My 2p worth. I planned to ride my 1299 only in the finest weather. However, buying it at the start of winter meant I couldn't resist. Picked it up in the pis sing rain and rode 110 miles. It was filthy. Washed it and it looked great again. Now I ride whenever I feel like I need to ride to get my fix. I simply cannot park it up until spring and ignore that it exists. I'd go insane. I limit it to days that are dry, but I get caught in the rain or road salt then fcuk it. If it really corrodes that much then a few nuts or fasteners here and there isn't going to break the bank and it's worth it to me. Red899 - would love to see some pics of how your nuts look after all weather commuting.
Lol. Most likely. Although the quick shifter sent my nuts flying into my tank at about 70mph yesterday. Was an interesting experience. I'll remember that for next time now.
I still think it's pretty strange seeing as the OP never said he was going to be riding it in icy/frosty/snowy conditions, just that he was looking for advice from those riding them all year round so he could make a more informed choice. And I think the reason none of the other slightly off topic comments have been picked up on, as you pointed out, is because none of them are directly negative towards a fellow biker I'd say.
Thanks for all the opinions, I don't plan to ride any of my bikes in snow or sleet so it's only if it happened to rain on the day, we can't control the weather. But I've always ridden al my bikes all year round, cause it's my main form of transport, and I love bikes and don't like leaving something I love sitting in the garage. But I just wanted to see if the 899 was more of those fair weather bikes only. Like some people only take their sports cars out in the weekend. Nothing wrong with that, I just prefer to use it all the time. Just found the sf848 was suitable for this type of riding. I had a cbr600rr, gsxr1000k6 and r1's and r6's in the past and they never corroded though. Are the Italian bikes more sensitive?
I'd say if the street fighter was ok then the 899 will be too mate. Did your SF corrode or look tatty after a winter?
I'd imagine that if you've been using sports bikes previously then you'll have no issue with the 899. I had a GSXR600 L0 and I wouldn't say that the 899 was any more difficult to live with for a commute apart from having to feather the throttle at low speeds sometimes, like when filtering very slowly. I think the biggest negative would be the lack of tyre choice since you're stuck with the odd size if you want the TC and ABS to work correctly. I've not changed the tyre size at any point personally but I've heard people on here saying that it can mess with the electronics and I'd rather not pay the money for a tyre only to find out it messes with my bike. But that's just a personal choice, I imagine you could just turn the electronics down or off but I think that sort of defeats the point really.
ive ridden through the last six winters and never had an accident *touch wood*, that includes snow, sleet, ice and whatever else cones under the umbrella of winter the two accidents ive had in my biking "career" have both happened on scorching hot days hope that helps your fume-a-thon, do i get to nuke your post now?
simple point of observation , op said whats it like all year round, it does snow and get icy at times in the uk , don't know if anyones noticed,
Yep, noticed, he asked what THE BIKE was like all year round, given that snow still falls regardless of what bike u own. It's be answered by those of us who own one and are riding them still. Without resorting to recommending that a Gixxer is the only bike worth having..
yep phil still on a gsxr :thumbsup: tried today for 1299 panni couldn't get deal , and wasn't wishing bad luck on anyone just a point, yesterday pulled up at lights and scooter went arse over tits wi car on greasy roads, my bikes away till feb probable/march.
Rode my 899 all through winter excluding the days when snow meant I couldn't get out. Regularly seen -5 on dash leaving for work. I loved it for commuting I really did. Check my fighting a losing battle thread to get an idea of what salt does to sprockets and chain and nuts etc. Now I'm just of the opinion I'll change them when winter passes. Pick up my 1299 on 15th and I'll be commuting on that. I've ridden nearly the entire range the last few months in courtesy bikes and the 1299 is by far my favourite even for commuting. Skinny, warm and enough electronics to help should the road be a bit slippy. Acf50 is your friend and your right hand
I just mean take it easy with the throttle inputs... Or if you interpret it the other way at least you would have less testosterone to go to the head. I wouldnt have any qualms using most bikes in winter. Panigales or others. I've paid a wedge for it I want to use it. Iam actively looking for an old trail bike to use when the worst of it hits, but I'll still bring the panigale out most days. But that's simply as I don't have as much time to spend cleaning as I did last year. Something a friend pointed out about pcp deals is that realistically your bike will be worth the GFV in the dealers eyes in 3 years. So use it up to the miles or not, in winter or summer. Reality is come trade in time a bike used all the time with 18k will be viewed the same as a bike with 6k by dealers. They will just offer you the gfv at trade in time.
that's right about pcp, no equity whatso ever, basically you are hireing the bike ,your deposit upfront just hides your proper monthly payment, dealers aint even offering bottom book for anything against top, may as well use it aint worth less .
Big respect for riding year round. I do too, but when I buy an 899, I'll save it for sunny days. Heated kit is fantastic, and bikes are for using. Careful what you buy as a winter bike though, BMWs can get you hooked... Is that swearing on this forum?
Hey, the SF was ok on dry days, and not great on wet ones, as the throttle control on low speeds around the city was a bit awkward at times. But no corrosion or tatty, just some dirt around the rear parts but that was always the case on previous bikes, just keeping it clean I guess. But the SF seems to pick up more dirt and grit sprayed on to my back
I don't know, cause I always have a feeling ducati's maybe a bit different to control to Japanese bikes?
