Evening all, I am looking at jumping back into the sports bike market, I currently have a KTM-1190 Adventure 2015 which I have had since new. Prior to this it had always been sports bikes all V-twins mille, Sv, and TLR. Before I got the KTM I had my heart set on the Multistrada as I had ridden the Gen-1 when they first came out and loved it so I was sure once I had the cash this was the way I was going, cut a long story short rode the gen-2 with the cash in my hand ready to go and hated it in every way, this wasn't the Duke I had ridden before and was very disappointed. So headed back to Seastars gutted knowing this was the bike for me, sat talking with the sales guy explaining what was going to which he said I know what you need give me a minute off he went out back came around with the Panigale-1199 (2014). At first I was like no that's not for me that's not what I'm looking for. As I was sick of the crap weather we have in the UK and not being able to ride all year round. Anyway took the Panigale out and loved it but knew I would be no better off with being able to ride all year round hence I left and bought the KTM. I'm lucky enough now to be able to keep my KTM and fund a Ducati but what do you do get a 1199/1299 or make the step up to the V4 what are going to be the advantages?? A love my twins and know they can be lumpy and hard to ride I get that. What are your guy's ands Girls thoughts on those who have had both??
I had an 1199s a few years ago and loved it but it did vibrate a lot at low speeds and also a fair bit when approaching the redline but it did sound immense. It burnt my nuts in the summer and it had a wild power band from 7ish K onwards so it was a handful to ride but I liked it for that reason. I now have a 2020 Panigale V4S which I feel is a massive step up in every way. It’s crazy fast, still sounds like a twin at low to moderate speeds but when giving it some it sounds unbelievable (akra fitted) and very V4. It also feels really light, doesn’t vibrate anywhere near as much and is less wristy for me than the 1199 was. I haven’t rode a 1299 as I had a few aprilias between the 1199 and the V4S but my thought process was that if I’m spending that’s kind of money on a bike I may as well go for the lastest one I could afford. If I was only using it for the road I’d probably go with a 1299 and save a few quid but i will only be using it for track days so a less vibratey but equally involving bike was why I went with it.
having had both and still have my v4. i would say the v4 is much easier to ride and less of a handful . its easier to ride in everyday travelling traffic etc. we all know the 1299 is a great bike on open roads but not in everyday traffic thats for sure. the v4 can be ridden in a higher lazy gear on lower speed roads easily . fuel economy is about the same on both not that good on both. the v4 is comfy for me to ride and is smoother. The v4 edges it in my eyes and paying a bit extra is worth it if you defo want one of them.
The 2 main things that you find on a V4 is how wide it is around the tank and how much higher it revs. The V Twins are very narrow and don't rev as high. Yes the V4 has characteristics that the V Twin doesn't have and vice versa. The V Twin is still great, I rode them back to back on track recently and found them easy to ride and get used too. The V4's don't have the V Twin history as yet. Just my 2 P'th.
Went from a 1098R to V4S. 1098 a much more raw and twitchy delivery. Smacks you in the face as soon as you twist the throttle. Keep the taps open and feed in the gears and it will get breathless way before the V4S. The V4 is very, very fast. The main difference is the technology. The V4 is a quantum leap. It's much more forgiving than the old V twin. You won't get full beans from the ECU until you hook 3rd. By the time you've hooked 4th it's going banzai. Both very impressive bikes in their own way.
This is one of those debates that will rock forever.....I would personally go and ride both and see what tickles you! factor in your budget..... Plus the model... Base or S models etc... One thing I can tell you is the V4 is more refined and less agricultural to ride, plus more ergonomic making it easier to ride at low to moderate speeds. They are both very different bikes to ride, but they will both put a huge grin on your face I’m still loving the V4s, but there are certain things I miss from the earlier V2’s.
Thanks for your input at 6.3 I think the V4 would be better suited for sure, last time I rode the 1199 I wasn't cramped but it wouldn't be long before wanting to stretch your legs that's for sure. I get what you are saying about the base model v's the S version too, but thinking a good suspension set up might be the way to go not sure yet, but I have seen a very nice V4S in the speciale colours which looks amazing.
V4 would be easier to live with and ride generally in my opinion. the 11 could be a handful, the 12 wasn’t so bad but still very much a handful. v4’s are a handful but nothing like the twins in my book.
