Which to buy?

[dark]

Hello all and if you dont mind id like some help.

Do I buy the new R1 or go for a Duke 998s, in yellow no less. Im swinging towards the Duke on a 2003 plate, but with servicing costs and little experience on either bike, which would you go for?

Have a smashing day.

[EmmaP]

998. No contest

[rumpelstiltskin]

R1 if you want a bike that has Japanese reliability and power,or the 998 if you want a bike that breaks down all the time(i've heard a few horror stories)and they usually sound like a bag of spanners,or they have character,i think they call it)

>> Edited by rumpelstiltskin on Sunday 31st October 09:12

[pesty]

much As I love the 998 The R1 IMO is thw best looking bike on the planet especialy in red.

Now I havn't riden either so I'm going purley on looks. But The R1 has been voted best in several magazines. It is suposedly easy to ride and comfy enough for long journeys I dont think the ducati is as user freindly.

Either way both bikes are great you can't lose

[hertsbiker]

think I'd have to go R1, as I prefer to ride than spanner.

[dark]

Thanks to one and all for the advice, i think ill have to buy both and be done with it.

[waynester]

Buy both...!! really?

I've owned both, the R1 is screwed together better and is more reliable..BUT, the Ducati stole my heart..! It just oozed character, and always made me feel special. It's the looks and the sound..fantastic

[rsvmilly]

Have you ever ridden a twin, or more importantly a Duke? You'd best test ride one first or you may hate it.

I let my mate ride my Aprilia - he'd only ridden his CBR6. He didn't like it, although I did notice that he rode a lot faster on it than his own bike; without even realising.

[bennyboysvuk]

If it's for the road, I'd take the R1. If for the track, then the duke. I found when riding dukes on the road they always screamed at you "is that the best you can do? I could've gone 15mph quicker through there" which kinda makes you ride like an @rse to have any fun on the thing. The R1 doesn't take the mush in quite the same manner although you'll find yourself wheelying everywhere. It'll be such a laugh.

[rsvmilly]

For this reason I am considering a new R1 next. It's just a better road bike.

And have you seen the cost of Duke services? Every 6000 miles, with a belt change recommended every year.

12000m service on my ST2, which admittedly included two tyres and replacement clutch plates; about £825.

[dark]

How much, Their gonna want my blood next!
I have to say that the duke does sound awesome, its 'Character' is the pulling point but the R1 just Rocks.

Hmmmmmmmm

Ill just have to get both and never service the duke.

[Davel]

If you don't service the Ducati, you can probably afford both!

[dark]

Thats very true.

Me thinks it would stop working at some point though and become expensive garden furniture.

Never mind!

[wadsy]

If you want a twin, but reliable, why not take a look at an SP-2.