Ducati 748 vs 916 vs 996 vs 998? Not for me!

Ok, Mum's husband (into Landies and Mustangs) is thinking about getting an older Ducati.

He wants something collectable and to use half a dozen times a year when it's sunny. He has ridden bikes before, having club raced EXUP Yamaha 1000s when they first came out and some old GSXR750s (probably sling**** era). However he probably won't be caning it on the road.

So which of the models/variants is the best compromise between appreciating asset and useable road machine?

[TheRamJam]

Has to be the 916 SP IMO

This is one LOVERLY bike, if I hadnt just bought the Triumph ohhhhhh


http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/s...ad.php?t=43760

[TheRamJam]

[IMG][/IMG]

[NTECUK]

You can't ride a 916 or a 748 without full commitment.

I think at the moment the 999 is a bargain

I know its stereotyping but reliability is suspect I have seen it first hand.

My mate has a number of Ducati's 851, 888, 916SPS, and 996 (think thats an SPS or R too)

The 888 lasted a whole trackday, the 916 kept over heating and lasted 5 sessions, the 996 lasted 4 sessions before sounding very grumbly and needed some engine bits. He is a quick rider but has now bought a K1 GSXR 600 for the track and its always been reliable.

I blagged a go of his 888 and it was strange.........

Another mate bought a 748 about a year ago and the handlebar snapped clean off also suffered some electrical woes. He is taking that to Spain so going to blag a go then.

If you want one get one but go into it with our eyes wide open

As this is for collecting and local jaunts I think my mum's husband will be ok with the Ducatil character/idiosyncracies/design short comings!

I agree that the 999 is great value, but given his age I think the 748/916/996/998 range rings more sentimental bells. He's over 6' too...

[Biker Biggles]

BB junior has a 748S.Its got the lighter mag wheels but standard tune engine.The 750 engine is a peach in standard tune and fairly reliable.The rest of the bike has been good too,but it does have to be regularly optimated because of the alarm.Do you want me to ask if he wants to sell it?

Cheers BB, I'll mention it to him, where is Junior based?

[Biker Biggles]

Originally Posted by Tim in Belgium

Cheers BB, I'll mention it to him, where is Junior based?

North London.
From Memory------2003 registered.Two owners.28000ish miles.He has owned it about four years and I know he has been looking at a couple of Fazer 1000s recently so he might be up for a change.