Quote:
Originally Posted by rod
Phobia, I've never ridden a 749 but what'd be interesting is if Rhino or someone else with an 848 hops onto a 999S and tells us what they think.
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Anyone wanna lend me a 999s?
As all have said, great write up Rod. Turbo always wanted to ride my 749 cos he said it was challenging. It's the only bike I ever had and didn't think anything of making it go where I wanted it to. It's not til I jumped on the 848 that I saw what he meant. 848 is just SO easy to ride in comparison, 749 definitely required more 'muscle', all of which you have backed up in your own very informative write up.
With both the 749 / 999 and the 848 / 1098, it is the baby brother that has the better handling... I'm willing to take a power cut as I cannot see myself using a bigger bike, and I like to learn to ride what I have first than go for an all out power upgrade... (and I have a toit budget). Obviously for what I paid for the 848, short of a limited edition, there isn't a jap bike that I couldn't get that wouldn't shit all over it in a straight line. But I love Duc's always will, and don't look at $ per hp.
Unfortunately Frasers have a pretty average test ride circuit, but depending on who you know, that can extend somewhat. They won't let every Tom, Dick and Harry come and do laps and I guess it's a catch 22, they don't want tyre kickers... but then how do you sell bikes? My 1098 test ride (for a rough feel of the 848) was quite a bit more than 4 left handers
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Oh, and the comparison between the 848 and 999 was power to weight. The 848 has a better p:w than the 999.
On handling I'd probably suggest this order (best to worst - and only my opinion):
848, 749, 1098, 999
I put the 749 above the 1098 cos of the 180 rear that would help it tip in better, and better weight distribution. 1098 being 15kg lighter and the obvious power increase would give a more vague front end than the very sure footed 749. But a good result could be achieved with good suspension setup too. I haven't ridden a 1098 for a 'hard' ride... hence, just my opinion.
ATM, I'm even almost tempted to put the 749 above the 848. The ease at which the 848 tips in is ridiculous, but the 749 seemed more planted when it was leant over. It tracked SO well, confidence inspiring. But, I'm still getting used to the 8 and haven't yet played with the suspension enough to have a solid opinion, so I've simply swayed at this point to 'ease' of handling which the 8 does hands down.
On power:
1098, 999 (had no idea the 999 was that angry!), 848, 749
Now... keys to a 999s?
