I have always loved the styling of the 916/996/998 and I have recently located two fine examples that I am considering purchasing.  01 996 w/<5000 miles for $7k and an 02 998 w/10,000 miles for $8500.  Both bikes have been maintained meticulously and have had the belts changed this year.  Both have appropriate upgrades; termi, seats, carbon, etc.  What I am looking for is any input as to which is a more reliable or a better option over the other and why.  Did the 01 996 have the rocker flaking issue?  Was this not such an issue on the 02 998?  Is one model more desirable than the other?  I've been trying to do my research, but I thought I would post up and see who had some good first hand knowledge.

Thank you in advance.

i've always had my eye on an older 916 body style. Best design of a sportbike around. Easily a classic. I have had two buddies with 996s and one with a 998. I want to say they were equal on... fix it fees... i think the 998 had a recall. but don't quote me on that. The 996 sounds like a good deal. and the 1500 you save could go towards any extra repair costs. NICE BIKE! a win with any buy.

Quote from: matt69h on November 20, 2008, 07:48:16 AM
I have always loved the styling of the 916/996/998 and I have recently located two fine examples that I am considering purchasing.  01 996 w/<5000 miles for $7k and an 02 998 w/10,000 miles for $8500.  Both bikes have been maintained meticulously and have had the belts changed this year.  Both have appropriate upgrades; termi, seats, carbon, etc.  What I am looking for is any input as to which is a more reliable or a better option over the other and why.  Did the 01 996 have the rocker flaking issue?  Was this not such an issue on the 02 998?  Is one model more desirable than the other?  I've been trying to do my research, but I thought I would post up and see who had some good first hand knowledge.

Thank you in advance.

998 = Testastretta motor, wayyyyy easier to work on over the 996. 

Adam

Go for the 998. No question that it is the better engine all the way around.

998 easier to work on, is a smoother motor and has the bigger intake valves - breaths better from 6000 revs on up. 

That's not a bad choice to have to make, but I'd go with the 998 too.

LA

There's a chance that both have flaking rockers. But your chances are less with the 998.

Quote from: fasterblkduc on November 20, 2008, 09:18:54 AM
There's a chance that both have flaking rockers. But your chances are less with the 998.

This is true.  I've heard the flaking rockers are more prevalent on 1999 and some 2000 models, but still a slight possibility.  $200 replacement for each rocker arm that's flaking.


That aside, I've never understood why they deleted the exhaust ports in the fairings on the 998.  996's looked better with.  It's a small thing, I know...

Quote from: Smitch on November 20, 2008, 11:31:40 AM

That aside, I've never understood why they deleted the exhaust ports in the fairings on the 998.  996's looked better with.  It's a small thing, I know...

+1

998 cuz my dad has one

Without a doubt....no question about it.......no hesitation.....Get the 998. If I could go back in time, I should have spent the extra couple grand and bought a 998 instead of my 748.....

Quote from: Smitch on November 20, 2008, 11:31:40 AM
This is true.  I've heard the flaking rockers are more prevalent on 1999 and some 2000 models, but still a slight possibility.  $200 replacement for each rocker arm that's flaking.

ALL post-'95 Desmoquattro rockers have a probability of flaking. My '02 had four rockers replaced at 5600 miles. Even the OEM replacements are prone to flaking. The best way to avoid chrome issues is to replace all the rockers with replated ones.....at $1600+ per set.

Here's a picture of some rockers. The '98 is from a poorly maintained engine with only 9k miles on it, which snapped a belt and destroyed the engine when the chrome flakes got into a cam bearing and seaized the camshaft....The '02 is from my 748, and the '06 is a brand new OEM replacement (when they were only $45 each)...

Quote from: Smitch on November 20, 2008, 11:31:40 AM
This is true.  I've heard the flaking rockers are more prevalent on 1999 and some 2000 models, but still a slight possibility.  $200 replacement for each rocker arm that's flaking.


That aside, I've never understood why they deleted the exhaust ports in the fairings on the 998.  996's looked better with.  It's a small thing, I know...

+1 The 996 does look better but it's hard to argue with the Testa motor in the 998. Also the 998 will hold it's value considerably better.

If it was me, I'd buy the 998 and install some 748 plastics on it. It would give you the look of the 996 but allow you to make the beast with two backs with everyone when they see how fast it is! 

Quote from: Smitch on November 20, 2008, 11:31:40 AM

That aside, I've never understood why they deleted the exhaust ports in the fairings on the 998.  996's looked better with.  It's a small thing, I know...

The deleted exhaust ports is why I like the looks of the 998 better. Guess that's why it's so hard for Manufacturers to please everyone...

Quote from: Toucan on November 21, 2008, 12:33:15 PM
The deleted exhaust ports is why I like the looks of the 998 better. Guess that's why it's so hard for Manufacturers to please everyone...

Damn the buying public and their differing "tastes"! 

I wanted a 998S but couldnt find one.... So I bought a 996 (albeit an SPS).

Love the Tamburini design and you cant got wrong with either ! But If I had to choose between a 996 and a 998, I'd take the 998.......

I've got a 996, but if I found a 998, I'd trade it in a heartbeat