If you want an uncontrollable vehicle with lots of horse power why not just get an American muscle car. I always thought the difference between American and European vehicles is that the Americans want raw power while Europeans wanted efficiently controlled power.
4 English friends in my neck of the woods ride Dukes-incredible given the low density of the English population in S/W France. At least two are much faster riders than me and ride an ST4 and an MS1000 respectively. The others ride Monsters. We often ride together for long distances in the mountains. If I were on an 1199 in that company I would feel a complete fool, not only for my inability to make use of it but also on these roads, well surfaced, empty and sweeping though they are, it would be way way over the top. Moral: don't buy an 1199 unless you have the skill and space to use it, or your friends will think (know) that you are a prick.
I don't understand why people who don't own or have ever ridden an 1199 feel they're qualified to comment on them. They are simply basing their theories on their own riding skills or lack of them. Best job is leave it to the owners to comment or they may end up looking a prick!.
Big M, my comments were more about the roads we all have to use, and about my (lack of) ability in particular. I have in fact briefly ridden the bike, and it was superb, but clearly more suitable for a track and a more skillful rider than I, and perhaps many others, will ever be.
It's a bloody motorbike, that's all. Don't get so wound up about it. I'm sure all those old age pensioners who dodge around in Porsches and Maseratis can't use all the power either. Who bloody cares?
You're right it is more of a track bike, even a pro would only be able to scratch the surface of its performance on the road but I personally think you can ride an 1199 faster on the road than a 1098 due to the 1199's smoother power delivery. You're also right Fig it is only a motorbike.
I test rode both the 899 & 1199, I preferred the 1199. I'm not pretending the 899 wasn't fast enough and clearly it was cheaper. I'm 49 3/4 I am not rich, but comfortable, this is one of three bikes I will own. Three things influenced my choice. For over ten years I have wanted and now earned a new large capacity Ducati super bike. I would have regretted not having access to the max power available. I want other people to know all of the above when they see me on it.
But your last paragraph contradicts what you just said, it clearly is important to you what people think
My 916 is too much for me. Didnt stop me buying an 1198 too. But they are way too expensive. You can get an 1098r for the price of a new 1199s. The 1098r looks better and is proven. The 1199 is just an expensive nobody. So far. That may well change. I hope so as I want to be cheering on Ducati in wsb and bsb. Fingers crossed.
Same 'ole bollox really... Power or talent. Some of the quickest riders at Cartagenga were the little monkeys on 125 2 strokes! Probably been on bikes since they were in mother's birthing sack! Little feckers...:biggrin: Also need has feck all to do with want. If you want a big fuck off bike then buy one. I used to drive a 3 litre + porka, bet your arse if you pulled the ecu and looked at my average speed over my tenure of the the vehicle it would be ~40mph!
Totally agree with this. Let's face it, you don't need a 900 cc 150 bhp 899 either. In this market, not many people need anything - it's just stuff they want, and why not? But equally, there is no point buying something that (a) intimidates you (cos it's no fun) or (b) something that is such a statement that you feel you have to live up to it the whole time (no fun either). So it depends on how you approach the purchase, too.
This is very true! My 1098 scared me on a regular basis, the 1199 even though it has more power IMO isn't as scary.
MY 916 scares me. My 1198 terrifies me. We love to be scared, hence the popularity of horror movies. Life should be edgy and at times brutal.
