Ducati 998 or MV F4 SPR

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My current ride is a 2002 ducati 998 biposto. I can trade her in for a 2004 MV SPR for additional $10K. Tell me why should (or shouldn't) I do it.

-- funnoo (funnoo@yahoo.com), April 27, 2004

Answers

There are many things to consider. First, have you ridden an MV? This is important since some people don't really prefer it over the Ducs. Assuming you have at least sat on one, the other thing to consider is that most parts take longer to get, not that Ducati USA is very quick at times. Also, money comes into play. From an outside perspective, the value is pretty good. I had a modified 748 which I sold to finish up my MV F4. No regrets! Though I got on well with the Duc, I fell instantly in love after a five minute ride. It is as durable and reliable as the Duc. I hope that some of this helps.

-- Cali-Kane (mvagusta@sbcglobal.net), April 27, 2004.

My buddy has a duc 998 and i have a ev 02. We always swap and the two bikes are both fun, but in different ways. It's agreed that the Duc is faster (after all, it's a litre twin) but the MV offer's more of a thrill. It all depends on what you are looking for in a bike. check out motorcycle news.com they have a group test of a 998, MV, Benelli and Aprilia. They are a little biased against the F4 though because it's the 1st gen bike.

-- tom (tomer@yahoo.com), April 28, 2004.

I wouldn't buy a SPR right now. It seems that MV is releasing some 04 model F4's with the SPR motor at the same price as a stock F4.

Besides, why no wait a few months until the 1000cc bikes have been reviewed and start rolling out of the factory.

-- Matt Thompson (matthewt@nitor.co.nz), April 28, 2004.


It depends on your preferred riding style. Do you like to rev the engine or do you like the low end torque. In terms of just straight line acceleration, I think the SPR will be faster then a 998, but it will need to be rev'ed.

As others have mentioned, the MV has a more extreme riding position then a 998.

I also agree with Matt because I believe the F4 Mille will be out within the year. I've e-mail a few dealer and they believe they'd have something by the end of summer. So in Italian time, I think a 12 month time frame is probable. The expected price is in the low $20K, which puts it in the same price range as the SPR.

Personally, I'd wait a year to see what happens.

-- Allan Gibbs (Phoenix, AZ) (Agibbs996@aol.com), April 28, 2004.


I race a 250 2-stroke so I can live with peakiness. I have never owned an inline4 but it can't be worse than the 250.

I was thinking more about the depreciation between the 2 bikes. My 998 Biposto will definitely depreciate more over time compared to the SPR since there will be only 300 SPRs produced. But would it worth additional $10K now?

Another point, I also have another duc, a 748R which I set it up as a racer. I am thinking about trading in the street 998 and build another racer out of the SPR because I want to give up street riding entirely. Has anyone had experience racing an MV?

Thanks for input.

-- funnoo (funnoo@yahoo.com), April 28, 2004.



Hmm. I think the SPR would be a better race bike than the 998, F4 Mille, since that's what is was really designed for. It probably would hold it's value better then the F4 Mille, since it's a limited run.

I haven't ridden and SPR but there are a few SPR owners on MVAgustaf4s.com. You'll have to register, but it would be worth it: http://mvagustaf4.com/6/ubb.x?a=cfrm&s=2586052102

Here's a link to some street/track videos of MVs, SPRs, and Ducatis from Austrailia: http://www.nitor.co.nz/~pete/pete.html

-- Allan Gibbs (Phoenix, AZ) (Agibbs996@aol.com), April 28, 2004.


If you really want the 1000cc the wait is not that long, they are just starting to make them, so in a couple of months they should be getting delivered if you have your name down.

Phil

-- Phil (p.wood@tesco.net), April 28, 2004.


For $10,000, I'd buy a used 2000 or 2001 and tune the bike for more power--and have both bikes to ride. You can get a 2002 in the low teens... If you want to make the older bike faster than the SPR, it won't take that much effort.

-- martin (martin@motowheels.com), April 28, 2004.

Why not just keep the amazing.....super duc-per 998 and get yourself an amazing inline 4 zx 10. Which is the best japanese bike for the buck. And be happy in both worlds.......DD

-- DD (DD.storm@verizon.net), April 28, 2004.

Does this imply that "real" Italian bikes aren't inline 4's?

-- Andy (a@b.com), April 30, 2004.


Hey bro, I own a '00 748, an '01 996 and an '04 SPR and the SPR is w/out ? in a class of it's own in comparison to my Ducati's... My best friend owns a 998 F.E. (2004) and I've ridden and the SPR is just a cut above... Sorry, I've had an ongoing love affair w/Ducati for going on 8 years now but they just can't compete w/the handling, power or feeling of exclusivity you get when on the SPR... Hope this helps... And btw, MV Agusta is no longer going to be producing 750 f4's after next year so your SPR will be all the more exclusive and valuable in the coming years.

-- manicducpressive (Jacob@Newson.net), May 01, 2004.

Hey DD,

SOrry bro but I've ridden the new ZX10 Kwak and the SPR just puts it to shame. It's a better all around ride although I will say that the green beast has sick sick power and the brakes are excellent!

-- manicducpressive (Jacob@Newson.net), May 01, 2004.


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