You have to be completely off the throttle and going fast enough. Not saying you weren't. But just from my findings today.
285k at the end of Almeria back straight. Trust me the throttle was shut :fearscream::fearscream::fearscream::fearscream:
There's and elephant in the room... It's the RSV4 which for me has the 'special' aspect and probably just as good as the BMW? I'm yet to ride either but agree that the 899 is aimed more at people that call 150hp their limit. A guy at work has the same bike and he is still absolutely in love with it after a year of serious mileage! P
For my needs the RSV4 is more like the Panigale so it's not really an option. The RSV4 looks to have the cornering and small dimensions that benefit the BMW on track but it doesn't have the sure footedness of the BMW on iffy road conditions.
Something about the 899. Too much power can ruin a bike for me, i'm not saying that's the case with the bigger Panis or S1k etc. But I get more enjoyment from riding or driving slower machines fast than fast machines quickly. When I ride the 899 I feel like it's me, when I ride the Beamer I'm aware that the bike is far, far better than I am. The 899 makes me smile, a lot. It's by no means perfect, but it's addictive and great fun. I'm pretty attached to my baby Panigale. I enjoy the raw(er) experience of the Duc, it's really rewarding to ride I think. But it's each to their own as always. I still think the 899 is more 'special' than the beamer. But will agree that the BMW technically is a better option depending on your wants.
I can fully understand that point of view and have really considered going down the smaller bike route. I just mean that I consider the S1000RR a very different bike as it's a big bike.
100% agree mate. They are completely different and both fantastic within their categories. There is something awesome about 'mid weight' bikes. But you can't deny how great that bmw is. I've never felt so confident on a bike in such a short time before as I did today on that BMW.
@royalwithcream Whilst walking to the kitchen this sprung to my mind.... For me it's more about the journey getting somewhere than how fast I can get there. It's the experience. That's what 'I' get from the 899.
Completely agree. I competed in an underpowered drift car for many years before getting into biking with exactly that mentality. I guess it's nice to be able to go for the more powerful machines with the bikes as I couldn't afford it with the cars. My first bike was a CBR600f and I had a lot of fun smashing the hell out of that for the couple months and several thousand miles I had it for. I've seriously considered a smaller bike over the last few months, it was only really because I expected to do lots of miles that the bigger bike seemed a better option. I'd love an 899/959 or a Triumph 675.
Yep I grew up here and love this coast, we've climbed loads around the area as well so it always brings good memories.
@Royal mentioned the Panigales longer wheelbase provided more stability & I appreciate this is a major factor, however is it possible the electronic suspension on his 1199s helps with this?(@Royal , I welcome your comments ). In other words, did you notice a perceived reduction in stability of s1k against your standard 899 or in fact the opposite?
Now Royal is a much more accomplished track rider than me, so may be able to elaborate more. The first noticeable thing is that the BMW tips in more effortlessly, it's also in my opinion a more natural feeling faster peel in. I wouldn't call it fidgety, it gave me a lot of confidence in it. You can also get on the power really early on the beamer and drive it through the bends. With regards to the stability, I wouldn't say I noticed an issue but then i didnt really do motorways. The rear end is pretty tail happy under braking, certainly more 'fruity' than my duc. I feel pretty confident in jamming the anchors on with the panigale and know the rear end is pretty predictable. The bmw under moderately hard braking had the tail end snaking about I'd say a fair bit. I wasn't touching the rear brake FYI, I understand the duc has link abs, unsure about the bmw but it surprised me. I did some fairly high speed stuff and some severely hard acceleration. I noticed some shock pump coming out of one bend on one occasion, but the front end is pretty predictable even when pushing on. As is the rear (other than previously mentioned). Can't say I ever noticed it feeling head shakey. Does that help mate?
BMW are great. You can usually have it for most of the day like I did. I think you'll like it mate, I was very impressed with it.
