Looking at MV but should I go there or back to Ducati?

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So I am sure you have all heard this one a few times but I am going to go through it again. I am looking at getting a new bike with the choice between the F4S or another 996. I have had two Ducatis so I know all about the beautiful sound and the great low end power. Now I have not had an MV and need some input from all you MV riders/owners as to why I should go the MV route ass compared to the Ducati route. I live in Colorado so I get plenty of time in the mountain twisties. Altitude robs some power but then the turns dont always need all the power. Have any of you owned a Ducati (996 or 748) and can talk to me about the differences? Any help on this would be great. I know where there are two low mileage F4S, one being a Senna, so I need to come to some conclusion soon. Thanks.

-- Jason (ploglet@hotmail.com), May 03, 2003

Answers

Jason, read my response to haick, (ignore the saving money part).

-- greg petersen (gntpete@nvbell.net), May 04, 2003.

Jason, Greg's response says it all to be honest. I too have a 996 and MVF4 and the bottom line is they're very different. The only way you can be sure is to ride them both and decide which best suits your riding style and the kind of use you'll make of it. My 996, for example, is fantastic on the track - stable, powers out of corners having held a steady line through them and inspires confidence. On the road it's fairly uncomfortable (but not as bad as many people seem to think), steers slowly so can be hard work through the twisties, but the low down grunt makes it very easy to ride lazily if you want to. it often feels slower than it really is, I think because of the easy power. The MV is more frantic overall, revving miles higher (and needing to to make rapid progress), but with much sharper steering it is easier through tight corners and in some ways feels more alive than the 996. It's perhaps as uncomfortable as the 996 with dreadful steering lock so turning it can be interesting, but then neither bike is built for town work (unless posing is your thing - though dropping it doing a U-turn would wreck any of that you might do!). I've not had it on track yet so can't comment about its performance there although I suspect that is where it would feel most at home. They both look stunning, they're both Italian with pedigrees to match the performance and you won't go wrong with either, but they are very different. Do try and ride first, but either way, enjoy! Cheers, Gethyn

-- Gethyn Clothier (gethyn@netvigator.com), May 04, 2003.

I had a 2001 748 with 50mm termis. Now I have a 2000F4. The MV would destroy any 748, it's much quicker and it's easier to ride it fast.

Not sure about the 996...probably a bit faster, but harder to ride quick.

Pete.

-- pete hughes (pete_mvagusta@yahoo.com.au), May 05, 2003.


My mv is much harder to deal with in the mountains. Although it handles like a dream, my 996 (twin) has more available power at any point, whereas the mv requires constantly sitting at 9grand to generate any sort of power to keep up with the various 996, 998,999 buddies I ride with.

Great handling and beautiful, but a lot of work to keep up with the twins in the mountains.

-- mike (msoucy@deflaw.com), May 05, 2003.


Current owner of both, I found it to be the opposite to what Pete said. Then again, the 996 is my track bike. Look at it this way, Jason, same handling with different engine type (I setup my 996 to turn in as fast, if not faster than the MV). If you could swing for the Senna, go for it, you would thank yourself much longer.

Cheers!!!

-- D. Allen Nguyen (archille@hotmail.com), May 08, 2003.



Can someone point out what bike is more suited for the less talented rider? The 996 or the F4S?

Is there any difference due to the engine lay out (gyroscopic momentum)?

I mean, moving parts in a L-shaped engine or in a inline 4?

Cheers for any help!

-- Pieter (p.botman@tiscali.nl), January 27, 2004.


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