I rode Snells 1299 yesterday, the mirrors work ! The down shifter is fantastic, oh and it pulls like a train. Mrs YMFB told me I couldn't have one and that's before I asked. 2016 is my target for a 1299
Coming from someone that has ridden all three (3)...I myself am torn. I am in the same predicament as you. I am coming from a GSX-R 1000. The BMW is very nice, more comfortable than the Ducs, but I can't justify the money to upgrade to the BMW...it does everything well, but doesn't excite/have the personality of the DUC and I like personality. With that being said I am torn between the 899 and 1199. The 899 is much better on the street, but lacks ALOT on the low end. I felt extremely confident on the 899. I figured the weight savings and close HP compared to my GSX-R 1000 would have both bikes similarly situated, but I could not have been more wrong. The 899 needs to live higher in the RPMs and does feel a bit underpowered when stepping off an 02 GSX-R 1000. The 1199 dislikes low rpms and runs rough down low, additionally it is an angry bastard. When you get on the throttle, it gets itself in knots and is really a bit too harsh for the street for my liking. My father and I share our bikes, and as I get older I find myself not needing 200hp, but I think the torque is important. With that being said, clearly, I wish the 899 had a bit more torque for city riding (nice to be able to get out of trouble via acceleration in 6th). 2002 GSXR 1000 160hp/80ft lbs tq, 899 150hp/70 ft lbs, 1199 - 200hp/100 ft lbs. I honestly don't know which I will chose, but I'm leaning towards the 899 because its a bit more tame for street riding, but its nice to have the 1199 power on tap and you don't need to ride it in race mode.
Get the 1199, drop a tooth of the front sprocket or go larger on the rear it smoothes out town riding
what other bike looks like a panigale, sounds like a harley at low revs, race bike at high revs, and stirs the soul on an industrial scale?
I'm certainly no closer to making a concrete decision. Leftover 2014 BMW S1000rr isn't making matters any easier being that the price is $14,000 dollars including a 3 year warranty. Great bikes, but they lack personality. 2014 899 dealer demo bike for $12,500 isn't shabby either. Going to see how low I could grab a 2014 1199 for and make a decision.
I wish I could make up my mind... I still prefer the styling and feel of the paginale 899. What it lacks in power, it more than makes up for in agility and looks. Living in Miami, I don't exactly have open roads, hence the 1000cc power isn't necessary, but the 1000/1199 TQ is nice. It isn't often that my bike sees 8,000 rpm (or high RPM in general) which is where the 899 likes to live. For the record, I would be content with an FZ-09 or another cafe racer, but my father insists on a 1000cc sport bike. I sold my gsx-r 1000 and he sold his harley and we plan on sharing one bike. Ultimately I have the decision making power, and the only reason I am agreeing with him on the sportbike...is...well...because I love them too. While I understand I don't need the power and likely won't use all of it...I love riding sport bikes.
But the bimmer has a little bit of everything and at that price it is a STEAL ($14,000!). It's comfy and performs very well...so it is definitely in the running. The more I look, the less I like the japanese bikes. I am not a fan of their styling, or lack thereof, 3 spoke rims, double sided swing arms...etc. I am however a big fan of their reliability. The new R1 is getting great reviews and it is 16,500. I just do not know. Can you tell I'm a tad indecisive? Bike in the running - (Ranging from most desired to least desired) 2014 Ducati 1199 - $16,500 Will eventually upgrade to Termi or Austin Racing exhaust 2014 Ducati 899 - $12,500 Will eventually upgrade to Termi or Austin Racing exhaust (if available) 2014 BMW S1000rr - $14,000 Taylor Made exhaust needed (dislike stock can) 2015 Yamaha R1 - $16,500 2014/5 Honda CBR1000rr - $11,500 Taylor Made exhaust needed (dislike stock can) 2015 ZX10r - $14,000 Taylor Made exhaust needed (dislike stock can)
Your $ price is about the same as our £ price, unless you have a large wedge of tax to go on that, rip off britain!
You need to stop dithering and go buy the 899. At that price it's a steal and having owned S1K, extensively ridden the 1199 and now happy owner of a 899, it's definately the better real world superbike and you will not regret the decision - IMHO
I'm led to believe the 2015 BMW is a much better bike than the 2014 and better than the new R1 unless you get the Ohlins-shod bike. But if its opinions you want, i would have the 1199 every time. Easily the most exciting ride there.
Went to watch Michael Rutter and Performance Bikes magazine putting the 1299, new R1 and new S1000RR through their paces at Mallory park last Wednesday.
