I am new here and I am sure this topic has been done to death, but.... I am dithering between an 899 or the new 959. It will be used mainly on the (dry) road, although I may give it a go on a track one day. As I posted in the newbie forum, I am leaning heavily towards the 899 at present - while the 959 may be a slightly better, and obviously the latest, bike, those cans are such a clumsy afterthought, they really spoil it for me. Also, I reckon I should be able to pick up a good, low mileage, 899 for a fair bit less than the new 959, something not to be sniffed at. Any guidance here would be much appreciated particularly from anyone who owns, or has owned, either of them - I have pretty much exhausted the internet researching it all, which helps and confuses in equal measure..... Thanks.
Not ridden the 959 but own a 899. The general concensus is that you will only notice the differences of the 959 on track, mainly the slipper clutch. Let's face it you can get a slipper clutch if you really want. It's 3k to sort the exhausts on the 959 so that they are underslung, which in my opinion is a big problem. Pipes are down to personal taste, for me they are a big problem. I'd get a 899 if it was me, and mod it as you feel nessesary for your track requirements. Save money and probably end up with a better end result from aftermarket parts.
I'm an 899 owner and think its great. Yeah I've read the reviews that say the 959 rides better, but would I tell the difference?, probably not. If you really want that new bike feeling and can live with the exhausts / afford the aftermarket ones then you're probably on a winner. But me in your position it'd be the 899 and a few quid left in my pocket
899 owner here but I'm not biased. The tweaks and changes to the 959 will make it a better bike! But with all do respect.... Will you really notice it in everyday use??? I know I won't! For me the differences are too small! If it came with ohlins or a single sided swing arm that would be a different story. Personally I prefer the fairings of the 899/1199. The lack of slipper clutch doesn't bother me. Apart from that the two bike are very similar. Cards on the table.... Would I buy one...... No! I'm happy with my 2014 899, termis and loads of carbon lol. I have a feeling it it wasn't for the euro4 regs Ducati would have continued the 899, perhaps updates the fairings ect.
I'll be honest and say that I love the look of the 899, I prefer the 'shark fins' on the front compared to the joined up front. And I like that it's so skinny at the front also. I just watched this: I'm sure that the new bike is doing the absolute best it can within the euro 4 rules but there is some valid evidence to suggest that the statement saying the 959 is 'more powerful all through the range' as some have said is not accurate. I am not slating the 959, simply saying that for the price you can get a 899 for it is a serious option. On either bike budget £200 for the MCT re-valve on the rear shock, it's totally transformed the feel from the back end and made it as good as the superb front Showa BPF's
They sure do, I think he makes some interesting points. I really do think we are seeing the end of progress in terms of power and torque. At least for the standard bikes from the shop
I have wondered about getting mine mapped perhaps, see what they can do with it. Not looking for power but any improvements in refining the standard map can only be good.
You are not happy with the 959 cans which means big money to sort if you purchase one. It seems the only sensible options are an 899 and since you are prepared to buy used , a nearly new 1299 ( in wet mode if you don't want all the horses). Currently you would only buy a 959 if you really really wanted one. I therefore propose your thread title should read 899 or 1299?.. Best of luck with your decision.
The wet mode on bigger panigale models is nothing like a 899. I naively thought the same but it's completely different and totally muted in wet mode. My air cooled monster could out drag it even
Or perhaps like me, my decision was nearly new 899 or early model 1199s which was a close call! Decided I wanted the warranty and would feel more confident on the 899
As said above riding the big bikes in wet mode doesn't make them anything like the small (but heavier!) bikes
You need to make your own mind up. I'm not into test rides, but I would never advise someone not to do one. I have the 959. For me, the pipes are not an issue. It is a shame that the pipes are such a talking point considering all that's good about the bike. I would go as far as to say the pipes are a nice change to the usual pani look. However, if you get hung up on something, I can only suggest, it will always be an issue. I can't comment on riding the 959, I just keep the dust off it.
It amazes me that so many slate the pipes but generally are people who wouldn't buy either an 899 or a 959 anyway. Some are starting to sound like a stuck record.
