Differences Between the 749 and 999

[Mac_48]

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  ....  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 

[Oldfisti]

I know of one...


BaconJunkie doesn't own a 749.


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


 

[kopfjäger]

250

[Triple J]

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.

[Mac_48]

lol I have never been on that part of the site before    thanks    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? 

[Oldfisti]

 R models have lightened engine internals.

[swampduc]

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  )

[Mac_48]

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

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    This post probably is confusing but so is the need to buy another ducati that costs a fortune to maintain over their Asian counterparts 

[The Bacon Junkie]

I know of one...


BaconJunkie doesn't own a 749.


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


 

  yes, I did...  her name isn't Helga, either!   

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

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    This post probably is confusing but so is the need to buy another ducati that costs a fortune to maintain over their Asian counterparts 

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.     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.    [moto]

[Mac_48]

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 Bacon Junkie]

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.

[Mac_48]

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

[MadDuck]

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)

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.    You will come to understand the meaning of the word toaster.    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.

[The Bacon Junkie]

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]

[Monsterlover]

Junkie-

looks like we've started a trend