Loved my 899 and miss it a lot , love my 1299 almost as much,the 1299 is only better at warp speed and there you have the answer the 899 lacks that oooooooooh fuck me top end, still faster on my multi on our shit roads.
iv seen a 2015 1299 with 500 miles up for £13850 ono private sale which seems very good. the problem is price varys so much as theres 1199s with 9k miles going for that in dealers.
Which ever you go for you will love it. If I were driven by looks I think I'd stretch to an 1199/1299S. Single sided swing arm plus Ohlins bling . I'd look for the lowest miles and best condition, don't just rush in and buy whats on your doorstep, If you have cash on the hip you will be in a great position to trap the right bike. When I bought my 748R I waited ages for the right bike to come along and I travelled up and down the country to land it.
When I bought the 1198 I knew the 848 was regarded as a better road bike. I also knew I would think I settled if I got the smaller bike, even though it would have suited me better. I went the same logic with my current bike - a 1299S.
perfect logic i have looked at the 848 , think they look amazing, about 6k cheaper,theres loads about , makes perfect sense..........therefor im going to view a 1299 later
Totally agree, I've owned quite a few sports bikes, couldn't ride any of them as quick ( confidently ) as I can my multi on the road
If you're throwing the 848 into the hat, I actually preferred my 848 to my 959. It had more character and was a more exciting ride (to me anyway). However, sit one next to a panigale now and they are starting to look a little dated.
I'm not saying that the smaller version is always inferior - I have a 2litre car rather than the 2.8 quicker version. However, for things that don't need to 'practical' (not that a petrol Z4 is For my 600 mile trip to and from work!) I decided to get the bike I want and would be happy with.
