This weekend I rode an 04 999. It feels even more narrow and the ride position feels like a tighter crouch. However for any distance this may not be an advantage as it is not comfortable after 10 minutes.
Power - Overall they both go like hell but the Ducati has way more low end torque. After about 4k RPM the two bikes are similar. The low end power of the ducati makes the front end rise easier off the line and it pushes you back in the saddle. It is the difference between a Corvettte and a Porsche. The Ducati like a vette winds up and pushes you the R1 is like a porsche it feels so light it just goes and you with it less G force.
Handling - The Ducati felt heavier and more stable than my R1 and the engine braking ability was great so it stops a bit easier and in an emergency situation I would prefer it. The suspension on the Ducati was better but if you have an ohlins they get about the same. Mine is stock and it is good enough. On the bad the mirrors on a Ducati are a joke you can not see at all.
Overall - If all things were equal I would buy a Ducati, I like the styling, but all things are not equal. Just fix a ducati once or try to get a part, or pay 2x as much for a bike in the first place. The R1 gives you 98% of the advantages at 1/2 the cost. At the top end I think the R1 in the hands of a better rider than me would kill. I am just a fan of V engines coming from a vfr to the R1. A
Summary - A Ducati 999 is cool but for the same money 2 R1's is cooler. Or 1 R1 and 7k to trick it out. Or an R1 and 7k in the bank.
Power - Overall they both go like hell but the Ducati has way more low end torque. After about 4k RPM the two bikes are similar. The low end power of the ducati makes the front end rise easier off the line and it pushes you back in the saddle. It is the difference between a Corvettte and a Porsche. The Ducati like a vette winds up and pushes you the R1 is like a porsche it feels so light it just goes and you with it less G force.
Handling - The Ducati felt heavier and more stable than my R1 and the engine braking ability was great so it stops a bit easier and in an emergency situation I would prefer it. The suspension on the Ducati was better but if you have an ohlins they get about the same. Mine is stock and it is good enough. On the bad the mirrors on a Ducati are a joke you can not see at all.
Overall - If all things were equal I would buy a Ducati, I like the styling, but all things are not equal. Just fix a ducati once or try to get a part, or pay 2x as much for a bike in the first place. The R1 gives you 98% of the advantages at 1/2 the cost. At the top end I think the R1 in the hands of a better rider than me would kill. I am just a fan of V engines coming from a vfr to the R1. A
Summary - A Ducati 999 is cool but for the same money 2 R1's is cooler. Or 1 R1 and 7k to trick it out. Or an R1 and 7k in the bank.
