749/999 vs Everything Else: Riding Position/Comfort

[positivecarry]

So, I test rode a 749 with every intention of buying it and selling my Monster. But, as most online reviews and friends of mine said, the riding position was too aggressive for the type of riding I do.

When I go out, I do as many twisties and sweepers as I can, but living in NYC means that I am forced to a lot of stop & go traffic at the beginning and end of each day, in addition to the countless miles of slab I have to endure to get to fun roads.

So, as much as the 749 felt heavenly in the corners, in traffic and on the superslab it felt terrible (weight on the wrists, in terms of visibility, etc).

My question: does the 749/999 have an *exceptionally* committed riding position compared to its competitors?

I'm currently riding an '05 Monster 620 and want something that looks and feels sportier, but not something that will have me regretting it given my riding circumstances. Notably, I've spent a fair amount of time (via California Superbike School) on a BMW S1000rr and thought that bike's riding position was fine (just can't swing the cost nor do I want *that* much power right now).

[Bill_Anderson]

Try an ST if you want something sportier than a Monster but with a riding position more comfortable than a Superbike.

[Spitfire]

I have a 1995 900 Supersport SS/SP that is heavenly. (The red one in the picture)
It's comfy, and easy to ride.
It has a ton of torque and is just as easy to ride as the Monster 620 I used to have. I friggin love it.

You might consider these older carbed SSs, they are relatively cheap, look wonderful (to some, not all of course). They are older bikes though, so you won't get much of that 'new bike' feeling. No injection, no special electronics....some look a little ratty.

Cept for mine. Mine's perfect.

[Crarrs]

I've got an S2R and an RC51. I have to ride 2-3 hours of straight lines from where I live before I get to the first set of twisties. After I get off the RC, it makes the Monster feel like I'm riding a couch. It takes some adjustment after riding a Monster for so long, but you need to focus on a fundamental that everybody says you need to be doing on every bike you ride.

You need to use your mid-section as much as possible to support your weight. It makes a huge difference to your long term comfort. I makes it a whole lot easier to turn the bike as well, because you'll have more of a bend in your elbows and your wrists will be flatter, giving you more advantageous leverage. You need that leverage because of the change from the wide bars of the Monster to the low, narrow clip-ons of the superbike.

Take another test ride if you can, and focus on these riding tips. If it's still too committed after that, then think about a more in-between sportbike.

[ZDM]

If you love the 999/749 that much and considering there are so many great deals on them, I would hate to see you give up so quickly. There are a few things to think about first:
Remember, if it's your first time on a "superbike", especially Ducati, it might take some time to get your muscles used to the new position. I know when I bought my 999. I went from a CBRXX to a ZRX, to a 999. I thought that I made the biggest mistake $$$$ of my life. I was so uncomfortable that it was actually dangerous. I kept figiting around, not paying attention. It took about a week or two of short to medium length rides to get used to the low clips ons. But after that it felt much better. I eventually bought a set of FBF clip ons and a DP comfort seat. The FBF clip ons felt like I installed a set of dirtbike bars on my 999, they were so much better. That's just my 2 cents about it..

[jtm8bd]

I'm surprised you thought the 749/999 was uncomfortable, but I guess every bike fits everyone differently. Of all of the various sport bikes I have owned/currently own, I find my 749 S the most comfortable. I didn't start out on the 749 S though, so coming from bikes with a more aggressive riding position may have made the 749 seem tame. I'm 5'11", 175lbs, and could ride the 749 for hours (I have ridden 620 miles on it non-stop), but the with all of the adjustments you can make on the S, I was able to set it up for me. I suggest trying it again, sometimes second impressions are very different; you certainly won't like any of the other Ducati Superbikes if you didn't like the XX9 series.

[positivecarry]

Maybe, you're all right. I should see if this girl is open to a second date.

[Bella749]

the xx9's are more comfortable compared to the 916-series bikes. I can ride mine all day, given twisty roads with minimal straights. Urban/straight/slab riding kills me after a short time.

[Able Duc]

I have an ST4s and have just purchased a 749 mono. I flew down to Melb. Victoria purchased it and rode it back aprox 1400km with a small back pack on.
I knew what to expect from the 749 but it was a shock after my ST4 which is my daily ride. After about 3 or 400km I started to settle into it and really enjoyed the ride, even though it was HWY almost all the way. ( in a hurry)

I got it home and quickly prepped it and fitted a ventura rack and pack for a return journey to Victoria for the Phillip Island MotoGP. 3 days of glorious twisties to the Island 3 days relaxing at the Island then different twisties for the return trip.

So in 3 weeks of ownership I did about 4800km and absolutely love it. Don't listen to anyone who tells you you need the 999 instead of the 749. It goes hard revs hard and can keep up with the big boys at a budget price.

The XX9's are a good thing and a very cheap superbike for what they are. Mine will be my daily ride, tourer and twisties machine to replace the 2001 ST4s.

[desmo2]

I'll turn 42 this week. I still love the 999, especially for track duty, and as long as I am still doing track days I will keep the 999. However, for street riding I am finding the 999 to be more and more difficult. First, it isn't very comfortable unless I am flying through the twisties like a madman...not a good idea on public roads. Second, the 999 comes with a 'little devil' accessory that sits on my shoulder while I am riding it and constantly whispers in my ear, "Faster. Come on, just a little faster. It'll be okay. Come on, pussy, FASTER!" That little devil is a bitch to resist.

So, while I have no intention of getting rid of the 999, I do really want a Multistrada to add to the stable. Then I can commit the 999 to track duty, and still have a bike to ride on the street that is all-day comfortable for me and the wife, has plenty of sporty stomp, and can do some touring.