996 or MV f4????

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dammit.. i cant wait till i get my bike. im only 15 1/2. i was just wondering.. a 996 or an MV?

-- haik (bugsy187@mail.com), May 03, 2003

Answers

Haik, Those two bikes perform very differently. The reason is the 996 is a twin engine and the MV (although only a 750 now will later be offered in 1000cc's) is an inline 4 engine. Both bikes are Italian and designed by Tamborini. The 996 is still a very beautiful bike but is showing its age. In my opinion, the MV has succeeded in taking that beauty to the next level. After all, Cycle World voted it the prettiest bike of 2000.

If you don't have much riding experience or know much about the difference between twin engines and inline four engines, my advice is to gain some knowledge and hopefully actual riding time on bikes with these engines. It's the only true way to make an educated decision. However, the veteran rider in me must tell you that if you don't have much riding experience, then either of these two bikes will not make a good first bike. It will be better to stick in the 600cc range and even those sportbikes can be hard to handle for a new guy with no riding experience. But if you have plenty miles under your belt then I can have a clear conscience recommending either.

Good luck with your decision, Tony '00 MVF4S NYC USA

-- Tony Perez (tonymvf4@aol.com), May 03, 2003.


I've had both..... The Mv is better.... I like an in-line engine over a v-twin when it comes to sport bikes. Plus, the MV is gorgeous. Brett, Long Island, NY

-- Brett (DocBDH@aol.com), May 04, 2003.

haick, I have both, a Senna and a 996. As Tony mentioned, they are both very different bikes and require to be ridden accordingly. The MV is like a scappel, very responsive, sharp, easy to ride fast. The 996 is a friggin animal. My 996 is modified and pulls hard from low RPM's all the way to red line. It takes muscle and a clear mind to ride it fast, the MV isn't breaking a sweat doing the same thing. One thing is for sure, save $200.00 a week and you can have both too by the time you are 20.

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

Please let me understand this. You are 15-1/2 years old and want either a Ducati 996 or an MV Agusta F4 for your first street bike? Hmmm.... Is it me or is there something wrong with this picture? There is nothing wrong with admiring these bikes. Both are beautiful machines but let me recommend the Aprilia RS 250 or any other 250 two- stroke bike. There have been a few gray market bikes imported here to the states. Very rare so you won’t see your self coming the direction. These bikes are light weight, have relatively good power and handle really well. I can almost guarantee a crash or a fall on the Duc or MV. Why get in over your head, risk personal injury and ruin a beautiful bike? Go for the 250 two-stroke to start out. You won’t be disappointed.

-- Tim W (provamo35@hotmail.com), May 04, 2003.

i have ridden bikes before. I was wondering if i could handle a 748, would i be able to handle an MV or a 996? Or should i go with a kawasaki or R1?

-- haik (bugsy198@mail.com), May 04, 2003.


The choice between the two? I have both. Get neither, get a 999 instead.

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

if i get a ducati, it has to be a 996. I dont think a 999 will do me any good. I'd rather go with a 996 or an MV. Ill see though.. if i cant handle them, ill go with a kawasaki or an R1

-- haik (bugsy187@mail.com), May 05, 2003.

Ok, 15.5 years old and you are thinking about eitehr one of these bikes? I would add to the other comments in that your father/mother should not buy you eitehr bike. If you paid for the bike yourself you may be a little more respectful of the sweat and hard work it takes to purchase one of these truly unique motorcycles. Just something to think about as when you throw the bike away in the ditch, as you inevitably will when that first R1 shows up along side you and wants to race, something a 15-16 year old cannot turn down. We have all been 16 and remember how easily we faal into the twist of the throttle without thinking about the ramifications. I would suggest purchasing with your own money a bike that you can afford and will appreciate. Having a lot of horsepower is not something that would be recommended as a first bike. Learn to work on the bike and you will in the long run appreciate the riding of all motorcycles. If you start with teh best you wont have any where else to go. Enjoy...

-- Jason (ploglet@hotmail.com), May 11, 2003.

You're right Jason. I probably would have done that if I didnt pay for it. But I am. Well actually Im paying for half of it. I got me a job at a mom and pop store and i get just enough to help pay the monthlys. You guys just dont understand. You think im just some little kid wanting a bike...like i know nothing about bikes. Like I want them cause theyre cool or something. But you're wrong. It's on my mind 24-7! I even have dreams about MVs and 996s. I dont think any kid my age feels the same way I do about bikes.

-- haik (bugsy187@mail.com), May 11, 2003.

"It's on my mind 24-7! I even have dreams about MVs and 996s. I dont think any kid my age feels the same way I do about bikes."

Actually, a lot of us have had the same sickness at that age....and still have the sickness now. I started riding at 15 1/2 (before a even considered a car).

But age and desire don't change the fact that you won't have much experience or skill to keep the 996 or MV in perfect condition (no tip overs, low speed drops, or crashes). And yes, I know you'll be exceptionally careful....we've all said that too.

My advice (and take it for what it's worth) is to start with a 250 or 500cc (EX500) sport bike to get the feel and experience of riding. Then, take the MSF advance course, enroll in some track schools, and really begin to develop your skill. In about 2 years....or whenever you "honestly" feel your skill have improved, then get an MV or 999. Keep in mind, you don't need to rush it because Ducati and MV will most likely still be making bikes 2 to 5 years from now.

And once you really have the skill, the choice between a 999/996/998 or an MV comes down to personal preference. BTW, when you get an MV or 99X doesn't mean you need to sell your first bike....you'll just be adding to your collection! :)

-- Allan Gibbs (Phoenix, Az) (Agibbs996@aol.com), May 11, 2003.



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