queen bee.
New member
the riding position is more comfortable on the 999 and it's only 13kg heavier. I didn't get to test ride, so why does it suck compared to the 1098, which is what everyone is telling me?
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
why does the 999/749 suck?
- Thread starter queen bee.
- Start date
Owning both I can say the the 1098 does turn much better. It's much lighter and the handling is seriously improved over a stock 999. The 1098 also has a much broader and more powerful torque curve. It has motor in spades over a 999.
That being said a 999 in no way sucks. Buy what you think you'll enjoy. My 999 is for sale in Atlanta Ga by the way. Asking 10,500 but will take 9000. The suspension have been upgraded to OHlins in the rear and Traxxion Dynamics internals in the front.
That being said a 999 in no way sucks. Buy what you think you'll enjoy. My 999 is for sale in Atlanta Ga by the way. Asking 10,500 but will take 9000. The suspension have been upgraded to OHlins in the rear and Traxxion Dynamics internals in the front.
this modern lover
New member
I can't speak to riding the 1098 and I'm even new to my 999S. The 1098 is gorgeous but I'm not sure if I'd buy one, at least not yet. One thing I can't stand on the 1098 is the digital tach...it's just not right IMO.
If I upgrade at some point it will probably be a 999 Xerox with some of my parts. With limited experience I can tell you that my 999S (the S is important here) is a great ride. Yeah your ass gets numb after a long ride but IMO that's not going to change from bike to bike that much...it hasn't been a factor for me, now I have the Sargent too.
I whole-heartedly say go with what you like!
If I upgrade at some point it will probably be a 999 Xerox with some of my parts. With limited experience I can tell you that my 999S (the S is important here) is a great ride. Yeah your ass gets numb after a long ride but IMO that's not going to change from bike to bike that much...it hasn't been a factor for me, now I have the Sargent too.
I whole-heartedly say go with what you like!
Kevincible
New member
I've never heard anyone who knew anything about motorcycles say the 999 sucked. The 1098 is newer sure but that doesnt mean the 999 sucks.
kirby242007
New member
And not just because I have a 999S...many people jump on the bandwagon of a new model and dis the older ones because the newer ones are the "thing to have." Like I said I love the 1098 but if given the choice I'd take a used Xerox any day. Just my opinion...
superjew812
New member
Riding the bikes back to back - the motor is definitely more powerful in the 1098, but the biggest difference to me is turn-in on cornering. The 999 used the "Historical" Ducati frame geometry that prioritizes stability over nimbleness. This is not a problem and most pro-racers like this stability as shown during most published track tests. But this does mean you need to MAKE the 999 turn giving a very positive and hard steering input.
The 1098 moves closer to most other current sportbikes in terms of rake\trail. This means it turns in easier with much less bar input effort. For a non-professional level rider this means easier more comfortable turn-in. You don't have to commit to a big input all at once - something the pros are going to do anyway. This makes the 1098 slightly easier to ride at a track pace in my mind. In fact most world superbike teams use modified triple clamps to bring their 999 closer to this geometry rather than using the stock geometry.
Most race setup shops also make or sell modified 999 triple clamps for just this reason. Go to GMD Computrack's web site and you can see their 999 triple clamps for sale. Also the Duc Shop offers similiar setup.
On the stock 999 the adjustable steering Geometry when placed in the steep setup from the factory causes way to little trail and at a track pace "losing the front" is common with this setup. The hot setup on a stock 999 is supposedly to keep the front on the low setting and as the guys at GMD computrack told me: "Just push the bike down into the turn with the clip-ons. It'll hold, but you have to make it turn!"
I can say that riding the 1098 is much easier for me as it does change direction much more quickly and the bar effor is much lighter!
Not dissing the 999 just giving input from an intermediate track day rider who has ridden both back to back.
The 1098 moves closer to most other current sportbikes in terms of rake\trail. This means it turns in easier with much less bar input effort. For a non-professional level rider this means easier more comfortable turn-in. You don't have to commit to a big input all at once - something the pros are going to do anyway. This makes the 1098 slightly easier to ride at a track pace in my mind. In fact most world superbike teams use modified triple clamps to bring their 999 closer to this geometry rather than using the stock geometry.
Most race setup shops also make or sell modified 999 triple clamps for just this reason. Go to GMD Computrack's web site and you can see their 999 triple clamps for sale. Also the Duc Shop offers similiar setup.
On the stock 999 the adjustable steering Geometry when placed in the steep setup from the factory causes way to little trail and at a track pace "losing the front" is common with this setup. The hot setup on a stock 999 is supposedly to keep the front on the low setting and as the guys at GMD computrack told me: "Just push the bike down into the turn with the clip-ons. It'll hold, but you have to make it turn!"
I can say that riding the 1098 is much easier for me as it does change direction much more quickly and the bar effor is much lighter!
Not dissing the 999 just giving input from an intermediate track day rider who has ridden both back to back.
justputithisway_x
New member
Here's a link to DucShop's website with a better explanation....
http://www.ducshop.com/triple.php
Since you have an "S" if you decide to track ride, I would pay someone to setup the suspension for you. Next investment would then be these triples......
For non "S" owners the first investment I would reccomend would be an Ohlin's rear, then a spring and revalve in the front. Next would be these triples. I bought the 1098 INSTEAD of investing in these triples.
http://www.ducshop.com/triple.php
Since you have an "S" if you decide to track ride, I would pay someone to setup the suspension for you. Next investment would then be these triples......
For non "S" owners the first investment I would reccomend would be an Ohlin's rear, then a spring and revalve in the front. Next would be these triples. I bought the 1098 INSTEAD of investing in these triples.
Yeah I'll have my shop set it up...my tech builds and puts back together race bikes. The guy races himself and doesn't even ride on the street because he's like "What's the point?" after being on the track so much!
This is good information, thanks. I'll get out on the track maybe 2-3 times this year the way she is. Then either late in the year or for a winter project (one of many planned most likely!) I'll get those or an adjustable set. Much appreciated!
This is good information, thanks. I'll get out on the track maybe 2-3 times this year the way she is. Then either late in the year or for a winter project (one of many planned most likely!) I'll get those or an adjustable set. Much appreciated!