I sold my 1299 base model after 6 months. My key moments were: After running it in and experiencing the top end rush, there is simply no other bike like it that I have found. Ridiculously fast, wheelies at 3 digit speeds are just far too easy. If you buy a base model, spend £300 on an Ohlins manual adjustment steering damper. Gives 100% confidence when going mental. The standard damper isn't capable enough, I've heard the S model electronic damper can also struggle but I haven't tried one. At low speeds and town riding it is the 2nd worst bike I've ever owned (1098 being first). Riding through towns was unbearable at times. Interestingly I don't really miss the bike. Cold start issues and a coolant leak within 6 months made me PX it. Just my 2p worth.
well thats the first negative but welcome all the same. I presume cold start issues or coolant leaks cant be rectified without coming back then?
They can in sure. But I lost confidence in it. Need a bike that can take punishment without issues. I felt mine was fragile. The cold start issue is common as is the coolant leak from the LH side. Apparently a big old job to resolve and I dont want my factory engine split open by Dave at the local Ducati dealer who stops for his tea break half way through.
After 12k miles on a 899, I traded up to a 1299 poverty spec. I agree with all @burndownthediscos comments. I've had the 1299 from new for just over 5 months (6k miles so far). I personally find the 1299 better behaved at lower speeds than the 899, much better brakes, better rear suspension (899 weakest link IMO), more planted front ( could just be feel than reality, but I will take that on a 3 figure lean). Aesthetics wise, I love the single swing arm, think the base wheels look just fine ( I hate red rim tape), the paint finish is light years away from the 'look at me and I will scratch 899' & the colour dash provides a bit of visual drama. It's heavier on fuel ( not a problem if you ride once a month) & I've had a few warranty claims on it, but they have all been efficiently dealt with by Mark from Ducati Manchester. I test rode the 2015 s1000rr & 959 before buying the 12 ( with 4 year warranty!) and would also 100% make the same choice again. Phenomenal bike , simply love it. Best of luck whichever way you go, enjoy!
That's great news, and to be honest it's probably the way I'm going to go. I'm just having a Small issue with who does the annual service it's owed, after that's sorted I reckon I'll bite the bullet and get myself a 2015, sub 3000mile 1299 panigale
This thread has made my life a little bit harder. I am set on the 959 as I have only spent one season riding (on an XSR900) and feel that the 1299 will be utterly crazy and try to kill me every time i ride it. I will do mostly road riding. However, when you consider the cost of changing exhaust on the 959, the price difference is rather small for what you get in the 1299. I am thinking about the exhaust, single swingarm and electronics. Can someone that has ridden both confirm that a 1299 will be way too much for a newish rider? For reference I have ridden the 959 and I feel that full throttle in second gear was quite fast. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It will only go as fast as you make it. If you ride it in wet mode you only get (from memory) 120bhp.... so you could just run it in that to start until you're ready for a (totally free) 80bhp upgrade! ....and having ridden both, they ride similarly until you pass around 8,000rpm, when the 959 continues the same rate of acceleration and the 12 launches into another gear!
Exactly. Riding modes on modern bikes are great for riders who want to get used to it gradually. Your current bike is 115bhp so you've gained some good experience of mid level power, go straight to 1299 if you ask me.
In my experience the 959 puddles along under 7000 so if the 1299 is similar this is interesting. I thought the 1299 would be far more jerky in low speed than the 959. Wet mode would be a nice way to start[emoji41] If I go for the 959 I fear I will want to upgrade quite quick. I really like that single swingarm on the 1299[emoji4] It seems that the only upgrade the 1299 needs is an Evotech tail tidy. Is the riding position exactly the same? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I bought a new 959 in May and swapped it for a 1299S in Sept.... I could have saved myself a lot of cash doing it straight off.
Yes, riding position is the same. They ride very similarly most of the time. I certainly wouldn't call the 1299 scary unless you provoke it.
The difference will be about £4K. I need to have a hard think and talk with the dealer. 1299 will be limited next year I believe. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
But if you trade a 959 in you will lose at least £2k, and the exhaust will cost at least £500 to sort.... so really it is only a £1.5k difference
A 1299 is a terrible bike for a newbie Ofcourse it depends on the rider, but they're a handful and they bite.
