Tough Decision......Tuono vs Ducati 998.

[vpr80]

Ok I just saw something that really got my attention. I can pick up a BRAND NEW 998 for like $14.5. When it was $17.6 I never considered it, but Ducati dropped prices on the 2002 bikes and now I am thinking I really really want a 998!

What do you guys think? Without the fact that the Ducati costs a little more which would you get and why?

[oneducs]

is the bike mono / bipost . is the bike 998 or a 998S .
if it's a S get the <span style="color:red;font-size:x-small;"><strong>DUCATI</strong></span>
if it's a 998 standard it's to hard a choice .;)

[RSV12K]

This is apples and oranges. It's not either/or. It's the sort of riding you expect to do.

[Kam]

These bikes are completely different. The question you need to ask yourself is what kind of riding do you do? I could see the dilemma if it was a mille vs 998. Never rode a 998, but all I've ever read was that it is a razor sharp track tool that is painful to ride for more than an hour or two. The mille/r is more comfortable, the tuono even more. Did a 270 miler on mine last weekend and the only thing that cut it short was my buddies' wife reeling him in...

[vpr80]

I ride mainly in the twisty back roads...no highways or long cruising unless I need to get somewhere quick. I guess that kinda implies Ducati huh?

[jimbobvfr]

tough question?
hmmm. making an irrational, purely subjective, moody, temperamental, narrow focused, purchase purely on price? When for half the price(almost), you could get faster, lighter, less maintenance needy vehicles?

Ducs are track focused. They are loud, they need lots of care($$), they are picky, they go like hell on the track, they are for posers.

Tuonos are cheaper, they look kewl. they are expensive streetfighters. They have that awesome motor. They can be driven on the street easier(much). They don't require such often maintenance. They will haul ass.

Answer? Buy the duck, you want it anyway..

or are you just trolling<

Jimbob Cruisin the Hotlantabahn..

[elinstad]

I'm fortunate to have both a 2002 998 and a 2003 RSV in my garage. My honest opinion is that the RSV is a better machine. Aprilia offers a motorcycle that is technically superior to the 998 for a much better price. It's true that the Duc is a sexy machine that's great on the track, but the Aprilia is no slouch either. I believe that Aprilia's rotax engine is much more reliable the the Duc, and overall maintenance should be less also. I realize that your choice is between the Tuono and the 998, but the Tuono benefits from the same technical advancements and great engine as the RSV. Good luck on your decision though. Buying a motorcycle is very rarely about practicality and more about how the bike makes you feel.

[kirkmoon]

They are very different bikes with different applications.

Having owned a Mille R and a Tuono and ridden a 996 for a day, I would say that the Tuono is by far the best bike of the three for riding on twisty roads. The wider handlebars and more upright position of the Tuono are specifically designed to excel in this application. The other two bikes are clearly superior on the track, but unless that is your main focus, get the Tuono. I just did a 400 mile day on back roads on the Tuono and had a great time. I tried that once on the Mille and couldn't wait to get off the bike when I got home.

Kirk

[Kam]

I would say...nay to the ducati for what you ride. The tuono will turn in quicker and change direction faster than a bike with clip ons. This is my experience comparing the tuono w/ the mille. If you were going to do trackdays, or really fast sweepers, then the ducati would have the advantage. I know nothing (other than hearsay) about service and reliability of ducatis. No problems with my mille in 5k miles, and after a brief hiccup due to improper derestriction, the tuono has run well for the last 1k miles.

[parkec]

If the exhaust is routed exactly like the 03 999 I test drove last week you can duct tape a steak or a piece of chicken to your right calf and cook it while you ride. :lol: :lol: :lol: Gives a whole new meaning to "Cooking w/ Gas" !!:rollin: :rollin:

All kidding aside when ever I stop by my local Ducati/Aprilia Dealer I find it very disturbing that they always have a couple 748's or 99-somthings in the shop with FUBR'd engines. Desmos lifters, thrown chains, or my personal favorite an almost new left over 02 998 with a screw/bolt that worked loose in/around the air box and the engine ate it, oops I should say the engine choked on it - trashed! The most amazing part of the Ducati Carnege is the bikes are all 2000 and newer, AND all have 2,500 or less miles on them!!!!!!!! Mechanic is doing well $$$$$:D

[kiwi2003aprilia]

Kam
What was the issue regarding de-restriction of your bike you mentioned in your positing?

Kiwi

[Aldo Steptoe]

Don't use womans' mentality and buy it "cos' it was on special":rolleyes:

It should be clear to you which one you want, as they have different focus/target audience.

[Thunder fighter]

My best advise is to test ride them both, if you can get to spend an hour on each back-to-back, you should know which one you want, worked for me before buying my Tuono.

[Smoke Eater 41]

Ride them both. The 998 is a great bike but I noticed a heat issue. Twins are warm but the 998's vents are right at your shins.

You'll be happy with either but try them out.

[gabriele bigoloni]

For your type of riding, get the Tuono, you'll be smokin' 998s on their outside cornering on hairpins. On looks only, get a 998. IMO, of course.

[Kam]

They installed the RSC can and chip but did not remove the airbox plug.

[genem]

I have a Tuono R, had a Mille drove the ducs.

More (much) fun on the street with the Aprilia's. Bought the Tuono because you can ride it all day long. Try that on a Duc (and I mean spent the whole day with your ass on the seat, not stopping to strech or get medical help).

Also, from the people who sell both Aprilia and Ducati, they say the Aprilia's go out and don't come back. The Duc's are always in for service.

Not too tough a decision I think.