Base or S?

I did my homework and researched both model. I know about the differences but I would like to know for an owner of each model if it is really worth going for the S model. Besides the wheels are there any other cosmetics differences?

Thank you

No aesthetic difference except the S designation, the Ohlins gold suspension, different wheels with red stripes, and an aero kit for the front fairing ( some use some don't).

Main difference is the suspension being Ohlins, and it has electronic adjustment integrated into the map settings, which can be altered on the fly. You have to decide if you want that sophisticated suspension. If not then the base is for you.

I have the S because I wanted the electronic suspension, but I read that the base suspension is also excellent.

cheers

Calitrade9 said:

I did my homework and researched both model. I know about the differences but I would like to know for an owner of each model if it is really worth going for the S model. Besides the wheels are there any other cosmetics differences?

Thank you

Click to expand...

Differences S versus Base are:
- LED lights front
- Electronic suspension Ohlins front and back (Marzocchi and Sachs on Base)
- Carbon front mudgard
- Lighter aluminum wheels
- Aero kit

I ride a base model simply because I couldn't afford at that time the total amount of an S. I planned to spread costs on possible changes over time.
Sachs rear shock is the only thing I have changed (to TTX36 Ohlins) so far.

Also I read that the aftermarket price for an S should be higher than a Base. Can't really tell if this is true, but as for now I'm not planning on selling my beauty.

If it's a street bike get the S you may like the suspension ( I personnally think its a waste on a superbike ) .
If your going to the track get the base .

Calitrade9 said:

Besides the wheels are there any other cosmetics differences?

Thank you

Click to expand...

All comments are spot on, but in addition to being the most obvious cosmetic addition, the wheels make for the most significant dynamic difference between the two models.

Ohlins rear shock is much better than the Sachs, so depending on road surfaces, this is an important consideration for what is already a very firm sprung rear.

Pay your money, make your choice .... just probably the other way round

yep..what they said - bloody good forum this.

If you can afford the S buy it, if not the base is not exactly a poor substitute and possibly even a better option for the track as you will swap most components out anyway.

I've ridden both extensively. I ended up buying the S. I ride mostly on the road with the occasional track day.

Wow. Great feedback. Thank you everyone.

I read about the aero kit. What exactly is the difference here? Any pictures?

I bought the base and spending the extra money on the carbon fiber and slip ons. It gets the bike where I want it while spending a little less for the initial purchase. Either way, you will have nothing but a smile on your face while riding!

One more thing, I was talked into getting the ABS brakes from another rider I have known for years and I must say, it has already saved my bacon. I highly recommend getting the ABS as well.

Calitrade9 said:

Wow. Great feedback. Thank you everyone.

I read about the aero kit. What exactly is the difference here? Any pictures?

Click to expand...

Check the front of rm4two's bike - they are installed and make the front profile wider (you can just see the panel fit lines in the last shot, top of the windshield, an inch or so past the white stripes):

>>>Link to rm4two's bike

Thank you for the link.

How many inch more width would you say?

Calitrade9 said:

Thank you for the link.

How many inch more width would you say?

Click to expand...

2-3 inches at top of screen height, 3-4 inches at handle bar height.

Xbox said:

2-3 inches at top of screen height, 3-4 inches at handle bar height.

Click to expand...

Thank you. Looks great I think.

Any insight on the paint-job? Its a base 1199, right?

Sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss !

Quadrupool said:

Differences S versus Base are:
- LED lights front
- Electronic suspension Ohlins front and back (Marzocchi and Sachs on Base)
- Carbon front mudgard
- Lighter aluminum wheels
- Aero kit

I ride a base model simply because I couldn't afford at that time the total amount of an S. I planned to spread costs on possible changes over time.
Sachs rear shock is the only thing I have changed (to TTX36 Ohlins) so far.

Also I read that the aftermarket price for an S should be higher than a Base. Can't really tell if this is true, but as for now I'm not planning on selling my beauty.

Click to expand...

+1 but with one correction. The Aero kit is not "S" model only as I received them with my base. However, it seems to fluctuate with each dealer as to whether base model owners get them or not.

All of this is on Ducati's site if you are interested in examining the differences further. There is no clear cut answer if the S is worth the extra moeny, to some yes, others no. But the value of the S is there, i.e., you get what you pay for and then some.

I dont know about everyone else, but when i sat on the "s" the electronic controlers hit me in the back of leg, that and the extra $5,000 prevented me from buying the "s". I just didn't want to spend the money, and i not a track guy. So maybe that will help with a choice.

There's no "right" answer, but I bought a base because I wasn't interested in the electronic suspension setting or LED's, and figured if the suspension wasn't sufficient I'd be better off with aftermarket pieces bought set up for my weight, etc. than the OEM Ohlins bits. Only thing that was really tempting to me was the lighter wheels, and I figured I could pick up some used ones later if I felt the need, what with all the bling-meisters going to upscale ones. If the DES had been active like the new BMW HP4 that would've made for a tougher choice, but as it is I can twist the clickers faster mechanically than I could through the dash. Don't have 3 presets for them of course, but you can do the rear shock on the fly with the base; just reach down and twist away.

After about 4800 miles, I don't regret the choice. Suspension does need some attention, but it's useable - I've certainly had worse out of the box. Besides, the Ohlins would have needed TLC too at my weight (69-70kg w/o gear), so no big deal there. Did pick up some aero extensions from a forum member as mine didn't come with any; the bike looks a bit better without them, but they do take a bit of wind pressure off your forearms at speed on the freeway. Not a lot in it either way.

I bought the base + ABS and am very happy with it.

Granted, the Ohlins are possibly better, but I made my decision on information that the base suspension was going to be good too so no regrets there.

I think the suspension on base and S models are high strung if you're lighter. For those of hovering around 100 kg, it seems OK.

I also liked the base wheels better than the S model.

I don't really miss the electronic suspension and also heard it hits you behind the left leg.

Lastly, I do actually wish I had the LED headlights, but a small concession.

I swapped out my front fender for carbon, and since I don't care for the flat matte carbon ducati is going to, it was a wash either way.

You'll love either bike though.

Just finished a track day yesterday (the Pani was a blast around the track as you might expect). Mine's a base, but another rider on an S had massive problems with his suspension because he changed out to race tires and for some reason the bike couldn't process that info. it was made totally unrideable until they jury rigged the sensors somehow. Seems a bit too smart for the track?