959 New Bike Time 959/1299 Advice

1299. If you are worried about the power (no need to as electrics are brilliant) put it in low power (wet) mode, or better still, moderate your wrist.
959 are great (I have both) but with Akras you will be limited on what tracks you can take it on.

 

1299: 100 miles to the reserve (third of a tank left) is more like it.

 

This ^^^^^^

 

1299

 

I have a 959 and love it, but I’d go with the 1299 if budget allows, especially if you’re going to do track days on anything other than the short twisties like Brands Indy

 

if you're concerned with the power jump, then do as I did, and use the Low power mode to get used to it then move on to high and then Race mode.
you can also select a higher setting on the TC and DWC and this will limit power delivery and torque to the rear wheel.
if you buy the 959 and are already considering the 1299, then you may end up with buyers regret shortly after...

 

1299 I’d say but just keep the exhaust standard, too much drama with Trackdays in the uk.

 

1299 all day long. If you buy the 959 you will always have that what if question playing on your mind

 

So interestingly I faced this exact dilemma, rode both and went with the 1299. For me, I was coming at it with five years riding experience, two on an sv650 and then three on a GSXR750. I'd said to myself that the litre bikes didn't really appeal to me for road riding and that I didn't need more power than the 750 had, but like you wanted something with all the toys. I test road a 959 and coming from the gsxr, it didn't feel like enough of a step on. I was so comfortable on the gsxr that riding it was almost like second nature without really having to think. After an hour test ride on the 959 I felt really at home and comfortable but not challenged or excited by it, it actually almost felt slower than my gsxr did. I loved the way it looked and felt, but had this feeling that I could quickly reach the point of feeling that something was missing.

So in came the 1299 test ride and to be honest it half scared the shit out of me. I've ridden other big power bikes (r1, s1000rr, cbr1000, zzr1400) but this thing just put such a huge smile on my face the moment I rode it. Part of me realised that one of the things I love most about riding is the challenge and the learning, developing your skills and for me that's what the 1299 offered. I did as others have suggested, and took my time to learn the bike, leaving DWC and TC high for the first few rides until I started to get comfortable and then slowly bringing them down as I became more confident and comfortable. Yes it can be tricky in town, yes it gets effing hot, but I don't regret it at all.

Having now started track riding, part of me wishes that I'd gone for the 959 as I think I could have learnt more on the 959 and not been able to rely on the power, or really I should have got on track with the gsxr. So I would say test ride both if you can and see how you feel. The power hike to a 959 will be significant for you so I would say that might be the route to go, but I also know of others that have gone straight to litre bikes and have got on fine.

 

If the power really scares on track you can simply turn it down. That’s the great thing about the bigger bike. Just don’t tell your mates….

 

I will now religiously check yours

 

Mate mine will stay on wet mode, don’t you worry about that!! Or as it’s really called, 959 mode

 

your get used to the power, there actually easier on track, id love to track my r more.