@Messer Did she ever sell? I'd be tempted to keep it mate, I have a 916SPS and a 996R and way prefer the SPS, the desmoq is a much nicer engine than the testa. Yeah the testa makes a shit load more horses but tbh on the road, anything more than 110-120bhp is just bragging rights.
Interesting perspective. How "nicer" would you describe that? I had an SPS in the past and I loved the "hand grenade" type power. I had a 998 S for track as well and it had more power and could rev, which was great on track but felt more linear when standard riding. I like the 1098s as well which has some of that SPS feel. I am dealing with my 888s right now but I would always aim to be back in the market for a 916 series - either SPS or R. I love the look of the R and arguably, technically the stretta motor is more sorted. But for a typical Ducati feel, it's probably more the SPS. It's a dilemna that I would face. I'd love to get more of your opinion
Yes, I find the testa much more linear and kinda boring. It sounds a bit more raspier too. The SPS is more like a cammy racing engine whice I prefer the feel of and hard to say but I just enjoy the engine more, perhaps it has more character
It’s still here, but I have some solid interest and it looks likely that a collector friend I know is looking at adding to his insane collection of bikes. I know what you are saying, the power delivery in these is absolutely peak Ducati and that was my worry that I’d loose some of that feel with the R. But I still very much doubt I’d be disappointed with the R as the overall look and feel of the bike in general is so good.
