Hi folks. Jut out of curiosity, how are folk finding the 899 and 1199 in the real world? I'm loving my 848 Corse, but am trying to work out what I want to do next year - keep it or look to change it. I'm not sure why it's come to mind but I think I just fancy the idea of something in the Panigale range. I spent 6 years on a GSXR 750 and it'll be 2 years with the Corse before I do anything (IF I do anything) and I'm just interested to see how people find them on the road. I do occasional trackdays but that's by far the minority of my riding, maybe only around 5-10% of my annual mileage. Anyway, I'm wondering about moving up from the 130ish bhp bracket to something bigger, but I'd want stomp too rather than only outright bhp. I definitely want to stay with a sportsbike and definitely want to stay with a v twin and I've lusted after a Panigale since they were released. Is the 1199 as revvy as the press make out? Surely it can't be, it's a 1200cc V Twin, right? I get that the 899 is probably better in the real world being more user friendly, but does it offer the same full fat ballistic experience as the 1199? I love the 848 and it is definitely fast enough but I just feel like if I'm changing bikes I want to go big. Is there a noticeable handling difference between the two (is the 1199 agile enough or does the 899 run rings around it?) Is an 1199S worth the extra cost and technology over a Base 1199? Again, I think I want the full thing - the TFT dash, the adjustable suspension etc. rather than the 899 version. However, the likes of an 899S might appeal more than the current one or the OTT power of an 1199. One thing I've always wondered too - how do you go about setting up the suspension on an 1199S? My 848 desperately needed a full setup when I got it and I'd want to tailor any future bike the same way. Are you stuck with the preset riding modes where suspension settings are concerned? Sorry for the Rookie style questions, I'm very much thinking out loud here, but would be keen to hear what folk who own them have found and especially if anyone has had back to back test rides. I'll road test both bikes but it won't realistically be until early 2015 because the whole thing needs mulling over and figuring out before I go anywhere near making a decision. Just thought some experiences would be cool to hear. Cheers. Andy
I rode both and whilst the 899 is really good I had to go with an 1199 as it is fantastic. 1199 with the suspension set up for you (Professionally - Thanks P&H), DP comfort seat, a set of Termi's, 1 tooth down on the front sprocket (far smoother around town) along with some other bits of bling. Happy days!
Its revvy coz its an oversquare engine. Save your money on the 's', buy base models. The ohlins on the 's' are no better than the stock showa and in some cases less reliable. I'm not a fan of the 1199. The 899 is much better. Ive ridden both and much preferred the 899. Which was odd as i love torque, but it was just so much more fun. I could ride that fast straight out the box, the 1199 did not give me the gobful of torque where i wanted it and I spent most of my time getting pissed off with it until i delivered it back from the demo early. Glad to get back on my 1198. I will be changing bikes spring 2015. The 1198 will be replaced by an RSV4. Its miles better in every single department. Plus its 5k cheaper.
Interesting, thanks. I think the whole Base vs S thing is as much what I'm confused with too. I'd definitely want to ride both but given the price difference the Base is a much more realistic option than an S but if the S was much better it'd be worth the extra. I've always been a big advocate of the Super Middleweight class over the Heavyweight (so to speak) but somehow I am drawn at this stage more to the 1199 than the 899. Again, I'd need to ride them both and what's the point of a massively powerful bike if I can't feel happy on it. Was your feeling of lack of torque because the 1198 was so renowned for massive midrange? Or does the 1199 really feel lacking until it's revving?
it does depend on what you want if for. Big cubes equals lazier. Small cubes equals for more, more often
unless you listen to the guy at the Ring who loves his, as do their mates, except its always in for repair...
I might have been spoilt by the 1198's torque and be too used to where it is and ride accordingly. I just could t carry my speed and whip out of the corners like i can on my 1198. The 899 i could ride that fast in, fast thru and fast out. That was a right laugh that bike was. I suspect I would be banned if i owned that one as it encourages, in me, higher speeds and more hoonery. The 1199 might need me to adapt more but I didnt like it.
Base ABS with a Superleggera Paint Job. I've had S specced Ducati Superbike's in the past and never really got on top of the suspension, whereas the std Pani has all the important bits for me such as Quickshifter & Traction control
This is the kind of thing that I was looking for. Wondering if the extra spec is worth the extra cost. I had a reasonable grasp of what the S had in addition to the Base (but basically in my head it was the electronically adjustable Ohlins all round and lighter wheels I think). Like I said though, I'm a long way from doing anything, if I even do anything.
You could buy a Base ABS Model, sell the bare wheels and then add around £800 and go buy new set of OZ Forged alloy wheels?
To be honest, that kind of thinking is on the cards too. Was just wanting to mull over some options and there's no two ways about it, a Base is much more affordable / financially justifiable than an S.
Just switched from a 1098S to 1199S and am really happy. The Panigale feels much more 'modern' and dare I say it 'mainstream' with its sharper handling, linear power curve and wet clutch. I went for used S rather than a new Base simply because I like all the extra bling. I actually went to look at the 899 since it is all I really need but when I rode the 1199 I just had to have it. Personal preference really. For me it simply came down to fact that a Ducati is an emotional purchase and whilst an 899 turned that dial to 8, an 1199S is turned up to 10 (with the R at 11 but I ran out of cash). Ref your suspension question, each riding mode is configurable on the S so you can set F & R rebound and compression as well as all the electronic aids.
I have a 1199S and chose that over the base due to the Ohlins, the LED headlight and the lighter wheels. I finally got around to borrowing a 899 from my dealer here in July, and got to play with it for a while. My impression was that it was a lot smoother at low revs and a lot more docile/easier in normal city/slow traffic while my 1199 is a bit more uneven at low speeds. The power on the 899 was nice and more confidence inspiring than the brutal power on the 1199. I am almost sure I would be faster on 899 because it seemed more linear and easier to ride than the 1199. After trying the 899 I have no qualms in saying I am ridiculously happy with my 1199. I love the insane power in it and the smile it puts on my face when I have the opportunity to open it up. The 899 is probably the more sensible choice and would be faster for most people on a track, but the 1199 is the more emotionally satisfying purchase Also it is kinda of sad that the 899 is missing the color TFT display, the LED front lights, the single sided swingarm and the lighter wheels. But this is just my opinion and I love my not sensible 1199s )
