Advice, opinion?

I am hoping to buy an 1199 this spring ( fell in love with them this past summer, while my friend was buying an 848). Just unsure of the model to buy (base,S,tri,R). I understand the price difference, however. From the stand point of "bang for buck " factor. I have read some opinions that the base model is the way to go, you just need to swap out for better suspension. Electronic adjustable suspension isn't absolutely needed. Some recommend that the R might be a better a choice due to the fact that it was given more midrange torque, a better all around bike ( track, commuter). And of course there is the S/Tri. From my understanding all 2013 models will come with ABS as standard. And I have read a few posts about improved exhuast shield on the 2013 models. But I haven't found anything official about the exhaust shield. Curious on what actual owner/riders think. Thanks in advance....

I am sure you will get a lot of opinions, but I just wanted to chime in on the 2013 heat shield question since I have a 2013. The shield is exactly the same as the 2012. I keep hearing that Ducati is releasing an improved one, but haven't seen one yet.

Provide some more detail around what you'll be using the bike for and personal preferences and I'm sure you'll get no shortage of opinions
- %'s for commuting, touring, weekend vs daily driver, and track
- types of roads: rural vs city, freeway vs twisties
- level of importance: exclusivity without regards to cost vs bang-for-your-buck; performance over looks or vice-versa?
- will you mod the bike regardless of model? I.e are you the type that will personalize the bike, custom paint, and change OEM parts regardless if you get an R, Tri, or a base? And based on the previous question, will your mods likely be for aesthetics or for performance or both? In other words, if you're the type, like a lot of us, that knows you'll drop another 5, 10, or 20k+ on the bike to get it dialed to just how you like it then factor that figure into the total cost of whichever model you choose and make sure you're ok with that number - and be honest

The good thing is, whether you get a base, S, Tri or R it's a win-win-win-win scenario.

Cheers mate

A bit dangerous asking for "Advice/Opinions" on this Forum.

I agree TricolorSF in that the definition a "Bang for Buck" differs for each individual based on a number of factors and no matter which bike you get will be fantastic.

For instance, I have the S but could easily justify R as providing more bang for buck based on the "upgrades" included, considering that more than 50% of my riding is on the track. Likewise, If I was looking at getting a 1199 now, I would consider getting the Base and spend the difference on upgrading the suspension. Don't get me wrong, the Ohlins and DES on the S/Tri is good kit, especially for those who do both track a road work, but still requires "tuning" for the rider.

however, though I could probably make a better 1199 for me out of the base with suspension upgrades for the same price as the S; as my usual bike turnover rate is two to three years, there is no way I could expect to recap the difference spent on upgrading the Base suspension when it comes time to sell.

I consider the best bang for buck on these lines:

R Model- only if you were going to add the full Termi system and all the carbon bits included in the R to an S model. At the list prices, this would include the Ti Con rods and 500 more revs for only ~$2k more.

Tri - If you are only going to add termi slip ons and a DDA to an S ABS but really like the looks of the Tri for ~$2k more.

S - If you like the Ohlins and DES and don't want to spend the bucks/time to upgrade the Base.

Base - If you are not bothered about the Ohlins/DES bilng factor and only do moderately fast road work and/or the occasional track day - Or If you're mostly looking for the track and want the upgrade finely tune your suspension. For the road, the Base suspension is not bad kit, though the difference can be felt when ridden back to back with an S at a "spirited" pace.

Awesome comments so far, thanks everyone.

I had a feeling the heat shield hasn't been upgraded yet.

I will use this bike more for commute,everyday rider. Might see a track day, maybe.
The roads where I tend to be in Ct are more twisty (legal speed limits 35-50 mph) to highway. I try and stay away from city if I can.

I have been shooting for the S with ABS. Not sure with the type of riding that I do that I need the quick access to adjust suspension, or maybe I do? I like the cosmetics of the Tri, love the cosmetics of the R. The plain red is okay on the base/S. White is not for me.

I usually am not into to many mods, I will go to a Race Seat, shrink the tail/plate mount, larger OEM wind screen. And if someone else recommends something, I would definitely consider it.

As you "love the cosmetics of the R", you get the base or S and and install a Corse graphics kit..

Motorbike Stickers Kit Ducati 1199 Panigale Corse - Westickers

If you are mostly gonna use the bike on the Conn. streets then with the rougher surface you may be happier with the base suspension. The base model seems to be more forgiving.
I bought the S model because I am using it more on the track and mountain roads. The only reason I did this was because the base 1098 suspension was crap and I was very disappointed with the bike. But from what I've read the Base 1199 has leaps better suspension than the xx98 series. And I missed my Ohlins from my 996.
Also if you aren't going to use or need all the extra options that the S/Tri/R carry then I would suggest you're gonna be happier with the base 1199. (or at least your wallet will be happier) Take the extra cash to spend on any extras that you would want. IE: seat, windscreen, new riding gear etc.

But as stated earlier, you can't ever go wrong with any of them. Enjoy the ride!

i tell you, i have just been out on my new 2012 1199 tricolore and it gets everyone's attention , you get all the goody's including termi pipes and you can get a deal i got 2000 of the list price , i honestly feel like in riding a desmo . why pay all that money for a r model when the std or the s and my tricolore has way enough power , i went for the tricolore because if you add up all the extra,s you get and need its worth paying that little bit more and the tricolore is quite a rare bike compared to std.all the best lee

Base w/ABS $19k, Ohlin TTXII rear shock $1k, Termi Slip On $2k. Your bike will ride 99% like the Tri, for $6k less. Tax & License varies by state.

I agree with this comment, the base suspension is great and forgiving, and you can have your dealer set it up once for you and tweak it from there if you need to

gman74 said:

If you are mostly gonna use the bike on the Conn. streets then with the rougher surface you may be happier with the base suspension. The base model seems to be more forgiving.
I bought the S model because I am using it more on the track and mountain roads. The only reason I did this was because the base 1098 suspension was crap and I was very disappointed with the bike. But from what I've read the Base 1199 has leaps better suspension than the xx98 series. And I missed my Ohlins from my 996.
Also if you aren't going to use or need all the extra options that the S/Tri/R carry then I would suggest you're gonna be happier with the base 1199. (or at least your wallet will be happier) Take the extra cash to spend on any extras that you would want. IE: seat, windscreen, new riding gear etc.

But as stated earlier, you can't ever go wrong with any of them. Enjoy the ride!

Click to expand...

and if you have to have ohlins in front you can always get the ohlins fork cartridges (around $1200 a set?)

jyli19 said:

Base w/ABS $19k, Ohlin TTXII rear shock $1k, Termi Slip On $2k. Your bike will ride 99% like the Tri, for $6k less. Tax & License varies by state.

Click to expand...

All great advice. You can't really go wrong with any choice. Pick the bike that moves you the most. As it was said, it's win, win, win with any of them.

Thanks everyone for the great sound advice. This will be my first Ducati, first sport twin. I've been riding many Japanese motorcycles over the years. When my friend wanted to look at the 848, I always thought Ducati was over priced, paying for the name. After spending a few days at the dealership in RI going over the bikes with my friend, my idea of Ducati changed. The attention to detail, craftsmanship was impressive. I understand their not perfect, none are. But there is a difference between the Japanese and Ducati. I haven't been close enough to any MV Agusta's to get an impression. Maybe they are to exotic. ANYWHO, I'm getting off topic. I will attend the International Motorcycle show in New York on the 18th, this will probably hinder, not help, the decision making process. But should be fun.....

Thanks everyone

For what your intentions are I would recommend the base model as well. I have rode mine in all types of road conditions and it works superb if you have it set up for your weight. Good luck with your decision! Glad to see another determined rider cross over to the dark side!

elitesoldier357 said:

For what your intentions are I would recommend the base model as well. I have rode mine in all types of road conditions and it works superb if you have it set up for your weight. Good luck with your decision! Glad to see another determined rider cross over to the dark side!

Click to expand...

Shouldnt that read, "...crossed over FROM the dark side?"

jyli19 said:

Base w/ABS $19k, Ohlin TTXII rear shock $1k, Termi Slip On $2k. Your bike will ride 99% like the Tri, for $6k less. Tax & License varies by state.

Click to expand...

Yea, and with the knockoff $50 decal kit will look like one too, right Gunny?

I bought a 2012 S when it came out and love it. The tri wasn't for me, and didn't want to wait for the R. I thought the R was going to have more to offer and be more expensive, so it has really nothing to offer me, and I do not reget getting the S. Besides after having a couple of R's Im over the R thing. Today the S is one hell of a bike, and if I was racing, I would pick the base, no need for leds and electronics.

Just to reinforce whats already been said. Your buying into an experience no other bike out there will give you and that includes other Ducati"s. It doesn"t really matter which you get thats personal. All the bikes have the same underpinnings. Engine,lack of chassis and so on. its a real marvel of modern engineering. You wont be disappointed. The s model is probably best value as its got the lighter wheels too. Good move hombre.

I purely commute and went with the Tri, but I was very in love with the graphics (and LED lights), that alone could have swayed me. I do love the electronic suspension (and certainly the ABS, but I will note that I'm having to pay for a different spring in the suspension. It is a spring for about a 190lb person stock, and I'm 160 with full gear. Very stiff, even with electronics fully adjusted to soften. So maybe somebody on here can say if this is not the case with the base, as it is said the suspension is more forgiving if you are a lighter person. I still love the Tri, but it's never too pleasant having to pay to tweak a very expensive bike.

Well I'm sad to say that I am 6'2" and weigh 250lbs. Maybe I should have stated that " my mom says I'm husky "..... My doc wished I weighed less, I keep encouraging him to keep wishing, maybe it will help...