · 26 Nov 06, 11:15 PM

apart from the performance improvment i dont think there is nothing new or unique about the 1098 i think ducati have played safe i prefere my 999r and im gonna keep it

**theoldbuzzard** · 27 Nov 06, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desmodeejay

RodH,

You're absolutely right.

Oh dear

Now you've started something

**Frenchy** · 27 Nov 06, 11:59 AM

I'm keeping my 999s, its the dogs nuts, I love the way it looks, we all have our opinions, it's all subjective...you can't please all the people blah blah...I would buy an F4 1000 I think before a 1098, only because it is different and a bike I have dreamed of owning

**redperil** · 27 Nov 06, 12:46 PM

I must admit to being a bit of a newbie to Ducati ( been with Triumph for 7 years before ) and my 1st Duc was a 2004 999 Biposta. I loved the look as I thought the 916, 996 etc looked a bit long in the tooth. I like the look of the new 1098 but am happy to keep my 999 for a couple of years until the new one is sorted. I suppose it's ok if your loaded with lolly to replace as soon as there's a new bike out but I'm glad it dropped the price so I could afford an R even if it's been replaced. Roll on spring.

**Pax** · 27 Nov 06, 02:08 PM

Notsospeedy wrote

Quote:

as I thought the 916, 996 etc looked a bit long in the tooth.

Gasp!

that is not the way to win friends. 'A prime example of style and substance, albeit from another age' would have been a much better description. I'm 'long in the tooth' the 916 is still fabulous.

**theoldbuzzard** · 27 Nov 06, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s6pax

'A prime example of style and substance, albeit from another age'

You know me so well s6pax 8)

**redperil** · 20 Dec 06, 12:46 PM

Oh dear! I've just read the Bike article on the new 1098 and appently the 999 was just a hiccup in the Ducati lineage. So I've blown my money on a 999R
which has all the get up & go + handling of a Hardly Ableson. Well I don't give a Sh one T I still love it. Yes the 1098 looks lovely and i'm sure it's more up to the job but just like everything these days new things are fleeting and another's just around the corner. Just wish that they didn't **** off the old.
Hell! I'm old.