The Great Debate.......at least at my house right now.

[svoloch]

you won't end up paying much more for a 999.  I say go for it.  the 749/999 had a motor change out in 2005/2006 that added some horsepower.  The ergos on the 749/999 are WAY more comfortable than the 748/916/996/998s, and still noticeably more comfortable than the 848/1098 ( but obviously down on power from those ).  My personal opinion is that it is a great bang for your buck.

Did James sell the 999 yet?  that is a great deal...  will need a little work, plus street prep if you want to take it off the track, but if it's not sold yet, that'd be the way to go....  maybe get a fresh set of skins, do a matte black finish, and you will have what I wanted, a 999 Dark  

[El Matador]

+1   848 all the way

BTW, I don't miss not having a Monster (let the flaming begin)

Shun! Shun the nonbeliever!

Or do what Brian does,

OWN THEM ALL!

Now wouldn't that be nice 

Honestly, If you're only keeping one bike, steer clear from the SBKs. I've ridden traffic in dallas in my 996 and within minutes, the thing was overheating and spewing coolant over my right arm, plus i might never have children and if I do, they're probably gonna come out vegan or with some other terrible birth defect.

Another thing to consider is the economics of buying an older used bike are looking lot better than getting a new one (848) right now.  You should scour the forums to try and find the best deals possible (ducati.ms, TOB, etc) and you'd be surprised at what you can find.

And finally, whatever you get, you have let me ride it 

[svoloch]

"Honestly, If you're only keeping one bike, steer clear from the SBKs. I've ridden traffic in dallas in my 996 and within minutes, the thing was overheating and spewing coolant over my right arm, plus i might never have children and if I do, they're probably gonna come out vegan or with some other terrible birth defect."      -el matador

First off, I commute on the triple 9.  the leg heat is rough in summer, but it's really not that bad. 

Second off, if the worst trait that your little future Chavista gets is that he is a vegan, than you are in fine shape, my friend 

[El Matador]

"Honestly, If you're only keeping one bike, steer clear from the SBKs. I've ridden traffic in dallas in my 996 and within minutes, the thing was overheating and spewing coolant over my right arm, plus i might never have children and if I do, they're probably gonna come out vegan or with some other terrible birth defect."      -el matador

First off, I commute on the triple 9.  the leg heat is rough in summer, but it's really not that bad. 

Second off, if the worst trait that your little future Chavista gets is that he is a vegan, than you are in fine shape, my friend 

If a kid of mine comes out Chavista, he is getting my size 13 shoes up his ass until he straightens out.

[calscrazy]

i am going to keep two the monster for commuting and then get a SBK for the fun stuff. i may have to reconsider the 999 if the only difference is power. i do love the dark though.

[pipeliner1978]

nah.... you need a 1098 

[calscrazy]

how bout...........NNNOOOOO!!!!

[pipeliner1978]

nah.... you need a 1098 

how bout...........NNNOOOOO!!!!

it comes with a pop tart......

[RichD]

+1   848 all the way

BTW, I don't miss not having a Monster (let the flaming begin)

I think it should be "everyone should have a 2-valve and a 4-valve".
My 900SS and 1098S fill any requirement I have... but tweak that formula as it suits you!

For example: L'Smarts Paul Smart and 1098S  [moto]

I think your Monster and an 848 would be a great choice!!!   

[calscrazy]

it comes with a pop tart......

so you recieved my gift!?

[pipeliner1978]

so you recieved my gift!?

affirmative

[newslacker]

So far no mention of a bigger monster. I think my S4Rs is terrific. It has nearly as much power as the 999 (114hp at the wheel on the dyno, stock). It has full ohlins and adjustable rear ride height. After 20k miles in varied environments, you never have to worry about roasting your nuts, and you are already aware of the lack of wind protection in the winter. The only caveat is that the bigger monster has the dry clutch, which really needs an after market clutch slave for stop and go traffic.

However, it seems that what you really want is pure sex appeal, in which case I vote 848. Who cares about ergos on a bike that pretty.

[Duc L'Smart]

I think it should be "everyone should have a 2-valve and a 4-valve".
My 900SS and 1098S fill any requirement I have... but tweak that formula as it suits you!

For example: L'Smarts Paul Smart and 1098S  [moto]

I bow in awe of SD's keen awareness and prescient insight

[fastwin]

Again, keep the 999 in mind. Like I said, there are more of those than 749s. Yes, it's a fairly flat platform unlike the nose down/tail up attitude of the 848/1098 clan. Mine is A LOT more comfy than my 916 and 996 and they all have the taller aftermarket bars on them. Nothing against the 848s! Killer looking and performing bikes but you can't hide the seat height. My inseam is shorter than yours and I have no troubles on the 999. Heck, my BinB with the comfort seat is taller than the 999! I'm biased but I think the triple 9 should stay in your race. [moto] 

[calscrazy]

if i get a bigger monster i would sell the one i have now. however the 999 i didn't really consider becuase i am afraid it might be to big a leap from two katana's to a 695 to a 999. but like someone said the throttle goes both ways. i would have to teach myself to resist urges one may have.