Not ridden the 1299 base or S myself. But suspect main differences are suspension feel and the way the 1199 R engine spins up and develops power. One of the guys I know riding a 1299 says the engine breaking of the 1199 catches him out when he is behind me (although it is adjustable in the riding modes).
I've only ridden the R for 70 miles so far, and it's not likely to see much more use before next Summer. Immediate impressions on the road are that the R has a firmer and more composed suspension setup. That's a good thing - the 1299 often felt lively and wayward when pushed. Engine wise, less low down grunt than the 1299. A much more pronounced power surge at c.6/7krpm. Freer revving throughout, and much happier at five figures. That being said, outright power/speed is on par, but it makes for quite a different power profile and character. Much more focused. I'm sure others can speak from broader and more extensive experience.
Been tracking/racing mine since new. Way too soft for me, at the front especially (around 14.5st when kitted up).
So would you say in a quarter mile race it would be a draw? If so, doesn’t that make the 1299 great value for money
No idea! I believe the gearing is different so that may advantage the R in a drag race. Interesting video here with comparisons of the dyno graphs for the Panigale R, 1299R FE & standard 1299: Peak power is 181bhp for the 1299 & 185bhp for both of the R models. Both 1299 bikes had a big advantage in the midrange over the 1200cc R. The same dyno had the V4S at 188bhp. That obviously doesn't tell the whole story, but there's not a lot in it between any of them!
Owning an R isn't about a drag race. If you want that, buy that Kawasaki monstrosity. It’s about owning the best v twin ever built, both engine and chassis wise, and sold to plebs like us.
Hello. My 1198SP is sold, and replaced by a Panigale R. Another for the running total I think. I don't plan to use it until the weather improves - Next year? Tom.
Thanks, its a great bike. I bought it from a dealer near Burnley. I've got some parts to fit during the winter, mainly bike protection, but I'm happy just to look at it until the weather improves. It looks and sounds superb. Tom.
