RC51 or 996 for classic track day tool ?

Looking for a enlightenment from the enlightened…

I’m interested in folks thoughts on a Honda VTR 1000 SP1 (RC51) vs a Ducati 996 for use on classic track days (pre 2000).

Any experience from folk on here with either or both of the above?

Asking for a friend…

Not one of the choices, but my son wants to sell his '02 Ducati Monster S4 Fogarty Edition (#106 of 300) with plastic gas tank, aftermarket adjustable clip-ons & rearsets, and fairly low miles. Never crashed, always synthetic oiled, etc.

CHEAP.



New battery, just woke it up after a 7-year sit while he's been deployed all over Europe.

Original (dented) steel tank included.

I would say yes lol
Set no limits on the number of bikes you can have.

I've ridden both, but only one short ride on the RC51 and it was when they were introduced. Hard to believe they are classics now. Either one would be good weekend warrior bikes. The Honda would be easier to maintain. I can't remember if the Honda was California EPA lean off idle. The Ducati was a little lean until I fixed it. You may not have that issue over there. As I mentioned before I owned the 996S. It was not stock. Lighter flywheel and clutch among other things. My 996S moved right along and I preferred it over the heavier steering 100% stock Honda ride wise.

If I was into racing and wanted a motorcycle I didn't have to worry much about, I'd get the Honda and figure out how to lighten it up.

Hello, probably repeating things I've said before, so apologies in advance. Also, what I'm about to say follows convention and is a bit mainsteam............. but the 996 is a very good bike. I borrowed a friends 916 on the North Coast 500 route (appreciate the 916 & 996 are different machines). There are some twisty sections and some very fast sections. I wanted to be unimpressed with it. But it surprised me, it handled both very well and I suspect it may be good on track too.

Now this is purley conjecture...... people have told me the VTR SP1 is a great bike on track. But a bit harder to turn.

Both bikes hold their value well now, so if you buy one and dont like it, you can sell it on and try the other

Speaking of value... ALL bike prices are creeping (falling?) lower at present.

EVERYWHERE. (except BringATrailer)