i really did mean a coupE tho, not the soccer mom model
The coupes feel like sardine cans. I can't stand climbing in and out of them and they can't carry golf clubs, can't tow a vehicle, etc. Tried them and hated them.
This one has 400hp and 400ft/lbs of torque and can pull a trailer while having golf clubs in the back. No complaints.
The coupes feel like sardine cans. I can't stand climbing in and out of them and they can't carry golf clubs, can't tow a vehicle, etc. Tried them and hated them.
This one has 400hp and 400ft/lbs of torque and can pull a trailer while having golf clubs in the back. No complaints.
I find it really amusing to see how hard people are trying to justify that the Panigale is not a great street bike and that any one who bought one for street riding is a muppet in denial. I do not do track days and love the Dragon Lady as a street bike, in fact I have done more than 24 000 km's on the street on her, a lot of it doing commuting and all the chicks I had on the back of her love her as well saying she is a wonderful street ride, be it short or long trips so there... to ArseHammer with them all. (I think all of those gents are Rossi fans anyways so who cares).
Thanks all for the lively debate. Keep it coming!
I agree with Chaotic's point about people coming to forums for validation for decisions they've already made. I see it in firearms forums all the time. However, in this case I really haven't decided.
In reading all that I can, it seems the the 1199R is either 1) a gutless wonder below 10,000 rpm, 2) so scary that if you so much as look at it wrong you will end up wearing the fairing as a hat, or 3) so cantankerous that it just wants to light your ... on fire and leave you stalled out on the side of the road.
I know none of that is 100% right, so I'm here to try to figure out how good or bad it really is to ride on the back roads.
I have an R1200GS, among others. I don't need a multi-function bike or a commuter or an ideal street bike. I don't go to coffee shops. I drove my 911 Turbo all winter long through Colorado snow. I work on my own stuff, usually. My favorite car has no radio and punches you in the kidneys if you hit a bad expansion joint. Most think I'm "not quite right" and are probably right about that. I don't need to save the price difference to a less expensive bike and invest it (although this is great practical advice).
So, what I want to know is, "Is the 1199R rideable on the street, knowing the inconveniences, or would I just hate it as an unruly, unreliable beast?"
Take it from someone who owns this years R. If you have your heart set on it, then get it. I was backwards and forwards between the R and the 1299s. Got the R, wouldn't change it for the world.
Forget all this street/track nonsense that people keep banging on about. A) they haven't ridden the 2015 R on the street, and B) they are both 205 bhp machines, neither of them are going to be perfect street bikes to everyone. As for dangerous? Well f*ck me you can get killed on a 125cc machine if you're stupid.
If I had the cash to have a second bike for the street, it wouldn't be any sort of Panigale that's for sure. In fact I nearly bought a scrambler, but why buy something that will make me do less miles on the bike I already have and absolutely love?!?!
Basically, it's no more or less manageable then last years R, it's actually much better for me personally as I now have mechanical suspension, but that's a personal preference. It will need proper attention and setting up though, I aint going to lie, it's a hard ride out of the crate. But I'm a small guy, 5' 8" and 160 lbs so I needed it a little softer. No problem now though. Fuelling seems to be fine, a little clutch control works wonders at low rpm, but the gearing on the R is finer which helps a lot, I noticed this with last years R over the S. The throttle is broad and manageable too, I put the slack removal kit in there and it works wonders, but certainly more than enough range to be able to ride sensibly and safely when you want/need to.
If you want it, get it. You won't be disappointed. It handles everything on the street just as well as the 1299s for sure and on the track it's off the chain.
Ultimately, it's just down to personal choice. Don't let these forum conversations put you off. Yes it has quirks, but so do all the rest. You only have to read some of the threads to hear about the woes of 1299 owners trying to re-map and change 'snatchy throttle' on a bike before it's hardly run in. The R is no different, but if you can live with it, put up with the heat and the firm ride it's a fantastically rewarding bike and for those days where you get the chance to really open it up....... well then everything I've just said will make sense
PA would you facilitate a meeting please.
