The opinions on looks are interesting; I have a mate who doesn't really like the back of the 916 (I know right? and he is still my friend)! Anyway, he prefers the 848, but LOVES the 899, just thinks it's lovely. I remember this when I had my 748 and the 749/999 was still in life and there were loads of haters. One thing is for sure, when you change a shape radically you do appeal to a new market. When a bike has been out for 5 years, most that are going to rush to buy one have done so; so you should change it, and try to appeal to new segments. I like the 899, it's a bike though that for me has to be seen in the flesh. Just like the KTM RC8R which also looks great in the flesh.
I agree I wasn't too sure about the 899 but once I saw it in the flesh and then heard it I was sold and ordered one there and then! Haven't even had a test ride either.
When did you take the 899 out? I have ordered mine, swapping in my 848 Evo. I took the 899 demo out yesterday did 100 miles on it and all the minor inconveniences from the 848 have all gone. I found the Panni very compliant and was a real pleasure to ride, cant wait to get mine and then its the long slog over winter just looking at it in the garage Roll on March 2014
Are you getting one? What did you think of it? My one regret is the absence of the trellis frame as like a few have said on here it defines the Ducati, I am now wondering if they are going to do that with other models? was hoping to see a new street fighter in 2014 but now they have revamped the monster that wont be happening. I reckon the 899 lump will go very nicely in an SF
Don't worry about the trellis frame issue, the autistic amongst us just can't cope with change. The bike was great, loved it and it's sooooo loud :biggrin: The wife wants me to get one, but I've just bought myself a new car and I'm feeling a bit skint right now :frown: Maybe next year :smile:
