Funny you should say that, I'm without a big bike at the mo having sold the 899 last year and looking current at what to buy. A 1198S represents honestly about the best bang for buck you can get at the moment, as 848's are silly money, often nearly as much cash, and cheapest 899's are around the £9k mark. The V4 has really moved the dial in terms of what you pay for a bike though, £24k was okay when it was buying a new R model special but there is already a 'speciale' version above, then there will be an 'R' and then all the SL's, so it needs to be a huge leap forward for everyone who rides one and I don't think it will be. I think I would be as quick on a standard 1299, I genuinely do.
I can only talk to my own experience. But it definitely feels fast. Whether to change from an 1199 is a personal choice.
I'm the opposite of what some people here are saying. The 1199S could be properly thrashed and it never really felt out of control but eventually I wanted it to be a bit more 'racebike'. The 1199R, probably like the 1098R, can be an angry bastard at the limits. As long as you get everything 100% right it's an incredible machine and I love it to bits but it can get quite irritating when you get it a bit wrong and the bike is not able to soak up your mistake and it punishes you for it. With the R6 I can push it as hard as I am capable and it will just laugh at me and ask for more. I'm really excited to get my hands on the V4 and have the opportunity to do the same thing with a Ducati.
I totally agree with you on the 1198's here Phil, I bought mine 2 years ago with 5.5k miles on it and have kept an eye on the market for them since. They have most certainly firmed up in price and looking at the bikes that were selling towards the end of last season, they may even be slowly on the up value wise... Have taken the decision to 'rest' mine for a couple of years now to see what happens with the values and then decide what im going to do with it.
I had an 1199 for three years' was waiting for the V4 to arrive to upgrade. When it arrived, I wasn't keen on its looks, I accept that the chassis and engine may be brilliant, but couldn't get passed the front quarter view. I've now purchased a 1299S with full Akrapovic, race tune, carbon and painted in my own anniversario/tricaloure hybrid paint scheme. I can't see how I'll be much slower than the the V4 and in my opinion, mine looks far better (beauty is in the eye of the beholder!) I won't be upgrading to the V4 until they sort the aesthetics!
I would be very surprised if anyone is faster on a 1299 than they would be on a V4, or even anywhere near as fast. Admittedly to us mere mortals there may not be a lot in it but the V4 has more power, more torque in the right places, better electronics and is easier to ride. Can't quite see why the 1299 would compete. Its is however better value, i give you that.
This can scare the living daylights out me, if you don't grab it by the scruff off the neck and ride it.
I just bought a RRV450GP Aprilia race bike..... Not sure how quick it will be with my chubby carcass on it though
Power is right up at the top end which is actually not the right place for your average rider. But as Dave says, you’re still going to get humped by some shabby looking 600 getting ridden to death. Or a 300 with a teenager on it anyway. Let’s not forget the v4 got outdragged in the mid range by a fire blade, I know blades have immense mid range but that’s not exactly great is it. Even my dealer was honest with me and said even though it is, it doesn’t feel as quick as a 11 or 1299. It doesn’t have the same rush (also been mentioned by the press). Interested to see opinions once the launch fever has worn off.
Yeah it will be good to hear the real world comparisons when they start filtering out, but I don't think there will be any flies on a 1299 FE Or 1199SL which is where my money would be if I was wanting to have a spend. But I won't be because the 1199 is plenty for my needs.
You just knew it didn’t you. What is it with Ducati and power figures I’ve seen BMW’s with slip ons put out 193+ on that dyno fyi
