[Ducati] 748 vs MY 998

[Brez]

    I thought I would like to chime in, considering it was my 998 that sparked this debate.  I know nothing of the 748R.  I assume it has the full compliment of Ohlins suspension & damper and CF bodywork.  Please correct me on this one.  Where the 749 series has the Testastretta engine I do not believe the 748R does (the standard does not).  While having the CF bodywork (again not sure) is great but the standard 748 has the older "vented" 916 bodywork and I prefer the smooth 998 style.  Ohlins forks would be nice, if only for the eye candy.  I doubt I would use the bike to the point I needed the difference between them and the Showa's.  The steering damper is the only thing I wanted to replace but never got around to. The 748R is certainly trick and extremely exclusive, it should hold it value.  I am taking a pretty big hit on the 998 and it's depreciation rate should be minimumal at this point.  
  Of course I am biased, I want to sell my bike.  Having said that the 998 is amazing.  It amped up my riding ability.  I have a very quick friend who does track coaching.  He didn't believe in Ducatis, the usual jap theory.  But a gixxer and through a few thousand at it in suspension and bolt-ons and it will be a superior bike.  He had a much different opinion of them after an overnight transformation in my riding.  It just jived with me.  There is a difference between a Duc and everything else, but if your on this list you already know that.  Back to the 998.  It does everything well, planted confidence inspiring handling, and tons of power everywhere.  It is an exceptional and finest example of the 916 series Superbike.  Smoother, more powerful, and more reliable than any other model that came before it, while retaining the sole of what was started with the 916.  
    For my money, buy my 998

Brez