Gentlemen,

I've had my MV F4s for a while now (evo 2 motor), but I've been considering letting it go for a Ducati 999s. My reasoning is that I want one bike that is as suitable for the street as it is for the track. The MV is great - but not over long distances (100+ miles), and from what I've been reading, I'm concerned about brake fade and the softer suspension of the MV for track purposes. Am I wrong in thinking that a V-twin may be better for the track due to the different (more linear) power it provides? I'll state right away, that while the Ducati isn't as beautiful or unique as the MV, I'm looking at this from a purely practical standpoint. I would be interested in your opinion on this.

-- Steven (yahshua60@hotmail.com), February 05, 2003

Answers

I had a similar problem a few weeks ago. The MV is just too hard to use for the one or twice a week ride to work. I breifly cosidered the 999 (and try to force myself to like it). I also considered a Buell but ended up with an R1.

In regards to the 999 from a purely practical standpoint, it's too expensive, especially considering it's a few hundred less than an MV. The 999 has move toward the more practical end of the sport bike spectrum, while keeping it's "exotic" prices.

Speaking from a practical standpoint, an Aprilla RSV, RC51, or any other Japanese sport bike would be a better complement to the MV. In terms having an Italian sportbike collection, the 999 and MV would PROBABLY make a good pair.

-- Allan Gibbs (Phoenix, Arizona) (Agibbs996@aol.com), February 05, 2003.

Hi Andy,

I've actually gone through all of the reasoning you presented. The RC-51 was going to be my choice, but I reconsidered because I don't like the side mounted radiators -- especially when it gets hot outside. There were plenty of suggestions about the mods that you could make, but why pour an extra 5k into a 10k bike??. Aprillia has been a consideration for me, but I'm just not sure about it...maybe it's the size...it's a beast of a bike; I'm going to do some further research on that though..I've heard some good things about it. Let me ask you this -- if price were NOT an object, which bike (of the three) would you purchase? Also, just for clarification, keep in mind that I'm talking about the 999 "s" model - (which is even more money).

-- Steven (yahshua60@hotmail.com), February 05, 2003.

BETTER YET -- would you wait for the proposed Honda V-5 Casoli Replica?? Hmmmm...now that would be interesting, but nothing more than another UJM (Universal Japanese Machine). Then again, if you're kicking butt out on the track, who cares :)

-- Steven (yahshua60@hotmail.com), February 05, 2003.

If price were not an object, then I would go with the 999. I'm not really too found of the RC51 ("man w/o a nose) or the RSV (too wide). I mentioned them because I had the impression you were looking for a twin.

In regards to the 999, however, I really do think price is an object. Yes, the 999 has more power, lighter & quicker handling, and is more comfortable. However, there are many other bike that meet or exceed the 999 in these categories. What the 916-996s once had was limit production, sexy designs that resulted in higher resale values. They were more exotic.

The problem with the 999 is that it offers all the things the less expensive Japanese bikes offer. However, it does not offer the limited numbers or stunning designs of the MV but carries an MV price. I imagine a 999S is a bit higher on the scale BUT you were talking about practicality, right? :)

For practical motorcycles, there are lots of choices from RC51s to Monsters to GSXRs to ST4s. For "heart throb" bikes, there aren't too many of those around.

As for the Honda V-5 Casoli Replica, I'm not too familiar about that bike, so I don't think I should really comment on it. My head's occassionally stuck in the sand. (Eg: No one told me Honda stopped making the 929!) :)

-- Allan Gibbs (Phoenix, Arizona) (agibbs996@aol.com), February 05, 2003.

I've never heard anyone say they don't like side mounted radiators "especially when it gets hot outside". You're going to be hot either way.

-- Andy Ruhl (quadreverb@yahoo.com), February 05, 2003.

Andy's got a point. Even with the 999's underseat exhaust, it will get pretty hot! I "heard" the side mounted exhausts may need to be replace if the bike slides on it's side.

While on the subject of radiators, here's another bike that you may want to consider. It's not practical, it's not proven, and it's radiators maybe it's sales gimick but it's kinda cool:

http://www.munroemotors.com/new_bnl1.html

BTW, are we still on the subject of practical bikes? :)

-- Allan Gibbs (Phoenix, Arizona) (Agibbs996@aol.com), February 05, 2003.

Ah..the Tornado..now there's an interesting bike, but 36.5K???? Too rich for my blood. Holy toledo; I've read reviews on that bike...no wonder they never mention the price!!! Anyway, everyone's points are well taken. Believe me, I'm not in favor of paying more for a bike than I have to, the idea was to get an ideal track bike that was just as ideal on the street. The 999 may not be the answer, but I know the MV isn't either. If the MV was as easy to ride on the street as I'm sure it is on the track - no problem. The new GSXR 1000 is something I've also considered, however I think getting all of that power down to the track would be a real issue with me. A better rider might do just fine, but something tells me that I wouldn't fair so well on such a bike.

Anyway, I'll keep you guys posted (if you're interested) on what I finally decide on, along with a riding report.

-- Steven (yahshua60@hotmail.com), February 06, 2003.

The Tornado Oro versions is around $36K but I think the regular version will be around $16K or $17K.

As for other practical track/street options, I think any of the 1000/750/600 Japanese bikes will do very well. Good luck.

-- Allan Gibbs (Agibbs996@aol.com), February 06, 2003.

If practicality and comfort is a major concern, then put your money on a Gixxer (dare I say 1000). Ducati and MV motorcycles are not about comfort, they represent the pure and uncompromised essence of a race-replica. It never made sense to me that people chose to purchase their house near a racetrack then raise hell about the noise level. There have never been so many choices. Can you really go wrong?!

Cheers!!!

-- D. Allen Nguyen (archille@hotmail.com), February 06, 2003.

BTW, Casoli just announced his retirement from motorcycle racing (Ducati/Yamaha). I doubt that Honda will honor him with a V-5 replica.

Cheers!!!

-- D. Allen Nguyen (archille@hotmail.com), February 06, 2003.

Hello again!

Well, my decision has been made -- thanks to all for the feedback. I've decided against the 999. I've purchased a BMW K1200RS for the wife and I to ride on, and I will pick up an '03 Gixxer 1k for the track and no-so-long distance street riding. Don't know the fate of the MV yet, I would hate to get rid of her...I may just have to hold on to it and ride it every once in a while, because it's such a jewel of a bike in every respect.

-- Steven (yahshua60@hotmail.com), February 07, 2003.

I have an 2000 F4 and absoilutely love it...before that a 748. I recently was lucky emnough to ride a 999. It is without doubt the best handling bike I've ever ridden. It's so dam easy to ride fast...it's comfortable, it's forgiving...it's awsome......it's also not too pretty.

I love my MV, and I'm biased towards it, and won't be selling it.. but if you want the best in Italian {ignoring the looks}, buy 999

Pete Hughes

-- pete hughes. (hueyhuey@ozemail.com.au), February 08, 2003.

Steven Get rid of the MV you dont want it !!! How much for the mv and where do you live. PS the 999 749 is a beautiful bike Thanks bob

-- bimota bob (rlburdick@yahoo.com), February 10, 2003.

Consider this before you buy a 999. I bought a 999 ducati from Monroe Motors in San Francisco, I shipped it from there to Toronto. I waited for a week to get this bike, I was so excited. When it arrived I was astonished. I wanted to take it for ride but it would not start the battery was dead. (But before I carry on let me tell you about my history. I worked on ducati's back in Italy, I have a motorcycle technical license also auto, truck and coach I have been doing this trade since the age of 11 had built go carts to custom cars with 800 horsepower superchargered, updates in mechanical coarses. At this present momement taking cnc and electrical engineering coarses. Anyway I did a draw test on the battery. Does not have enough amp to crack over the stater. So I put another one from my r1 identical gs battery. It barely cracked over, after it reached 200 f it started to leak coolant. I did a pressure test, leaking coolant on some of the hoses all of the hoses needed to be tighted another half a turn and some even more. One hose was shreded, I replaced that. So know I started the bike and went for a ride. What a ride but after 30 minutes my speedo was not reading anymore my rpm gauge was off by 2000 rpm and my chech engine light comes on and off. I pulled over shut the bike off let it cool down. Tried to start it did not start, called a friend boosted the battery and drove it home. I left it in the garage and called ducati customer service three times emailed them three times no reponse. After looking at the bike a few times saw some rust in the welds and again coolant on the bottom of the fairing. Know I am bringing the bike to Velocity its a Ducati dealership to get serviced in 2 days will right report to see if the problem is solved. So far this bike is junk and it hurts me to say that but it is. Thank you for reading.

-- Joe (doubledeuce911@rogers.com), September 29, 2003.

I have had italian soports bikes for a long time, Moto guzzi 1100, Duke 916, Aprilia RSV and now 999BP. I am currently awaiting delivery of just ordered 999s.

I think that the dukes are over priced but are exotic and do handle. They're super all rounders and are pretty much set -up out of the box for fast smooth surface. Given that I'm riding in Ireland, the previous bikes to the Dukes required some suspension changes for Irish roads. The Dukes required little adjustment on the 916 range, other than softening. The 2003 model 999BP was pretty perfect, on the road, on the track and I even toured to Itlay from Ireland and back in a week.

The only small criticisms I would have to offer are :-

Moto-guzzi -too strange for hard edged riding Aprilia - seat position a little high for out and out track DUke 916 - Hard to fault - some reliability issues (minor) Duke 999 - Poor fuel range - Brilliant to own -very tyre dependent( once the tyres go off you must change (approx 3500 miles)

Duke 999s - Will keep you informed jan 2004

-- David Casserly (profluiddc@eircom.net), November 11, 2003.

Hi Guys,

It was interesting reading the responses to the original question and thought my experiences with a 999s may be of some use. I live in Hollister, CA and weather permitting I ride Hwy 25 from Hollister to Colinga every Sunday. This is a 200 mile round trip on what I think is the best two lane open hwy twisty in the nation. The trip takes about 2:55 to 3:05 and I have never felt uncomfortable or unconfident on the 999s. It is hard to explain the sensation of being able to adjust your line in a corner at 95+ mph to miss slippey squirrel parts with complete confidence. I looked long and hard at all the bikes mentioned, loved the uniqueness of the MV, the practicality of the gixxer, the riding position of the Aprilla, but I had a need for fast confident inspiring turning capibilities and the Duc won out.

See ya, Bruce

-- Bruce Baxter (bruce_baxter@cei.com), November 13, 2003.

Well, I took delivery of a new 999s this week. To date the weather has'nt been great here, but I managed to put up a few miles over the local mountain pass and back (100 miles).

The Ohlins suspension is stiff but very compliant over the bumps and there was absolutley no way to get the bike out of line over humps or white lines etc.

As the bike is being 'run-in', I was keeping the rpm under 7000, this gives a very smooth approach to fast road riding on the twisty bits.

I will be up grading te exhaust at the first service ( two weeks time) and I am taking to the track in march.

So far, so good, no regrets - feels great.

Go for the Duke - change the MV

-- David Casserly (profluidc@eircom.net), January 06, 2004.

Tried to part with my 99 900ss... Love the 999 but I can not let go of my current love. I have pampered my baby with many presents, performance kit & added teeth to the rear sprocket. Power lacks in the short run but when my friends hit the curves out comes there excuses to lag behind me. My 900ss does not give me bragging rights to my friends, on there 999s, but I can sit back and smile while they do the bragging because I know there are windy roads ahead. Also my ass stays in one piece largely in part do to my corbin seat. Add a passenger and my 900 is the choice for the chicks to ride on also. I will get a 999 or equivilent but not this year because I have to come up with the money for two bikes.

-- roger (cfastfurious@aol.com), February 07, 2004.

looking for your input on a couple of bikes out there.Im interested in the NEW Honda 1K,R1,GSXR 1K,kawasaki,duc 999 and the BMW BOXSTER REPLICA.Out of all of these which one is the most reliable and cost less to operate. I'm asking because I'm in the market to buy. I'm quessing any Honda or BMW but the new Ducati 999 is my favorite looking bike. The Vtwin motor of the Ducati sounds bitchin plus what appeals to me that it's different i havn't seen any around and I live in the Bay Area. Thanks!!

-- Michael Harbin (mharbin@stanfordmed.org), July 26, 2004.