Need advice on which bike to buy

[Goingsmoto]

Short Story: Tomorrow i am going to look at a 1996 900ss cr (3250$) and a 2003 749s (4950). The problem with my situation is the pricing. after thumbing through ebay at fork prices, im going to be spending around 700$ on forks and shocks for the 900 and probably another 500$ on cosmetics. so that puts me at 4600$ only 400$ away from the 749. i will be buying this for a all around bike and to go to race school on. which one would be a better fit

Long Story: I have been building bikes since i was 14 and riding since a toddler. i will be going to KU next year for Industrial design. the reason i want to go to race school is to get a full understanding of how these machines work (suspension, rider positioning, aerodynamics, ect..) to put that into design. so my question is which bike would be better for the money. i know that the 749 would run like a raped ape compared to the 900 and would require alot more maintenance and it isn't very comfortable so i hear, but could i really make the 900 into a track ready bike (suspension and brakes) for the same money as the 749? 749 (4950$) and 900 (3250$) the reason why i am choosing a Ducati is that 1. it is the best bike with a steel frame (and in the world) which i can learn from and build my own. 2. i love V/L motors and won't have it any other way. I think that the 749 might be to much bike for me but then for the money it seems like a great bike. the 900 isn't as good looking the technology is a littler older, but i wouldn't be as bothered changing the 900.

[Goingsmoto]

Nevermind about the 749 it sold today.

[Joe-B]

Goings, a 900 SS makes a great track bike but do not buy a CR if you can find a decent SP.
http://www.ducatitech.com/2v/sp_cr_faq.html
You'd be surprised how well one can get around a track; I can keep up with liter Jap bikes and Ducati Superbikes everywhere on the track in my group, except longer straights. Given, mine has been modified quite a bit (Superbike forks, Penske shock, HC pistons, flatslide carbs, mag wheels, lots of stuff removed/lightweight stuff, etc. etc.) and weighs 322 lbs without gas. A couple of things I disagree with are, that a 749 would be too much bike. Mine will outpull a 748/749 up to 7,000 rpms (when the 4 valve motor begins to make steam), and I don't think the 749 would require much more maintenance. Also the 749 would be plenty comfortable at the track. Good luck and keep looking!
Joe

[bruce19]

Originally Posted by Joe-B

Goings, a 900 SS makes a great track bike but do not buy a CR if you can find a decent SP.

+1

[JLGT1K]

An air cooled Ducati is an awesome motor. Easy, simple, quick, bulletproof. A 749 is a great bike, as well. But, they are water cooled, 4 valve, and more to repair cost wise. Probably quicker around a track, though, than a SS.

[markg]

My advice is not to "settle" for something you don't want. And get an SP if you get a carb'd SS. Many benefits beyond suspension, like braking to start with. Look for a clean '95 or later SS/SP.

In general paying more to get a well cared for bike with service records is money well spent IMHO. Don't fall into the "this one or that one" trap. Find the right one, when you do you will know it.

[Goingsmoto]

Thank you guys, i'm going to do what you guys recommend and just sit back and wait for one. But it is hard you guys like to hold onto these bikes and i can't find a 749 anywhere right now at the same price as the one that sold.

[Joe-B]

Classic Tamburini Superbike design, and less expensive too.

[Goingsmoto]

thank you ill start doing some research.

[Matt_P]

I think you'll get a much better bike for the amount of money you're willing to spend if you buy a Japanese bike.