1299s Reliability

Stay_Shmackin said:

I know this has been talked about and I've read mixed reviews on the 1299 reliability. Now that we've had a good amount of time with the 1299 out, what's the verdict on reliability? I'm coming from an 1199. I loved the bike, the feel, the looks, etc. but I did have a few little things here and there that made me consider going back to one of the big 4. Valve covers leaked, fork seals , and a few other little things. Nothing crazy by any means. Just little stuff that always put thoughts in the back of my head that something else would go wrong. Any comments or thoughts are welcomed. Currently debating between a low mileage 1299s, 2018+ GSXR1000R, and a 2019+ ZX10r. Will be daily driven as well as twistys and maybe some track time. Mainly spirited riding, I have other bikes. Thank you all in advance.

Sent from my moto g(7) using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

SpartanGA said:

I’ll be honest that I’d be concerned to own one without extended warranty. I’ve had leaking valve covers and radiator fan issues. Minor but less than 10k miles.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

Paul G said:

There is no contest with cost and reliability over the longer term if your comparing Jap bikes to Euros, even S1000's have had issues. The 1299 has been for me an awesome bike with pretty much no issues. Forums tend to over represent faults as people mostly come to them to solve problems.

Click to expand...

V4Missile said:

I've owned a few Jap bikes, each has had issues. TL1000s broke its gearbox, 05 ZX10R had a faulty ignition immobiliser, both had poor suspension! Currently have a '16 Pani base model, have put 15000 miles on her in 2 and a half years. The big services are expensive, but the smaller less so. Suspension on the base is not great, IMHO. I've fitted Ohlins F & R after reading about the bladder in the forks failing. Those other bikes mentioned, although extremely competent, and do many things as well or better than the Duc's, but as you know, the feel and ownership experience from your 1199 is quite something. And the 1299 adds a whole pile of mid range punch, and the 'improved package' made me go for that over the 1199. No contest either in the beauty pageant! Just opening the garage door to the Ducati is still something 2 1/2 years later.

Click to expand...

kickarsmann said:

I had a 2014 1199R and what your concerns are exactly what I experienced. I put 15k miles on it and visited the dealer many many times for valve cover leaks, coolant leaks, air box vent leaking due to pressure build up. Quick shifter issues, countless false neutrals, random shut offs when I pull in the clutch. Fueling issues even with the up map. Sputters a lot when riding slow and in traffic.

It’s been 6 years and I still remember those issues.
It’s a awesome bike when it works but gotta have deep pockets. Each dealer visit is minimal 2-3 hours x $120 an hour.

It would leak oil after each session at the track, I just didn’t have confidence knowing my bike had these issues, false neutral is the scariest thing of all. When you pull in the clutch to downshift and the bike shutting off. FTS.

If you want performance and have reliability, get a BMW. I now have 2016 S1000R 13k miles, 2018 s1000R 18k miles and 2019 S1000Rr with 5k miles. No issues whatsoever. Parts prices are fair for premium bike and service is relatively simple compared to Japanese bikes.

Hope my 2 cents helped.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

Slow said:

I've got a 2015 1299.
Bren tune and termi slip ons. only minor issue's I've had is air in clutch. small wrench in tail fixes that quick.
fork seals had minor issues probably from slamming front down by accident a few times.
Always starts,runs and no issue's on the road. Still have the original battery in it.

Click to expand...

Stay_Shmackin said:

That's very good to hear. Definitely more good stories than bad. Still haven't made my mind up yet. Honestly leaning towards the GSXR tho.

Sent from my moto g(7) using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

V4Missile said:

Had two Aprilia RSV4's, great bikes, fabulous to ride and look at! I put about 15000 miles on the pair of them almost without problems. I did worry about the valves and top end reliability. I would only buy a new one with the Wheels of Peterborough lifetime guarantee though. Dave

Click to expand...

Paul G said:

Two different bikes, if you want to track the gixxer is excellent, cheap., plenty of parts and friendly to ride plus boring. If you want an "experience" there is nothing to compare to the twin, not in looks sound or how it makes you feel but its going to cost more. This is a Ducati board, youre in the wrong place to be talking gixxers btw.

Click to expand...

Slow said:

I had a 18 gsxr1000R. Wasn't a bad bike but serious vibrations. Would numb me.
Traded that is for a Aprilia RSV4. The Aprilia is 1000% better.

Click to expand...