Ok... wots the difference? 916 996 998?

**Earkle** · 26 Jun 08, 09:10 PM

This may sound like a silly question, but even though i've always like Duke's... i can't tell you anything about them!!

So... other than the actual numbers!... wot is the difference?

Also wots so special about a 'bip' is it? and the "r's".. you get the picture...

I'm deciding on my next saving goal you see, so this will help me make my decision,

I don't want a 999(mates got one of them...) or the 1098(other mate has this too!)

Also this was the first bike poster i ever had on my wall(the 916 that is) so i was after some advice on which on eot go for... and no i cant ever afford some all singing all dancing race rep special edition thingie!! so even if there is a Best one i won't be able to afford it so scratch that one...

Answers on a post card please lol

thanks

**David.Hicks** · 26 Jun 08, 09:24 PM

916 - cheapest, more likely to go wrong than the others
996 - my favourite
998 - most expensive, different (smoother Testastretta) engine than the others, least likely to go wrong

Try to ride one of each - especially important to sample the different engine in the 998 - you may prefer it to the 916/996 (if you are a bit effeminate)

bip = biposto (two seat)
r = racing homologation version of later models ('sps' is racing homologation version of earlier models)

**Earkle** · 26 Jun 08, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David.Hicks

916 - cheapest, more likely to go wrong than the others
996 - my favourite
998 - most expensive, different (smoother Testastretta) engine than the others, least likely to go wrong

Oh right!!!

doesnt the 998 share the same engine as the early 999's also, why is the 996 your faveourite?

thanks dude.

**David.Hicks** · 26 Jun 08, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earkle

Oh right!!!

doesnt the 998 share the same engine as the early 999's also, why is the 996 your faveourite?

thanks dude.

Yep - 998 and 999 have same engine. Smoother and less brutal than the 996 - which is the main reason I like the 996 most.

Others ...

I prefer the looks of the 996 to both the 998 (I like the vents) and the 916 (I prefer the 5-spoke wheels as well). I also like the extra reliability of the 996 over the 916.

**NickZT** · 26 Jun 08, 09:46 PM

Go for the 998.. Yeah it does share the same testastretta engine as the 999.

Very fast bike. And reliable. And last of the classic 916 line

In 2002 Steve Hislop's pole position on his 998 testastretta at Donigton super bike race was faster than Valentino Rossi's pole on same circuit on his Honda RC211V 990 MotoGP bike earlier in year.

**Earkle** · 26 Jun 08, 09:52 PM

YOu see!! i feel so inferiour!!

I should no this stuff!!! just looked at the price difference between them....

nuff said...

well i've already started saving...found 1p on the floor

ANother question... wot is a 955SP?? just seen one?

**998gsb** · 26 Jun 08, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David.Hicks

916 - cheapest, more likely to go wrong than the others
996 - my favourite
998 - most expensive, different (smoother Testastretta) engine than the others, least likely to go wrong

Try to ride one of each - especially important to sample the different engine in the 998 - you may prefer it to the 916/996 (if you are a bit effeminate)

bip = biposto (two seat)
r = racing homologation version of later models ('sps' is racing homologation version of earlier models)

There is also a 916 SP Variant as well - Sport Production.... then came the SPS - Sport Production Speziale. SPS were the R's of their day....balanced cranks, high lift cams, lighter flywheels etc....high state of tune but can be temperamental....

As David said try and ride all three models...its the only way you will form definitive opinion of your own.....

Just be aware that if get a 996 - you develop a strange fascination with Austrians and the Colour Orange......

...just like David has.....

**NickZT** · 26 Jun 08, 10:06 PM

Dig a little deeper down the back of the sofa because here's the best of all. A 998 factory Ben Bostrom replica from 2002.

**998gsb** · 26 Jun 08, 10:09 PM

Sorry dont agree! the bostrum reminds me of an accident in the paint shop!

**Desmo Dave** · 26 Jun 08, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 998gsb

Sorry dont agree! the bostrum reminds me of an accident in the paint shop!

Absolutely!

**zimbo** · 26 Jun 08, 10:50 PM

Each to their own I suppose. The Bostrum rep is drop dead gorgeous in the flesh, I'd love one!!!!!

**NickZT** · 26 Jun 08, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zimbo

Each to their own I suppose. The Bostrum rep is drop dead gorgeous in the flesh, I'd love one!!!!!

Pro Twins got a Bostrum rep in their showroom at the moment.. The photo doesn't do it justis.. Simply stunning.

**matt#corse** · 26 Jun 08, 10:59 PM

Hi.

As others have said try and test ride a few.Ive owned bot 996BP and 916SPS(996 c.c).

I would definately go for the SPS,R models if you can find the extra cash.The engines are in another league imho on the SPS,R models.Mine has covered 22,000 miles and has been fine apart from the usual rectifyer wiring fix.

If there is a problem then SPS,R model will be VERY expensive to fix if its the engine department as they use some very nice parts indeedy.Sand cast crankcases for extra strength that cost a fortune to make and pankl titanium con rods (£900 each)

.You also get 50mm full system with these bikes and P8 computer.

The 998 model is very nice but a bit pricey compared to 996 and you could probably get hold of a SPS for the same price.

Best bit for me is the SPS's rev to 11,000 rpm,my mates R1 redlines just after 12 not bad for a v twin then.

Have to agree bostrom replica is stunning in the flesh.Id have one or the bayliss rep.Loverly.