SP1 is a fine machine... however, there's something about the soulfulness of a Ducati that's missing in a lot of other machines, and not just newer ones. I've never ridden an SP1 or owned one but I do have an old Blade, and although by the standards of the day it's exquisitely made... it just lacks personality. It does everything you would ask of it... but the Ducatis seem to actually suggest things to you, or open up more possibilities. There is a deep pleasure in them. By all accounts (and I'll defer to those who actually own them on this) the 748r is a highly strung bike and excels on track at the expense of usability on the road. The SPS / SP seem to be where the smart money goes and the 853 conversions look like great fun. The S has a bit more going on in terms of glitz over the E but at not a huge premium. It seems to be meaningful though, with a little more power to play with, better spec Showa suspension and the lovely 5 spoke wheels. If you found an E and it ticked your boxes then I couldn't see you being disappointed with it. It'll still have the looks and the sound, and still inherently deliver that experience... over time you might hanker for the extra bits and that might be where you find that you wish you'd gone for a higher spec model.
The SP and SPS only came in Yellow so there will be no colour choice there. The 748R came in Red and Yellow. Yellow was the rarer colour. £10,000 would be beyond top rate for one at the moment, but £7,500 to £8,000 (plus) has been asked for ones on ebay. It doesn't mean that they were sold though. The SPS is now probably about the £4,000 plus mark for a decent one, that's if you can find one of course. The SP was imported in bigger numbers but they are still on £3,500 (plus) for a decent one. Don't buy an import, there were plenty, and whatever you buy get one with some provenance. As mentioned a 998 is a nice buy and it has the Testastretta engine, but it's not a 748, it doesn't rev as high and it's much more "grunty". If you want "grunty" then maybe look for a 998 or 998S if you want revvy and a bit more of a riders bike with less torque then it could be a 748, if you like that sort of thing. I am lucky I have both, but the 748 sells it for me. My 748R engined 748S was described by Rich at Louigi Moto as one of the best bikes that Ducati never built, a bit like the 853 but cheaper. It uses stock 748 injectors and airbox as it's in a non R frame and it is 1/2 BHP down on a genuine 748R. It was set up by Chris at CJS and it's better than my SPS in certain areas. Maybe you need to ride one to see what you really want. They re not all the same amongst the models.
DUCATI 748 S RARE! 2002 9400 MILES ***£3100*** | eBay For the money you could afford a guts-up service and a bit of remedial... sounds like not a bad punt!
