1199R Feedback - worth upgrade from 1199s?

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thudson

Joined
Feb 10, 2012
Messages
80
Location
Mpls MN
I am considering on upgrading the 1199s w/abs (Full termi exhaust and stock gearing) to the 1199R.. I have not pulled the trigger on the purchase yet but in the process...

My background is not that technical as my riding style is back road street riding. I generally utilize the full hp and top end of my past bikes. Recently, I have enjoyed several track days with the Ducati group.. I'm hooked and continue to work on my technical skills as fellow Ducati riders have shared their experience. I'm headed to Willow Springs on April 22nd and 23rd for Keith Code's school to continue the learning curve on the BMW 1000rr.. I may not have the technical skill to use the bike on the track to it's full potential, I still have my friends with high end hp bikes that I need to continue to ride on weekends..

Pulling back to topic, I look forward to hearing feedback from the owners that have already received their R versions. Did you own the Panigale prior to the 'R' version? What difference is noticeable (mid range, top end...)? Does the 15/41 gearing with the extra 500 rpm's clean up the mid range and keep that top end?

Last, is the difference in the S vs R that noticeably different? Again, I understand there has been past threads that debated this subject but I would like to hear from the new owners and get their opinion! Thanks!
 
your not buying the R for its final 2% of improvement. You can do 15/41 on your current bike just as easily. . . You're getting the R for it's panache and your ego.

so there really is no point trying to justify it - if you want it and can afford it - then get it. It's really that simple. . . . there is no justification for it from where you're at and your ability.
 
anthem said:
your not buying the R for its final 2% of improvement. You can do 15/41 on your current bike just as easily. . . You're getting the R for it's panache and your ego.

so there really is no point trying to justify it - if you want it and can afford it - then get it. It's really that simple. . . . there is no justification for it from where you're at and your ability.
Click to expand...

Dito ;)
 
anthem said:
your not buying the R for its final 2% of improvement. You can do 15/41 on your current bike just as easily. . . You're getting the R for it's panache and your ego.

so there really is no point trying to justify it - if you want it and can afford it - then get it. It's really that simple. . . . there is no justification for it from where you're at and your ability.
Click to expand...

+2
 
anthem said:
your not buying the R for its final 2% of improvement. You can do 15/41 on your current bike just as easily. . . You're getting the R for it's panache and your ego.

so there really is no point trying to justify it - if you want it and can afford it - then get it. It's really that simple. . . . there is no justification for it from where you're at and your ability.
Click to expand...

+3
 
anthem said:
your not buying the R for its final 2% of improvement. You can do 15/41 on your current bike just as easily. . . You're getting the R for it's panache and your ego.

so there really is no point trying to justify it - if you want it and can afford it - then get it. It's really that simple. . . . there is no justification for it from where you're at and your ability.
Click to expand...

I would agree with you... It is Ego and my attempt to justify upgrading. I will not be changing the gearing on the "S" since I do not want to lose any power on the top end...

I guess the only real question is, "How much can my Ego afford?" :D
 
I got to ride the R today that my friend had just picked up and the things we both notice is:

1. The R spins up quicker due to the lighter fly wheel. (man does it spins up quickly). Almost too quick depending on how you ride.

2. Midrange power is about the same if you did the 41T rear mod. (we both concluded that My bike (Base) had more mid since I had the full Termi on. His Full Termi will be put on at the first service.

3. Top end - My Base hung right in there until the rev limiter kick on as the R started to pull away. (Lucky A-Hole for getting a unrestricted bike).

We both took turns riding his R against my base to compare notes. Next Sunday he will be going to our friends Dyno to see the power curve before the full Termi gets installed.

If you want the R it is bad .... Although I'm not thrilled with the polished Aluminum as I thought I would be, I Like the all Red or Tri better (Sexy). I don't think its worth an upgrade unless you plan on racing and doing some serious engine mods/tuning. This bike can be easily transformed into a race bike! I was the backup at the Ducati dealer just in case he back out and honestly I'm glad he didn't back out because I didn't feel it was that much more of an improvement. If you don't already own a Base/S/Tri then the R is the way to go.

Correction unless you have the white version ;)
 
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I'm no owner of an R, but I have spent a little time on the R and a little more on the S and yes, there's a noticeable difference. If it's lap times you're after, your money is better spent on what you're doing--track days and schools. But if you're looking for the extra grin factor and you aren't satisfied with anything less than the absolute best f'in bike Ducati offers, you will not be disappointed with the R.

Just keep in mind the R won't be the last great Panigale made. Other versions will follow.

Full review of the R is near the bottom on the following page for more info:

Coast to Coast (and back?) with an Italian Supermodel - Page 112 - ADVrider

And other than the MCN dude, every other journalist raved about the R, had ear to ear grins and they/we all acted like kids when they wouldn't allow just one more session. When guys who've ridden every bike ever made in the last 10 years want one more ride, well....draw your own conclusions.

All of the above aside, Scrapper X is pretty dead on. If I was going to buy a new Panigale, I wouldn't consider anything but the R. But at this point I am in no hurry to get rid of my S!
 
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When the new rules on modification in wsbk kick in, there might be an armsrace in the homologation models . If so, expext some RR verSions to come out. But also expect the prices to double as the gear they will put on will be much tricker. So this R wil def not be the last and mightiest .. And i would def upgrade to 41 and the flywheel .. That is what makes 80% of the kick .. Saving the low gearing for higher topspeed seems a bit odd as there are hardly any places on and of track where you hit the limiter in 6 . And till that limiter, it will cost you dearly in pick up ..

I would wait for further R developments .. As i dont want to wait one more year, i m developping my own RR .. But be sure there will be an official one ..
 
AntiHero said:
All of the above aside, Scrapper X is pretty dead on. If I was going to buy a new Panigale, I wouldn't consider anything but the R. But at this point I am in no hurry to get rid of my S!
Click to expand...

I think that sums it up nicely.
 
Wow.. the 996 was $24995 in 1999!!!..I did not know that.... what a bargain the 1199 is then...:)
 
Well, if money isn't a factor of course. There's an $8,000 difference after tax between the S and R up here in the Great White North (in my province anyway.) I was also uhming and ahhhing over getting the R, but honestly I just can't justify the extra expense considering I will mostly be using the bike on the street. I'd rather spend $8,000 on farkles and track days.
 
Good points from above.

Pretty much how I feel having a S.

I dont think can/should or willing to spend 60-80K for a bike. That is just too much for me. If I get something like that I will baby it and freak out if a "dust" gets on it.

I think 20-30k ish bike is perfect for me to throw around corners and not care as much.

Maybe few years from now, I will trade in my S for a newer R.
 
Last edited:
thudson said:
I would agree with you... It is Ego and my attempt to justify upgrading. I will not be changing the gearing on the "S" since I do not want to lose any power on the top end...

I guess the only real question is, "How much can my Ego afford?" :D
Click to expand...

your not going to lose anything really from the top end. Maybe a mph or 2 but thats about it. how long you going to be doing 180 for
 

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