916 vs 749

[deluxe68]

Pretty dumb noob type question here. A local duck dealer has a bone stock (except for termi's) 1995 916 on consignment for $7K. I used to have a 2006 749D and really liked the way that bike fit me and the way it handled. I sold it to get a more comfortable bike to commute on with an eye out for another superbike for Sunday rides. The HP is about the same on both bikes but I assume the 916 has more torque and will feel faster on the low end.

The ergonomics of the bars can be changed on the 916 but how does the handling and ride experience differ?

[Shazaam]

The 749S develops almost identical peak horsepower and torque values, but at about 750rpm higher than a 916. The 749 series has the more usable close ratio transmission, the 916 (and 996) have the earlier standard ratio gearbox. The 916, even with riser bars, simply isn't as comfy.

$7,000 for a stock 916, well, let's just say is unreasonable.

[deluxe68]

Originally Posted by Shazaam

The 749S develops almost identical peak horsepower and torque values, but at about 750rpm higher than a 916. The 749 series has the more usable close ratio transmission, the 916 (and 996) have the earlier standard ratio gearbox. The 916, even with riser bars, simply isn't as comfy.

$7,000 for a stock 916, well, let's just say is unreasonable.

There is probably some wiggle room in the price. Is the 916 as stable as the 749/999 series? I liked the fact that my 749 never surprised me, in a bad way anyhow.

[s74cker]

Consignment usually has less wiggle room. Try to find the owner of the bike. There is wiggle room there.

[nickmick]

i have a 749 biposto for sale for $5k.

[Thack]

Unless you absolutely have to have a 916, don't pay $7,000. You can have a 749 or a 999 for that price.

[wyoduc916]

i own a 97 916. would say the 749 has to have superior suspension and brakes.

[rockk]

Originally Posted by Thack

Unless you absolutely have to have a 916, don't pay $7,000. You can have a 749 or a 999 for that price.

the question is, would u want to? it s a matter of taste, but i wouldnt have bought a ducati if my choices were a 999 or other brands. the 999 just doesent work for me, it s a great bike, but that french designer is no tamburini... for me it s win by design, the looks matter hugely, i like owning a sexy bike that still after 2 decades turns heads wherever it s parked, makes me proud of beeing the lucky owner of one, more then performance by far, since i m an average guy who enjoys to ride, not a race junkie, not that the performance difference would be that great between the 2. if i would ve wanted performance and reliability i d go with an r1.

i read this topic, but the biggest difference between the 916 and the next 999 was and is the looks. some ppl, like myself, would give up few hp just so when i wake up in the morning and look at it, my heart smiles. ( for 1500 more usd i could ve bought a 999, but didnt , and i dont regret it a bit).

again, it s a matter of taste, use (for track use ofc go with performance solely no brainer) but 7k USD (that s like 4800 eurp) for a 916 +termi system (wich is another around 2500 usd ) is not that much

u cant get bone stock 916 lower then 3000-3500 usd + termi system , lowest i saw from shops (online shops/ebay) 2500 is around 6000-6500 anyways. ( and, there are lots of countries where u wont find 916 at all nowadays, so it makes it rarer also, while 749 and 999 are at least a few everywhere).

749 in italy with termi exhaust starts at 3500 euro (moto.it i believe)

again, 7000 usd with termi system , if u have a maintainanace hystory and the bike is in top shape, no engine issues/electrical issues, i say it s a fair price. especially you beeing able to sell it for the same price later if so you chose.

my 2 cents.

[Thack]

Some of the 916/748/996 parts are discontinued. That's something to think about. I have a 748 and love it. If I get another bike it will be a 749 or 999 if not an 848.

[ProphetPVD]

Originally Posted by rockk

...i read this topic, but the biggest difference between the 916 and the next 999 was and is the looks. some ppl, like myself, would give up few hp just so when i wake up in the morning and look at it, my heart smiles.

+1

Simply put, the 916 is a motorcycling icon, the 999 series is not, so ultimately it depends on what you want out of your bike. No doubt in bone stock configuration the 749 would be more rewarding on the track. However, it looks like shit compared to Tamburini's classic 916.

Personally, my feelings on the entire 999 line is that if I had a dog with a face like that I would shave it's ass and teach it to walk backwards.