The Rumors are True

[charon]

I traded in my 999S last night and got a 2004 Blue R1. There should be a pretty sweet looking 999S at East Side. They might have even left the Desmo Northwest stickers on it.

I'd been thinking about a R1 and test drove one and couldn't think of anything the duc did much better except for looking pretty. The R1 put a bigger smile on my face and so I made the plunge. I'll be getting to know the new R1 very well because I'm changing the oil tonight and taking off on the road to vegas tomorrow morning.

So far my impressions are: Way more power and revvs, no lurching at 5 mph in traffic, can take tighter slow speed turns, has a shorter wheel base that makes the bike turn in really quickly and just go right where you point it, where my 999s seemed to plow straight ahead like a freight train and turn on rails. The R1 also seems to have more room behind the wind screen. my 6'2" frame can hide almost completely from the wind. I didn't have a hope of doing that on the 999s.

You may think I'm insane, That's fine by me, I'm very very happy with my choice.

I'm not going to get all ducati vs japanese bikes on you either, I've owned 3 ducs and will likely own another. They are in a class of their own.

[jetgal]

I don't think you're insane, because I recently made a similar move. I bought a 2004 GSX-R1000 and am eBaying my 999 as we speak. The Suzuki is just a joy to ride--just makes everything easier--except I'm short and practically need a ladder to get on it. Goes faster than the Duc, too. Typical bomb-proof Japanese four. I hate to say it, because I loved my 999 for everything that a Ducati is, but this is a much more fun bike for me. It's so smooth you're always going faster than you think you are. It just goes about its work with no fuss at all.

My husband just bought an '04 R1, too. Silver for him. He likes it a lot--only complaint is that it scorches his legs......um, etc.....pretty badly. They need a heat shield like the 999 has, for sure. Good thing we're an intentionally childfree couple....

Charlie

[phildo]

As your attorney I advise you to see if what bad boy will really do on your way to vegas;-) Watch out for the bats and have a great trip!
Hope you'll keep hangen out on this site, don't find to many Hunter S fans nowdays.
Wish I had the $$$ to go pick up the poor abandoned 999.

[charon]

Good lord, I hear those bats are huge.

My bag is packed with plenty of fresh grapefruits and a razor sharp hunting knife.

I'll see what this bike can do.

[Mat]

The only bad motorcycle is the one you don't ride!
Comparing scooters on a scale of good-to-bad or
best-to-worst is like comparing friends or loved ones
on the same scale.
As odd as it may seem, it is the idiosyncracies and
the good times that I remember......kind of like my friends.
These are the things that bring us back.....
Whatever.....
Keep the polished side up!

[elevatus]

My two sense, keep your Ducati for glam riding and showing you can wheelie an expensive bike and then get a japanese bike to learn to wheelie, beat-on, and use for track days.

I have a 748 but I've have an '04 GSXR 750 on my list.

Keep them all! :)

[CPalacay]

Hhmmm, looks like I'll be stopping by Eastside to look at a used 999S. Just wish that my insurance check was here. Still need to work that out this week.