The 916-998 really are one of the best looking bikes ever made. Sad to see them go. I no longer detest the 999s appearance, though- it might even be growing on me. I have to say that if I had a choice of an extended ride on either a 998 or a 999, the ergos of a 999 would make it a winner, I guess, but sitting on both side by side they don't feel all that different. I'm sure a half hour on the road would make he differences painfully clear, though.