Hi all, first post here! I currently own a blade which is a few years old now, has no tc, abs or any other aids and churns out just under 190bhp. Its a great bike but with the latest bikes now out really embracing new technology I'm interested in a new bike. Ive done a bit of racing but only do track days now and have had a look at the latest R1, BMW and strangely they don't do much for me. Having looked at the 1299 it struck me what a lovely looking bike, its totally different to any bike i had before and i started to think it would make a refreshing change. Ive been to JHP and had a chat with the chaps there for some guidance and have read as many posts as i can. So I'm hatching a plan to buy a base 1299, front and rear suspension off to MCT for correct springs/valving with the rear shock likely being binned, set of track fairings, rear sets, clip ons, my favourite conti tyres and away i go. I am a little nervous about the noise levels and am wondering whether the panigale noise 'dispensation' i have heard about exists at all tracks and is known about by all noise testers but want to give it a go. So am hoping i can get some advise of other things i need to consider in running one of these beasts, gearing, maintenance, other track mods that need or should be done etc. Any help much appreciated. Thanks
I've seen a few lads on track with 1199 this year so they do get on so add croft and Anglesey to the allowed list. I think the bikes are pretty much ready from the off for the track from what I've seen. Obviously if you have money to burn you could add race fairings etc but they don't need them.
First things first, a big V twin isn't going to ride like a JIL4 and although it might be a stupid question, have you ridden a modern Ducati ? Your racing and track day experience is going to be the best guide because handling is the same for any bike. Yes, suspension set up for you and your riding style and rear sets for a comfortable riding position but IMO you need to ride the bike before you think about outright performance enhancements. The measurement of noise is still a thorny issue because each track seems to have its own "specialist". MSV at Brands tell the Panigale boys to lean their bikes over so the exhaust is parralell to the ground and pass them. Sadly 105 & 108db days are few. If a Ducati is the one for you, you had better have deep pockets not because everything is expensive (and it is) it's a disease that you just don't know when to stop. Andy
Thanks for your replies, my blade isn't really difficult to ride without any aids, it's a big pussycat really and I'm no riding god that's for sure! It's true I have never ridden an old ducati let alone a new one just thought it would be nice to try something totally different and with some character. Guess I need to get a go on one but so far I'm struggling to find anyone who thinks it's a good idea, with the most popular response being 'buy an R1'. Judging by the amount of times john Hopkins punched the fuel tank in the last race at oulton park last weekend perhaps they are right
Firstly, John rides an 1199 with a motec system not designed for the panigale and a bike full of untested parts... Secondly, the 1299 is meant to be way better out the crate than an 1199 not only in chassis but power delivery All I kmow is, if the chassis is as good as an 899, its as good as my ohlins and ktech 1000 gixer easily and way easier to ride... If I had the money, I would go 1299 and dump the 170hp gixer
A better measure is the sold out Ducati track days organised by Ducati UK and the CSBS at Donnington and Silverstone. Over 300 track day enthusiasts all riding a Ducati of one model or another on the day and people being turned away. If you want to dip your toe into the water, get an ex 848 challenge bike, not the power you are used to but still a class lap record holder against the 899s at one or two tracks still. You could also try a 1098/1198, there are plenty of good value bikes to be had. Andy
if you are looking for character, a ducati will fit the bill. To me, its about the best feeling, and the most fun, not the best lap times, ducati wins hands down, you will love the engine, and the 1299 is easier to ride than the 1199, which can be very interesting . I would just remove the oem panels, and wrap them up for future use, get some cheap replica set off fleabay, and crash bungs, and enjoy yourself.
If by any chance you and your blade are at Rockingham this Saturday you can have a go on my 1198, of course you bin it you've bought it,
Ignore the pessimists on here! I track the 1199s regularly and whilst the 1299 is said to be easier to deal with at low speeds in particular I dont think it's going to be that much different on track (other than better) to the 1199s. It's good to go out of the crate and will only get better with the suspension upgraded but I dont think that is even necessary unless going race pace or doing a lot of long sessions. They are definitely not as easy to ride as the Blade which you can just jump on and ride fast but it's well worth the perseverance needed to learn to ride them and once you get it you'll be quicker than on the Blade and with a much bigger smile. The main difference for me is that the bike is very slim and very sensitive to weight shifts so it takes a while to learn how best to position yourself on the bike and you can find yourself in odd positions trying to work it out. Track fairings are a bargainous £500 from Ducati and come with all the light brackets and electronic plug blanks. After riding on track with stock fairings for six months it became obvious it would be less trouble if I fitted the track ones. 1199 - Ducati Track Fairings - Fitting Phots | Ducati Forum I went up a couple teeth on the rear sprocket (and changed the steering head angle) but the 1299 already comes with both of those so you should be good for gearing at most tracks. Feel free to pm if you need any info. I'm not very experienced but I am riding towards the top end of fast group so hopefully can answer a few questions. Take a look at my youtube for vids on track, and some phots on my page on this forum:
