Its the bloody low down bit that I love most about Ducati's. I want big gobs of low down torque. I'm too scared of high end torque lol.
Went from 1198s with full system and bst wheels to base line 1199. These bikes are worlds apart.. My 1198 would loft the front wheel every where felt slightly heavy in the corners and had massive low end grunt. The 1199 pushes most power from 8000rpm and is docile prior. Its a hoot when you are WOT and can really push your senses. Both awesome bikes.
I went for a test ride for 30mins at a (fairly) civilised speed and although impressed i was not fully stirred enough to buy. On the way back I decided to stick in some more petrol and went for a faster thrashing and I fell in love with the bike. I dont think it really shows it's full character until you start to nail it over 7-8k rpm. I guess it's a little tricky to sell as both yourself and the dealer dont want to risk you wrecking the bike, but it doesn't really sell itself until you really give it some beans. If I'd only rode at slower speed and/or on bumpy roads then I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have bought one, but they really come alive later. Another thing I've noticed is that I'm a lot happier at lower speeds now I've done a bunch of miles on it and got used to the sensitive throttle.
I have to say I recently tested a Monster 1200 and even though it's a de-tuned 1198 engine it still felt much more grunty and scary than the 1199. I agree that the 1199 is pretty serious bit of kit once it get's revving but I would gladly trade the top end for smoother middle. Obviously Ducati don't care about that, the whole architecture has been designed so that when they up the revs for race use they can get the power out of it. Maybe in future they will go an 'R' with much revier engine and then an 1199 for road where it revs to 2k less rpm but makes gobs more torque
I would have bought one, however, I learnt pong pigg had so i decided that I was a worthless cause chasing a gixxer boi. :Chicken:
Yesterday I thought I would have a ride over to Italia Moto at Lincoln and check out the 1199, so that is what I did. The ride through town on my 1098 is agony and a little scary to be honest because the race ecu that was fitted with the Termis is so lumpy low down that a lot of the time I am in 1st gear to smooth it out and consequently find myself gripping the throttle so tight so I don't inadvertently blip it and really scare myself. All the weight on my wrist's and I am now starting to question my own sanity. Is this pleasure? Eventually, I managed to get past the A1 roundabout and find some open road. Strewth! She comes into her own here and the wrist pain has gone, the smile is back, the adrenaline is flowing, the bike feels smooth, rocket like above 6krpm, we are one again. Looking at the odometer I see $@*mph, goodness me I love this bike. Twisting, turning, braking, accelerating with ease but this girl needs respect, treat her with a cautious mind! We arrive at Italia Moto. Walking round the showroom I eye the latest that is on offer, nice but not in my opinion dressed like the girl that is outside waiting for me. My heart sinks! I am being unfaithful! Turning 180 degrees I head for the door and see her in all her glory. The reason I purchased a 1098 and an 848 is because to me they look uber sexy and epitomise what Ducati is. Why have I left so soon after coming all this way? The truth being that I could not wait to ride her again. I turn the key and she roars to life and even makes the guy with the latest 1199 look my way. I am home, grinning, can't stop staring and wondering at her. She is on the axle stand now and with her Ducati cover on, boy, she still looks good, I am in love. No more thoughts on the 1199, not as voluptuous as my girl. Will I ever part with her? I don't think so. A very,very true story.
Wish I hadn't just read that. Missing my 1098s now, nevermind, my new (old) bike will be in the garage soon.
Yeah, I miss my old 1098 if I'm honest, I love my 1199 and wouldn't part with it but I do still pine for the 1098 even with all it's angriness and scariness you can't get away from the fact it's a very exciting bike to ride!.
As my only previous Ducati was an ST4 about five years ago I cannot compare with the 848/1098 and the only negative thing I can report in my first 650 miles of 1199 ownership is my arse gets very hot ! Other than that it has impeccable manners and is faster than faeces off a shovel
