900sl/916/996/998/999 Which one?

[Scoober1103]

I can hardly tell them apart 916/996/998 so the 996 or 998 would be better.
Probably the 999 is going to be your best deal though. Those can be had for well under 10K here, but the cyclops lights...On the other hand you don't see them when you're riding it.

Thats the thing I love the 999 also and they are the best value. I read somewhere to go for an 05 or newer which I'm sure Speeddog will have an informed opinion why! Electrics from memory. I do like this......

http://www.bikesales.com.au/private/SSE-AD-3055406/2005-Ducati-999

[MendoDave]

Yea I think I heard that speeddog got a 999. But maybe im mistaken about that.  

And i think I am. It was Bacon Junkie ranting on about it.

[Raux]

Do you have an 888 or 851 already?

[MendoDave]

The owner of that 900 says its going to be at the Kentucky Kick down in september.

http://www.kentuckykickdown.com/about.html

[MadDuck]

999 are a PITA to service, and I don't enjoy their styling as much.

998 would be a little better, but it's still the first generation Testastretta, so PITA.

IMO, 996 is the best.

900SL is a good ride, simple and to the point.

Just curious. You think the 996 engine is easier to work on than the 999? 

[Speeddog]

Just curious. You think the 996 engine is easier to work on than the 999? 

Absolutely.

You have to pull the radiator to get the front rocker cover off.
The opener rockers won't pivot all the way up, so they make it a hassle to get shims on and off.
If you need to replace a rocker on the vertical, pulling the head sideplates is a massive event.
Oil leaks out when you remove the vertical valve cover, it's pooled up behind it.
Prone to leaking oil into the sparkplug well.
Cleaning all of the mating surfaces and seals and cam-bore caps is a chore.
If it leaks oil after it's buttoned back up, it's a ton of work to solve it.
The airbox is just big enough to foul easy removal of both valve covers, if they had made it 1/4" smaller in two small areas, it'd be no issue at all.

Fundamentally, it was the beginning of changes that made it easier to assemble at the factory, with no concern for impact on service.

[Scoober1103]

Do you have an 888 or 851 already?

Hey mate ah no and not in my price range either at the moment. Would dearly love one of both too. The list is growing 

[Raux]

Search in europe and see import costs you night be surprised. I was offered a 851 for 5000 euro.

[Stabel1]

Hey.
Though I don´t have a 900 I would think it´s probably a lot like the air cooled 1000cc engine, which is in my opinion, probably the most rideable around town and country roads.
The 916, and especially the SP is a Diva, and not the bike just to take on a quick ride...and pretty uncomfortable but still one of the most beautiful. 996 and 998 differ mainly only concerning the engine, though the 998 Engine is the most fun to ride.
Can´t say anything about the 999. I know you didn´t include the 1098/1198 but seating is a little more relaxed and the handling is great but power is almost to much to be used in every day use (which also can be fun).
Reliability was and is good with all of em, costs of maintenance are slightly higher with the water cooled engines. R, SP and SPS cost more since certain parts used are different from the standard models.
Wish you luck with your little collection, i had the same idea a few years back and love it.

Klaus

[El Matador]

996 all. The. Way.

Few things I regret more than selling mine. They'd worked out ALL the kinks by that model and it's just such a beautiful dream of a ride. None of the bikes you listed are going to be on the forefront of the batshit fast pack, but the 996 has plenty to keep you scared if you get overeager on your right wrist.

Also, most beautiful bike Ducati ever made. Hands down.

[Monsterlover]

This one 

https://louisville.craigslist.org/mcy/5179177593.html

All day long

[koko64]

Any news on this? Found a cheap, clapped out 900ss to hop up?

[The Architect]

I've had the 748, 916 and the 996 motors.

996 should be you're only choice!

Can't tell you about the 998 or 999.  I wasn't willing to deal with the maintenance.   

[lawbreaker]

+1 on a 996

I love my 996 SPS... dont think I could ever get rid of her

[Nekkid Tim]

I've had 851, 916, and 999 Superbikes.  620 Sport, 750SS (first gen), 750SS (second gen), 800SS, 1000SS, and 998 Testatretta (in my S4Rs).  A friend has a 996SPS which I've ridden.

For my build (5'8"; 30-inch inseam, 32-inch sleeve) the second generation Supersports are actually even more uncomfortable on the street than the first 916/748/996/998 family.   The latter are the most beautiful motorcycles made in the modern era, imho, but I would never have one for the street; they are terrible around town and on the highway.

I love *all* the air-cooled engines; my track bike is a highly modified DS1000SS, and I am building a streetable version now.  Super light, super dependable, sound GREAT, inexpensive, and easily modifiable.  My track bike makes 98.75 rwhp and the streetbiek will have a softer, big bore motor.

If I were only going to look at it (while drooling) most of the time and ride it very infrequently and could justify it, I'd have a 998R or a 748RS.   Next step down on the expense list would be any monoposto 916/748/996/998 in unmolested condition and low miles.   But I've found that only the 998 and 996SPS engines are really tractable in actual everyday stop and go riding.

If you are going to ride the bike a lot, the 749/999 was by far the most comfortable of the Superbikes I've owned, although the original 851/888 family run a close second.   None of them are comfortable enough for me to want one for the street.  For extensive street riding, I say choose the engine you like and get it in a Monster, 1000GT, or Streetfighter chassis, and enjoy the ride.

Just my humble opinion; everyone's needs differ.