Thanks for the link. Its nice (and re-assuring)to see my bike getting a good write up, although I still do have my 08 reg 750 GSXR so once my 899 has been run in it will be great to do the comparison for myself even though im no racing god.
Oddly, they all do when they are new. Then after a year or so you learn what they really think. That said, I would be inclined to agree that the 899 engine is probably more suitable to the road, and I agree with his comments about the Panigale 1199 tying itself in knots when you get on the power on the road. I am going to try an 899 on the road to see what the difference is, but perhaps won't bother until the spring as hard to meaningfully test ride anything at this time of year.
yep , good to remain sceptical... problem is when it becomes cynical... but i think if you look at all the issues and see what is different about the 899, and then think what's good about the 1199 and then look at what has been kept on the 899, then it should be no surpirse that they just say ' perhaps this is what the pani should have been'... and when they say that its the best sportbike out there because the litre bunch is just too much to handle, that sounds pritty true in my ears as well... having a nimbler and more powerfull DTC equipped 848 might very well be the best SPORTSbike out there... don't forget that the Showa's are top stuff as well. while remaining firm , they are probably smoother the the Zoch/sachs combo... also getting a bit heavier should not be a negative per se... it depends where they put the extra weight.. might be that they shifted POG a bit aft as it seems what they're doing with the WSBK bike.. a lot of power and no weight is a scary thing indeed to master... might be easier to smoothen smaller engine out than those godzilla sized pistons of the big one... all to give a still nimble but steadier and smoother ride... sounds like a winner to me
I disagree. Every time ducati launch a new bike - all the mags say its the best. My other half is considering buying an 899 but i'm not under an illusion that its the best sportsbike. She wants to buy one because she likes the look and thats that. However, in terms of best sportsbike - that definition by itself is debatable. Is it the quickest stock bike around a track? The most confidence inspiring bike? Or is it because the mags can't decide whether we mere mortals can handle the modern 1000cc bike. I'm certain its a fabulous bike - best? not by a long shot though. A zx10r would win hands down around a track and i don't think a gixer 750 would be left for dead either. My other half is still getting one though. But not because the mags say its the best bike.
The best of anything is subjective, one mans meat is another mans poison. If I was looking to buy a new bike I'd make my own mind up thank you very much. I happen to think the S1000RR is as dull as dishwater to ride and fail to see what all the fuss is about. A prime example of don't believe the hype
So best...erm; combination of handling, looks, power, tricks/toys, price, desirability, how well it handles the A272 in the winter as well as Jerez in the summer...fwiw that would be my guess at an objective-ish bunch of measures...but we are all different ;-)
Yep, the 'Best' is very subjective. For example, I really liked my 2010 Daytona 675, then I rode the new shape one which was 'better' in every respect apparently but overall it had lost it's character, it felt really middle of the road and I lost the love for it. The 'best' bike is ONLY the one that gives you the most confidence in my opinion. It's the only measure that matters assuming that they are all well built and reliable (as these are non-disputable assets for any product). Both my mates find the 848 Evo 'unique' to ride, one is obsessed with it, totally loved riding it but said it steered 'really slow' and the other isn't really sure if he likes the twin power delivery; I wouldn't say it steers slow but it's because I try and ride as 'sweeping' as I can because I have spent loads of time messing around on my fav 125cc and 250cc bikes doing some trackdays and general like the small capacity stuff. The point being, the best IMHO is what gives you confidence, I have never had as much confidence to push a bike within 20 miles than I did the 848, it felt like being back at home as soon as I got on it.. so... the 848 Evo is the best Supersport bike money can buy (see what I did there?)
I'm seriously tempted for next year. But I'd like a bit of a paint scheme doing I think rather than it be just plain. :smile: The Tric paint job would be nice But it'll depend on the work situation and also how much I have to help No2 son with buying a new house
The Tri paint scheme is nice but I think a similar but different one for the 899 would be better if that makes sense.
