Ducati Monster Forum

I have been trying to find this out but for some reason there is really very little information about the topic.  I have always wanted either a 749 and 999 and have finally reached a point where it is possible, but I can't decide between the two  [laugh]....  I realize that the 749 will be lighter and the 999 will have more power, but that is not really my main concern. I was wondering what the differences were in the overall ride quality.  This is comparing the 749 and 999, I don't want a comparison between other bikes like the 848, 1098, etc....  I also have no problem upgrading the suspension.  Thanks  ;D

I know of one...


BaconJunkie doesn't own a 749.


You may have heard he bought a 999 a little while back tho  [bacon] [bacon]


 ;D

250

The 749 is actually heavier...listed as 415 dry (2006) vs. 410 dry (2006) for the 999.

Do a comparison on the Ducati site, where they list specs for both bikes. But looking at base models, the 999 has an adjustable steering head whereas the 749 doesn't...and the 999 has a 190 rear tire where the 749 has a 180. Same frame otherwise, so I'd bet the 749 turns a bit quicker. Other than that (and the power) they probably ride very similar.

lol I have never been on that part of the site before  [laugh]  thanks  ;D  huh...I didn't expect there to be such a small difference between the two... oh and while I'm asking can't that slower turn in be changed by raising the rear a small amount?  and is the only difference between the base 999 and the r model really only ohlins, termiexhaust, bigger bore, higher compression and 11 lbs. lighter?  oh btw is it just me or is it wierd that not only the 999 is lighter than the 749, but the 999r is lighter as the 749r as well?  wouldn't the 749 be lighter in 'wet' weights? 

 R models have lightened engine internals.

And CF fairings...

What's the planned use, track primarily or road and track? (Note, there are no circumstances under which a sbk should not see the track  [evil])

It's going to be for road, track and general hooliganism  [evil] 

lol....but in all seriousness it is really which ever has the better ride quality (think nice sweet ride for the curves but I don't mind giving up a bit of quick turn in for the power if it isn't much).  I'm not expecting to compete in the next moto gp but I would like a bike that would make it just fit when going down the track  ;D  This post probably is confusing but so is the need to buy another ducati that costs a fortune to maintain over their Asian counterparts  [laugh]

[laugh]  yes, I did...  her name isn't Helga, either!   [cheeky]


Get the 999.  Coming from the s2r800, you don't have to worry about slow turn in, trust me.

I jumped from a '99 M750 (60ish horsepower) up to the Triple-9 (140).   The only things I had to get used to mainly were the brakes and the tip-in to corners.  The brakes stop you RIGHT NOW!!!  My monster only had one rotor up front and rubber brake lines.  :P   As for the tip-in to corners, it just loves to turn!  When I first got the bike, I had a case of "Premature Apexulation" because the brakes slow you down faster, and the turn-in is quicker. 

Don't let this dissuade you from getting the bike, though.  After a couple of rides, I had gotten used to the handling characteristics...  As far as the hp jump goes, as long as you're judicious with your right wrist, you'll be okay.  Just remember not to whack he throttle WFO coming out of turns. 

I'm so glad I got the 999.  I've never been happier, and it's a bike I can grow with and probably won't ever outgrow.   [thumbsup] [moto]


[bacon]

Thanks for the info that really helped to straighten some things out for me.  Just curious, but what is the leg position on the 999 like in comparison to an s2r?  I don't expect it to be like a la-z-boy but I have heard that it is fairly comfortable (not a factor in my decision but just wondering lol)

The leg position is a little higher and to the rear, but not too crazy.  I had lowered the front, and raised the rear of my monster, added clip-ons, so the seating position is just slightly more aggressive than what I had before.  YMMV

The stock rearsets are adjustable, so you can fiddle with them 'til you're comfortable.

[bacon]

thanks for the help :D if all goes well than I might be riding a 999 by the end of next september  ;D

On the 999 your right leg will spend an inordinate amount of time sticking out 90* from the bike while you are traveling in a straight line.  [laugh]  You will come to understand the meaning of the word toaster.  [roll]  Other than that I would highly recommend a Sargent seat and you will be set as far as comfort. If you are long legged you might find your hips cramping a bit sometimes on longer rides but that can be the case with any superbike. The 999/749 position is more "in the bike" as opposed to the "on the bike" feeling you get with the 1*98 or the 916/996.

Oh, yeah... It can get a little toasty on the right side, but it doesn't bother me too much in leathers unless I'm in "slow and go" traffic.  Luckily for me, I'm allowed to lane-split here in SoCal!  ;) [moto]




[bacon]

Junkie-

looks like we've started a trend

;D

 [moto]


Seems like it!   [thumbsup]

[bacon]

I've had a couple of guys tell me (guys that are used to riding liter bikes, RSV4s, etc, mind you) that the 749's power output is just a touch too anemic, especially compared to the 999.  If you find one, I say go for the triple  [thumbsup]

I heard that the engine of one of the 749 models is a bear ($$) to work on....practically have to pull it out of the bike to get to one of the heads....

Sorry, but I don't recall which model

749S

 Even more reasons to go with the 999  ;D  If I for some spectacular feat run into a good deal for a 999r, do the lightened internals give it less reliability or is it about the same besides costing twice as much for parts? 

oh, Bacon Junkie: stop telling people about your 999...I don't want them to all be bought up before I can get my hands on one  [laugh]

I want a 749. I HAD a 749S in my hands for the track but issues came up and im left with sharkskins fairings and no bike. :(

ONEDAY!!!! i would get a 999 in a heart beat, but a 749 dark can be had for less than 5grand sometimes. Face the facts, the forks and shock would be replaced on a track bike anyway. everything else aside from the adjustable steering head is the same!

If I am forced to choose between a 749 or neither I would deffinately go for the 749  :)  But hopefully there will be a 999 in my near future.  I just wish that it didn't cost 4k for new ohlins [laugh] I will probably just be on the lookout for 999r takeoffs  [cheeky]

999 S and R bikes with the ti rods require major maintenance about every 15k (rebuild)

Your best bet is an 05 or newer base model. Either bi or mono posto.  All the bugs worked out and less maintenance. 

Looks like you're in western Washington. If so, just take whatever you get to Barry @ KFG Racing for suspension. You could get new springs/valves for both ends for about $1000. Ohlins cartridges for a bit more. There are a lot of good options for less than Ohlins, and even 999r take-offs would likely need some work to suit your weight and riding style.

http://www.kfgracing.com/ (http://www.kfgracing.com/)

Might be worth contacting this guy on his 999. Last I heard he hadn't sold this, and it was in decent shape. The gauges were damaged, but could just be replaced. I almost traded him my Monstrada for it, but decided I didn't need it. If he still has it he may be looking to sell.
http://www.desmonorthwest.com/forums/showthread.php?10229-2006-999s&highlight=Ducati (http://www.desmonorthwest.com/forums/showthread.php?10229-2006-999s&highlight=Ducati)

why?  Same weight (roughly) as 999, but a lot less hp, among other things.  

I picked up my triple9 for 5 grand. All it needed was a front tire, chain, and the TPS reset.  [evil]

after sellling my monster, including the trip to pick it up, I was only out $2,500.  


Just say'n...   :-*




[bacon]

you are very lucky to pick one up for 5 grand. Thats a steal. Though at this point in my life, it is out of my budget. to drop 5grand on a bike that gets ridden a handful of times.

Ill settle for someting around $2000 on WERA. lol

I dont need anything fancy. i just really love the way the 999 looks.

Doesn't one have a bigger engine than the other? ;D I'm liking this trend!! [thumbsup] ;D

It had a salvage title in New Mexico.   It's near perfect, though.  I had it inspected here in Cali and they gave me a clean title.   8)

Oh, and I didn't drop 5 grand on it.   I dropped $2500 on it.  :-*


;D




[bacon]

BJ report to deal king thread asap!

link?  [laugh]


ML, how are you liking your new Triple-9?

Any chix strips left?  [evil]



[bacon]

Yeah there are. I don't have roads like you do. Not too many around here I could put a knee on.

To be perfectly honest I rode the 999 yesterday and was thinking about my old 675. Its almost too much for the street. I only need four gears and even then i keep the tach between 4 and 6k. There's just not enough room here to exploit this bike even a little.

that being said, its pretty fun. It sounds like a rolling earth quake and everyone looks.

Its easy to go fast on and its engine is pretty smooth for a twin.

I finally found a good spot for the rear sets so that made it a lot more comfy.  And speaking of...the OEM seat doesn't bother me at all.

I do have somewhat of an issue sticking to the tank in the turns so I may order those tank grippy type pads.

So to sum it up...great bike but in not sold yet. Only put 100 miles on so far though...

I was the same way... At first.   I took her to one of my favorite spots, a twisty pass road that parallels the freeway for a couple miles between two exits.  I was faster on the 60hp Monster than I was on the 140hp beast! 

Now, after almost 5,000 miles in 4.5 months, I'm not as slow.  ;)

I have no problems with the stock seat either.  [thumbsup]  in the twisties, I'm not sitting on it long enough between turns to notice, but riding it up to Santa Barbara pretty much every weekend on the slab hasn't caused me any undue angst either.

I don't seem to have any problems with the tank in corners. ???  Usually, my outside elbow is touching the tank, as well as my outside knee.  My torso is off to one side, so the outside of my ribs feel like they're on the inside of the tank. (hope I'm conveying this right)
 
For the first several hundred miles I was having second thoughts.  It was like I had to learn how to ride all over again.  I was a little frustrated, to say the least.  Now, after several thousand, I'm much more relaxed.  I'm trusting the bike, the suspension, the amazing level of grip from that big-ass 190 out back.  I'm able to twist it a little harder without freaking out so much.  I'm still not WOT hardly ever, just an occasional freeway on-ramp.  [evil]  There's just no need to.

But in the twisties... Oh, those magical twisties!  Now I find myself going through turns a lot faster, with less effort.  The bike is so smooth and easy to control.  If I need to change lines mid-turn, I just have a thought and the bike does it.  If I come in a little hot and have to trail the front brake to the apex, she's so stable and unflappable.

This bike has much more capability than I do.  I can't wait to get to know her better and better as the miles and time goes by!  She's amazing. [bow_down]
Trust me.  Just wait and see!  [moto] You'll fall in love... I did.   
It took a little time, but I did.  ;)




[bacon]

That makes me feel a little better :)

Glad to help!  ;D






[bacon]

WHAT THE...I DUB THEE DEAL KING!!!! id rip out quaters and nickles to buy a 999 salvage for $2500.

The seller wanted $5000 for it.

After selling my Monster,  out of pocket for me, including driving out to Albuquerque and back, meals, gas, and the CA DMV was roughly $2500...

Since I ended up with a new bike, the money from the monster was free (sorta) so I only count what I had to beg, borrow, steal, and scrape up to buy it outright. 

Hence, I figure I picked it up for only $2500...

Now, since it has a clean title, I could make the argument that I didn't pay anything at all, since I could probably sell it for 8+ grand...  ;)


[bacon]

5k is still a steal for that thing. I wont be able to afford it, but id by it.

ive been looking at salvage auctions. Id love to be able to pick up something someone thinks is trash for the track....like a 999. id be happy with a 749 too.

thanks for all of this feedback about the bike guys, this really is good info  [thumbsup]

Well, I think I'm going to have to got for a long ride through the twisties tomorrow.  You know, strictly for information gathering and research purposes only.  ;)

Then I can provide Mac_48 and monsterlover with more good intel..

I'm only riding for the common good...  [evil]




[bacon]

Thanks for takin one for the team.

;D

Look for a 999 S model.  They are equiped with ohlins and the used prices are close to the base models.  Or at least they seemed to be when I was looking around for mine.

Even though I am a little late to the advice party, but I have an S2R800 and a 999s. The triple9 makes my S2R feel like a scooter.  You will not be disappointed with the 999.  Your freshly roasted nuts might be, but you won't! 

Good point Josh. The "S" models are definitly worth the extra money you might spend due to all the Ohlins magic that goes with them. [thumbsup] It's easier to find a '03-'04 S model than an '05-'06. The only 999 in 2007 was the Parts Unlimited bike (150 made) and they were all S models. Folks seem to be holding tight to the '05-'06 999S bikes. For a good reason. [thumbsup] [moto]

I'm anti S because of the ti rods.

The 05 I just bought came with full ohlins.

So its a lot like the S

;)

Yeah, you got the best of both worlds with that one. The solid base motor with some high level ohlins. Very nice bike, but setup is key with the r/t forks. They're amazing on decent pavement, but "boingy" on rough stuff  ;D
I ended up with a good deal on a 1098s so I'm pretty happy myself.

Yep, you got one sweet 999 for sure. Wish I could afford the Ohlins fork swap and mine would be very much like yours. Already have the damper and shock. Should have done it a few years ago when I had the coin to do it. I was just ready to pull the trigger and decided to wait. Instead my Ohlins funds went for food and mortgage. [bang] I was going to do forks and radial brake set up just like the S. Now, if I do anything, it may be just an Ohlins re-valve... or if I rob a 7-11 maybe a cartridge kit. ;D Still, I'm real happy with my trip9. [moto]

Here's another local one. 2004 999...$5,500. It has some miles, but Greg takes care of his bikes.

http://www.desmonorthwest.com/forums/showthread.php?12637-FS-2004-999-Monoposto&p=147428#post147428 (http://www.desmonorthwest.com/forums/showthread.php?12637-FS-2004-999-Monoposto&p=147428#post147428)

Anyone with a case of the boingies needs to talk to the vet.

The 1098 that I have r/t forks on is being refitted as a full time track bike since I wrecked it 2 months ago. Everything works perfectly on the track  [evil]

Why would anyone wreck a perfectly good 1098?  ;D

I must have missed a page.

You OK?

I never posted about it. Lost the front on some diesel fuel in a decreasing radius at about 65 mph. Broke a rib and had a mild shoulder separation, but I was back on a bike in about a month. The bike was totalled, but rising again  [evil]

Glad you're ok swampduc!  [thumbsup]   Sorry to hear about the 1098 though...  :'(


I have a base '05 999 biposto.   That was the year the put the "s" motor from '03 and '04 in the base model.   ;D   It puts out 140hp, and that's plenty for me.  [moto]

The stock suspension and brakes work just fine, no complaints, as it's definitely an upgrade from my Monster.  Once I get another few months of riding everyday under my seat, then I'll know better if it really needs all the shiny stuff.   She's a plenty capable bike right out of the box.  [thumbsup]




[bacon]

Needs ain't the point  ;)

No shit. My mantra has always been "when too much is just enough". ;D

swampduc, I'm also glad your OK. Diesel, oil and water are nasty shit to run into... oh, I forgot gravel. :P

Don't forget fallen leaves...uh, and grass clippings. 

Sorry your wrecked your bike swampduc.  Glad you are OK.