Hi mate,
As Dave said, I currently have a 2000 W plate 748. I got it looking a little rough around the edges (sat in a garage untouched for two years) and last summer I set to work restoring it. And I pretty much think its up to excellent condition now and looks great.
I got your PM, but i'll stick general stuff on here. PM me for anything else you can think of.
With regards to the points you make....hmmmmm
A 748 will not set your arse alight, like the ten but thats why I like it. Its dead different. A 916/996 may be more grunty but again, ain't no IL4 thou or even 750. But to be brutally honest, who gives a fuck. Its looks brill and sounds flippin awesome. With termi's on, I have to walk it down the street early mornings before starting it. Over the winter I've fired it up to blow the cobwebs off and it makes the house humm.
Riding position I think it quite comfortable. The bike is noticeable narrower than my ten or even my old K4 gixxer 600. But its a nice length reach over the long tank and you sit very comfortably. I am only 5ft 9 and I think its adequate size. A lot of 5'11 + would look like a flippin tit, but hey I ain't so don't care.
The longest I rode on it, was when my old mate (the one who left it in garage) bought it and I rode back from London. About 110 miles. In one sitting and in cold of winter. I loved it. Kept me alert (deafening termi's and vibrating bike) and wasn't aching like I sometimes am on the 10. Any arse up head down bike will be uncomfortable, but the 748/916 style and position is slightly less agressive than most. The odd stop for fuel (bike and human) and you'll be going to the horizon like a boy whose just beaten the school bully. Thoroughly pleased with yourself.
Its light, nimble and turns in on a 6pence. It catches me out sometimes at how flickable it is...look and go. Simple as that. Another thing to bear in mind, is its no "modern" sportbike. Analogue clocks, old school look and feel. But solid. I replaced all the nuts and bolts with proper ones as often the vtwin rattles em lose and people use non duke parts to replace them. Dzus fairing bolts are a must. And maybe budget in for some new bolts, in a few other places if not standard.
I know I may not be close, but if your ever up my way..your more than welcome to take it out. If you considering buying one, why not pop up and take it out for an hour or so. I bet you come back grinning like paedo in a playground.
Servicing is a must (and main dealer or independant specialist only). Big services at every 6k (budget for 500-600) and a cambelt every 2yrs (with service about 300). So its no cheap hobbies. But any Duke dealer will treat you like a long lost brother and tell you what you need, recommend some other stuff too perhaps. I like the fact they mark each bolt with marker, to show they've all been checked and tightened properly. Personal thing maybe.
Anything else.....erm.....probably it. Oh...mines for sale
