traded in my 1198s last year for a multi GT all the goodies. Shit i miss the 1198 would get another in a hart beat (wallet allowing)
Don't think it's the crash bungs so much as the holes in the fairings they create. I know from my SS / 748 / 749s ownership, those daft bits of plastic ain't easy to come by in the right spec / colour and so boring a flipping great pair of holes in a pristine set beggars belief!
Steve, this is a really interesting thread with some really good advice. I'm really impressed with the resounding vote for the 1198. The only thing I would say is go and ride them before you buy. You've got to live with it and ride it. This is what happened to me. I was riding an ST4 (still got it, great road bike). Off I went to Snell's and test rode a 1098. After 50 yards I knew I couldn't live with it. At 6 foot I was too much on my hands. To say I was gutted was an understatement. I had a good blast on it though. At your height you may be fine. I got back to Snell's, told them about my disappointment and they promptly put me on a Panigale. To say it was instant deep love would be an understatement. After a while man logic thankfully got me over the price differential and it's been many happy smiles ever since. I've also been a fan of Snell's since and a loyal customer but that's besides the point. Royalwithcream raises a good point about the smaller Panigale's. They're a good ride and in your budget but the residual won't be as good as the 1198 I wouldn't think. Now, I'm not trying to persuade you away from the 1198 by any means, it's a great bike but you need to ride it or any other bike before you make up your mind. You can read all this great advice on here but only you know what you're happy with. Hope you enjoy whatever you decide.
