Back in 2012 I found a 999R for sale at a West Yorkshire M/C Dealers for £7.5K. I wanted an 1198S and let my heart rule my head. If only I had bought it. Ah well.
So I have the pleasure to own a 996, a 999R and a Pani 1199S .... Same rider on board the 996 & 999R wouldn't know which way the Pani went, its steers faster, its stops better, its as stable as either the 996 and 999R (both of which have been set up suspension wise to be 'just right' for me) as has the Pani .... its picks its skirt up and flees the scene like your average jewellery shop robber, unlike the other two which although powerful'ish are more akin to the Hatton Garden robbers ... The 996 is the most visceral and raw of the three, I say that having covered over 50,000 miles on it, the 999R is smoother and beautifully detailed but doesn't have the same soul, the 1199S is just a weapon, a tool for a job and a very very good one at that .....
I would completely agree with your description of Pani riding - although all my experience so far has been on road. It feels like it really doesn't want to change direction quickly and reacts best when ridden very smoothly and deliberately, with as you say, a plan. Just doesn't ever feel very spontaneous or responsive - I may be wrong and just don't have knack yet though!
Thanks for all the good advice! Mine has already had the cables done, but will sort the other stuff. Is an upgraded ECU/eprom needed for Termis? I'd like to get some for it at some point.
Chris, would you happen to know what’s involved in converting a BP to a MP? Is it as simple as bolting on the new tail section, or does the subframe need to be changed too? Thanks in advance for your help!
Spent the day in north Wales yesterday. I was desperate to take my newly acquired 999, but decided that as I haven’t done a decent ride on the 1199 for ages and have been struggling to get along with it, I’d take that instead. How glad am I that I did!? On proper roads I soon fell back in love! Found I needed a load of counter steer and man handling to tip her in, but also a lot of sensitivity if that makes sense? Anyway, with some confidence, violence and patience, we got along better than ever before and I had a brilliant day, covering 300mls in total. The 1199 will be staying, but can’t wait to get back on the 999 today! Going out with a Monster S4R owning pal today - old skool rules!
I also find that if you move around on the bike, the pani is highly manoeuvrable. Turns very fast to input.
Yup. I’ve always moved around on it, but have found that you need to move your weight around a lot, and very deliberately on corner approach. By really exaggerating my riding style, the bike is responding and turning much better.
The biposto can be converted to monoposto using a cowl designed to fit the bi’s sub frame. Personally I would do the proper mod and install the shorter ally mono subframe (this has the rubber bung to accept the retaining peg on the cowl).
Cool! Saves a bit of weight then too! I will keep my eyes peeled for a subframe and MP unit. The BP doesn’t look too bad with the cowl fitted, but I lost mine last week, so currently have the fugly seat pad on
