[island_dude]

Thanks for putting me on to your auction. For reasons I mentioned before, I will be buying new (the wife, say no more). This actully what messed up the economics. Buying used makes the decision really easy.

Ok. I took out the Multistrata. Not my cup of tea. I don't fit on the bike at all. I end up too far forward to read the gages (without taking my eyes completely off the road) or use the mirrors. The riding position isn't really my thing either. The engine shared a lot with the GS in terms of feel. This bike wouldn't be safe for me.

Here is the really strange thing: I took out a 999. I LOVED IT. Everything about the bike fit me perfectly. It has more power than I would ever need, but it has an awesome feel. No readline!
The tach goes over 15K with no red zone. How do you do this with a twin? Perfectly balanced, stable, light and cool... Very cool. Over the course of my short test ride three absolute babes told me they wanted to have my babies. I would buy one in a second if it were slightly more practical. This would not be a comfortable bike for the long haul. Perfect for the track or a way cool ride in the country.

Sigh. I still haven't tried the ST3 or 4 yet. Ok, now I might be going out in a limb here: The closest thing to the Ducati 999 that I have ridden is the S. In fact, I liked the 999 because it felt a little like the S (in its own way).

I may end up with an 04 S.