Had the monster 1100evo for 15 months now, so far it's been a great experience and getting more comfortable with the bike, although the low/mid range torque is addictive, the exposed/upright riding positon, non-existent weather protection is getting a bit tiring, and the lack of top end power can be frustrating at times. Would like to progress to something more focused/powerful and noticed that the price of a new top model 848 is similar to a used base model 1199 ABS (one year old) from dealer, which one would be a better bet from an overall ownership and enjoyment perspective? Will be mainly using the bike for A road+stop start traffic weekday London commuting 95%, occasional weekend use 5%. Also will be the only bike.
The Panigale would be torture in traffic on a warm day. It gets very hot. The 848 wouldn't be much better. Neither are designed as a commuter especially in London.
Forgot to mention that the monster also gets very hot in summar traffic. But will it be hotter than 848/1199 because it's air cooled? As long as either are no hotter, I can live with it. Do not wish to settle for a commuter bike and am prepared to compromise.
2 amazing bikes I went to the bike show last year thinking panigale or hp4 and wasn't even considering the 848 until I saw it in the flesh. I've got no regrets now I personally don't think the panigale is as pretty as the 848/1x98 series. Here's mine
Yep, the 848 is a future design classic. They did not better it with the Panigale. Not even close. simontt: did you consider whether a Multi might be better suited to your situation? Or the below...
How can you say the exposed/upright riding position, non-existent weather protection is getting a bit tiring, and the lack of top end power can be frustrating at times. when 95% of riding is commuting round London. Best thing you could buy for fun and comfort is Hypermotard SP with touring seat and touring screen protector. Speed, agility 2nd to none and weather protection. Ideal only bike!! Either that or buy two bikes??
Stop/ start+commuting+London+only 5% riding for pleasure= monster 1100evo. i have a 848 and after 5 mins stuck in traffic my balls are roasted and I've had enough. The upright riding position of a monster is probably better suited to your needs. Town riding is not what either of your chooses are designed for really. If it was 5% commuting 95% pleasure I'd say get either, but as it not I'd stick with what you've got. Perhaps a multi might be a better choice. Mind you with all the recalls and problems they seem to have, perhaps not.:winkruns and hides)
The 848 will roast your balls and arse. The Pani will roast your balls, thighs and legs.:biggrin: The only way to find out is to try one in traffic but i would be very surprised if you still chose either after a test ride in London.
A dilemma you would want to have. An new 848 or Pani ? Test ride them both, that was what i did before getting my 848 over a 1098 and it made up my mind. The Pani has all the gadgets and has that "latest" vibe that comes with a new model. 848 is tried and tested and just works but less gadgets/older design. If either rocks our boat you will suffer anything and i did read a test recently of a guy who commuted in London on the Pani without issues (said he used rain mode).The test ride will make up you mind, you may not like either. I have never ridden or even sat on a Pani so can't say if i prefer it to my 848 to ride. Do like the dahs though, very trick.
Pani is awful bike for commuting and will roast the rider alive. Very juicy too. Best bike in the world though
The tester in the article i read (think it was the telegraph) did say that courier riders huddled round him at lights for warmth so maybe your on the money there.
I love my 848 but I'd hate to be in heavy traffic on it for any length of time. Never mind doing that day after day... Sorry to say, but it'll make a shit commuter bike. I can barely stand it taking mine 10 miles in moderate Scottish mini rush hour traffic in Aberdeen, it's way worse in real rush traffic in Glasgow. London must be a whole new world of grief.
forget the pani... its like buying a 40ton truck to go shopping... ... Multi is the bike man... have a go on the new hyperstrada... those are commuterbikes..
I know the monster would probably fulfil the commuting role better than the other two, but as there is little/no option for me to ride purely for leisure, commuting is probably the only time I am going to use the bike, and I can only own one bike, so it's a case of needs must/now or never. Am leaning towards the Pani due to the styling/power/Tech, the big question is whether or not it's going to be much more difficult to commute in than the Monster evo overall. The Bike channel review seems to indicate that you can use it everyday: Ducati 1199 Panigale Review - YouTube
I think the consensus is that the pani is not a logical choice for your purposes. But if you simply WANT one and are prepared to put up with the inconveniance and hot bum then go for it. If I was in your position I'd be looking at the Hyperstrada/Multi... actually just the Hyperstrada because its smaller.
Needs must/ now or never I'd go never. It's the wrong bike for what you need it for. The riding position doesn't lend itself to commuting and would, after time be uncomfortable. Tyres aren't cheap and you'll flat hem in no time, mirrors aren't great for observation. I'd doubt you'd ever get out of second. its your money, but I think you're wasting your money. As I and others have said, a hyper or multi is probably better suited to your needs, possibly a 848 SF even. out of the pani or 848 though, I'd go for the 848. More than enough for your needs. Pani is just overkill.
I had a 848 for 4 years, and have now got a 1199s. The 1199 I find is easier to ride in traffic, and it gets no more hotter than the 848 did. I got termis fitted they may help with the heat issue perhaps. But at the end of the day neither is made to commute through heavy traffic. Personally I loved the 848 and thought I would regret selling it, but after 10 mins on the Panigale I new I had made the right choice.
