2014 Super-Middleweight Sportbike Shootout

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transdesigner said:
Quite interesting that the 899 won in that comparison, and came in last in the below comparison. Just goes to show the differences in personal preferences I guess, even when the reviewers create rating category charts and try to be "objective".

2014 Light-Heavyweight Supersport Shootout - Motorcycle USA
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Maybe not that surprising, considering the typically close contests in these shootouts and the differences in focus of the two reviews. The new MC.com comparison had all the bikes on Rosso Corsa street tires and included street riding in their results tally, while the MCUSA test was track only, done on Supercorsa SC's using two benchmark riders (Waheed representing the trackday heros and Jason Pridmore the truly fast guys) plus data logging equipment to remove as much subjectivity as possible.

With Ducati themselves touting the more street-focused nature of the 899, it only stands to reason that a more street-oriented test would show it in a better light.

The real story of these tests to me is how well the old 750 Gixxer is standing up. While it got the new 600 chassis three years ago, the motor hasn't been changed in ages - no need to with zero competition in the middle range. It'll be interesting to see what they do in a year or two now that they have some playmates to keep up with and are plowing back into MotoGP with a crossplane I-4...

<edit> Just wanted to add that since MCUSA used the same track and test protocol as their 2011 Supersport and Superbike tests it makes for interesting comparisons. Both their testers (Waheed in all but Pridmore vs Steve Rapp in the older ones) went quicker on the 899 than on ANY of the Superbikes in 2011. In fact, all the supermids went quicker than the literbikes (all on Power Ones) and a LOT quicker than the Supersports (on D211 GP-A's!).

Goldilocks effect? :cool:
 
Last edited:
transdesigner said:
Quite interesting that the 899 won in that comparison, and came in last in the below comparison. Just goes to show the differences in personal preferences I guess, even when the reviewers create rating category charts and try to be "objective".

2014 Light-Heavyweight Supersport Shootout - Motorcycle USA
Click to expand...

What I found particularly interesting was that many of the features they favored on the 899 (corning stability, excellent handling, superior traction control and quick shifting, looks, etc.) are also present in the 1199. It's nice to see the Panigale design continue to receive the credit it deserves - even if it is on the junior model.
 
I actually think that people want the 899 to win. Damn those who equate beauty to goodness, ( I know that's a famous quote, but don't know from who).

Having said that, I think the 899s handling and beauty give it the honors. Power band,well, there is no one on this forum that hasn't modded their 1199 for power. 899 owners will do the same. I like the 899 and hope that Ducati releases an evo model with all the goodies.
 

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