I've tested both....but don't own either. TBH unless i was buying new i would be tempted to go for an 1199. An 1199 in wet mode is not dissimilar to an 899 in sport mode.
I haven't tried the 899 but are you sure? the geometry is different and the engines are tuned differently even when the 1199 is in wet so I can't see it being that similar?? I've rode the 1199 next to a bunch of 899 on track and they are definitely a lot more lively than the 1199 in wet mode.
Its how they felt in my brief test rides though they were not done close together. Maybe if i rode one after the other i would say different.
I rode both went with 899. I came from 675R and I initially thought the 1199 handling was nowhere near my expectations. Was disappointed then I left it back. Handling was more important to me than power. I then rode the 899 which I bought. See the thread I posted about the 899 I've explained a lot of my initial impressions. Someone else pointed out that the 1299 shares the same geometry as the 899. There must be something in this. Ride them what I feel will be different from you and others.
ive got the 1199 was thinking of 1299 then start to have a look a bit more at the 899 , just thinking of something different , think the 1299 will feel very similar to 1199 ,
Just a thought, would anyone here say that they are more capable than the 899 or can ride it to its fill potential and needed to move up to an 1199?
Love the fact that you can cane the feck out of the 899 and its everything i need in a sports bike and its no slouch on track either, far to much for my lack of riding talent,but i must say the 1199 is a itch that needs scratching.You have a 1199 ,can you use all its power ?,if not give the 899 a go it may just surprise you.then again you might think its for girls.
I found the 899 lacking in torque. If it had as much punch as my 848 had I'd of probably considered it
Rode both several times, And I couldent split them ,I think the 899 just edged it But went for the 1199 ,I was worried after a few months I'd find the 899 wanting. I made the correct choice for me
defo don't think its a girls bike end of the day its still got 900cc , a few years ago 916cc was a superbike.
R as in all the other ducatis, R stands for race! Maybe the 899 with the replacement crank could be an R for the .......er well, 899 challenge.....thats a race innit!
I have rode both & really its down to the individual & what they prefer, the 899 is a lovely bike to ride & feels more suited to the road, the 1199s is different pretty much in every way, its has a lot more power & is quite aggressive & is more of a track bike IMO, both very nice tho.
