Thought I would add a few personal thoughts on the the SP5 and possibly throw another option in the mix. The SP5 was arguably the run out model of the 888 series, just before the 916 was launched. As much as it was more of a road biased engine with the twin injectors per cylinder and Cams for SP5 are G inlet and A exhaust with 34/30 valves. However, one perceived downgrade was the use of the Showa front forks shared with the 900 SL and distinct with a deeper bronze anodising at the bottom of the fork tubes, and not the Ohlins on the earlier SPs, however, if this is going to be a road bike only, these are arguably decent on the bike. Many people would argue that if you are after the tapered read end look of the 1992 bikes, the SP4 is the one to go for with more track biased cams for being A inlet A exhaust with 33/29 valves, plus the Ohlins "bling" front forks. Both SP4 and SP5 run the same Ohlins rear shock with eccentric rocker for ride adjustment. Depends if you want Bragging rights of the ones people raced, or "Last of the 888". BTW, Foggy won both races of the 1994 NW200 on a SP4, which apparently upset the Ducati team as he was already riding for the factory and they didn't realise how crazy/dangerous that was when they said yes!
IM guessing that as no one has mentioned it the talk of cracked crankcases on older bikes is just that , talk only ?
Hmm, sportsbikes and an ageing human frame are always at odds with one another. Saying that it rather depends on how often you ride and at what level. Stretching exercices are a great way to loosen up stubborn joints and improve muscle tone and fitness generally. I've found yoga helps a lot. I'm rapidly approaching 60 and have undergone three cervical spine operations and open heart surgery and whilst I probably don't ride as much as I used to, largely due to other commitments, I can happily spend a few hours on the bike without any discomfort. My current steed is a Panigale V4 and it's not exactly built for comfort but neither is it as commited a riding position as some of my previous bikes, such as the 748 and 998 I rode. My 999S was a lot roomier from re-collection and I covered a few thousand miles on it both here and all over Europe without any issues. I think the most uncomfortabe bike was the Sports Classic that I borrowed from my then local dealer, whilst my S4Rs was being repaired. After two hours I could't get off it quick enough. Horrible handling and suspension that felt like a brick. Nice looking mind you.
