Hey Andy, sorry for the slight delay! I haven't always had Ducatis, the 848 evo was my first. Had a Honda 600rr before and tbh the 848 was IMO a lot better all round. I have kinda done the same as you in that I didn't test the Panigale before I bought it. I would have still bought it anyway, so as soon as I saw one I liked and the price was right I went for it. Just got it up to 200 miles tonight and I have to say I'm not regretting trading in the 848 at all, the bike is absolutely amazing! That Ohlins suspension is one thing I really have noticed, such a crazy difference from the Showa stuff on the 848. Seems to cut lines through corners and feels absolutely rock solid planted while doing so. Only issue I can see with this is that my licence could be in severe jeopardy if I'm not careful. I know it only goes as fast as the right hand makes it, but seriously, I've been pulling off in first and where I normally change to 2nd on the 848 on a sedate run in a 30 zone I'm now in danger of points Need to work on that a little methinks! As for the modes, I started in wet and then had a little play around with it after 30 miles or so. Think the wet is probably a good idea to start with just to get a feeling for the bike and then pop it into sport. Coming from the 848 that really is quite something Comfort wise it's pretty good too, although I'm going to invest in one of the seats I think for a little extra height and to save my nuts from an inevitable pounding at some point. That stock seat is pretty slippery That's about it for the moment I think. Seriously, you are gonna absolutely love it. Just hope that weather comes good for you when you go pick it up :smile:
Seems to be pretty much the same as the 848, from 1 tank I did about 120 miles before the light....that's only because of the run in though atm. Would have thought once that's done with I'll be looking at about 100 or so.
Averaging about 115 miles before the reserve warning lights up on a mix of country lanes, A roads and dual carriageways - No motorways or town use. hope this helps
I will be interested in hearing how you get on. I pick my new 1199 up first week in September and will also be moving from a Fireblade (2011 with ABS) I have elected to keep the new plastic heat shields on but have to option to have them removed at first service if I can't get used to the look of it, I only ever ride if its dry and warm so the heat issue was a concern to me and I certainly felt it when I borrowed the demonstration bike. Good luck with it and please keep us posted on your thoughts.
That's good to know as to be honest I love the Blade. I just couldn't get out of my mind that I needed the 1199. Like u I always look out the window before I ride out and would not get the bike out if I thought it would rain. I will let you know how I get on on when I get back from picking her up. I will have an 80 mile trip home from the dealer so it should give me a nice run. Unfortunately I have not even test ridden the 1199 I just had to have one. Only a week to go. I will keep you posted. Let us know what you decide regarding the exhaust cover. Even a carbon one would look better than the plastic one.
I have justed ordered mine with the heat shielding removed - the shielding on the latest bike looks even worse than last years model. I would rather burn in hell then ride round with those two monstrous bits of plastic attached to the bike. The heat shielding looks more likely to trap heat and having it removed should allow it to dissipate easier. I think its more there to stop daft yanks burning their legs when riding in shorts and flip flops.... Regarding fuel I only used to get 90 miles out of the tank on the 848 and a similar amount on the 999.
Hi I went through this issue the other month and trawled the internet for ideas and solution's, ranging from Ducati's retro fit system, (Very Ugly) to people sticking anti heat shield tape under the seat, In the end I could not bring myself to retro fit the Ducati idea as it spoils the bike and thought well just have to suffer it and see. I wear compression t-shirts when I ride and recently when I was in the states I found some heat gear compression shorts by under Armour, Although does not eliminate it completely but it does help reduce the heat felt when doing any town riding and makes it more bearable and saves the need for the Ugly retorfit.
I also had the option of those new heat shields on my 1199s, but my back side would need to be on fire before I had those fitted. A real after thought if I have ever seen one, fuel 90 to around 100 miles per tank I reckon.
Hmm, had mine a week now and all is good, very good in fact! Only 2 grumbles which are easily fixed. 1 is the seat, it seems to be made of something that offers not even the slightest hint of grip. The other is the foot pegs also aren't the grippiest things in the world, my right foot keeps vibrating back on the peg Looking around online these 2 points seem to be a common grumble. Pegs are possible to live with, I really would look at trying out and/or getting one of the 2 replacement seats though, that bit is a right PITA (or nuts, depending on how hard you brake). Apart from that happy days!
Matt, a number of people, including me had the same problem. Change the seat to the race seat and stick on some Rizoma pegs. The pegs are only approx £ 50 so not too expensive mod. The race seat is not uncomfortable and, to me is preferable to the comfort seat. Another solution is to get the OEM seat recovered. Others have done that too.