Differences between 1299 and 1299S

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Nev3rL8

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Forgive my ignorance, but I was 100% committed to the S model, but as I am still searching the 1299 base model is growing on me due to having dark/black front forks vs the gold in the S model. And, now I am seriously considering picking up the base model and maybe down the road swapping to S model lighter wheels. hoping to save money this way as well. What do you guys think?

What would be losing as far as features and, and satisfaction. Give me your opinion on this.
 
In reality, nothing. On the other hand, if you are buying a Ducati, you probably want the extra "bells and whistles".

The S gets...
Carbon from fender
Ohlins forks
Ohlins shock
Ohlins damper
electronic suspension
March wheels
LED headlights
Aux buttons
 
kozumasbullitt said:
In reality, nothing. On the other hand, if you are buying a Ducati, you probably want the extra "bells and whistles".

The S gets...
Carbon from fender
Ohlins forks
Ohlins shock
Ohlins damper
electronic suspension
March wheels
LED headlights
Aux buttons
Click to expand...

what functions do the aux buttons have?
 
Street bike = base
Race bike = S
Track bike = base

The lighter wheels and Ohlins stuff is unnecessary on the street. Track days aren't competitions so it doesn't matter then either.

.02
 
Electronic suspension was the key deciding factor for me... The rest can be added to a base 1299 fairly easily.
 
As far as LED headlights go, I can live without them. Wheels, I might eventually get, but ohlins suspension, I am in between still. However, I really dig the base fork's color, and to be honest, I don't think I will ever use the bike/suspension to its fullest, so the extra money in saving is a plus.
 
Like I've said before, if I didn't race, i would have gotten the base.

Nobody needs Ohlins suspension on the street. I've toured the country spending time on some REALLY ...... roads, on conventional (right side up) forks that were severely undersprung, and they were just fine. The idea that anyone needs electronically controlled Ohlins suspension on the street is crazy.

Lighter wheels are a complete waste of money on the street (and at track days too). Nobody needs to be able to accelerate, brake, and change directions a little quicker just so they can get to the grocery store 1.2sec sooner.

In other words, the riding experience and enjoyment on the street will be exactly the same, regardless of what model you are riding.

If somebody just WANTS to get the S model for the street, by all means go or it. If that makes you happy, do it. But it is by no means necessary.
 
Chaotic said:
Like I've said before, if I didn't race, i would have gotten the base.

Nobody needs Ohlins suspension on the street. I've toured the country spending time on some REALLY ...... roads, on conventional (right side up) forks that were severely undersprung, and they were just fine. The idea that anyone needs electronically controlled Ohlins suspension on the street is crazy.

Lighter wheels are a complete waste of money on the street (and at track days too). Nobody needs to be able to accelerate, brake, and change directions a little quicker just so they can get to the grocery store 1.2sec sooner.

In other words, the riding experience and enjoyment on the street will be exactly the same, regardless of what model you are riding.

If somebody just WANTS to get the S model for the street, by all means go or it. If that makes you happy, do it. But it is by no means necessary.
Click to expand...


Using your argument against you, no one needs a base 1299 for the street either. I am sure a 959 can provide the same public road experience for the majority of riders stopping into Starbucks or getting groceries. Nobody needs to get to the grocery store 3 seconds sooner.

Slippery-slope argument.
 
kozumasbullitt said:
Using your argument against you, no one needs a base 1299 for the street either. I am sure a 959 can provide the same public road experience for the majority of riders stopping into Starbucks or getting groceries. Nobody needs to get to the grocery store 3 seconds sooner.

Slippery-slope argument.
Click to expand...

You arent using anything against me because I agree with you.

If it was only going to be a street bike, i wouldn't own a Panigale. They suck ... on the street compared to bikes actually designed for the street.

However, the thread/question was about the S model vs the base model 1299...hence my comments.
 
Long and expensive experience has taught me that I should always buy the top spec model of whatever I want.. It's true for cameras, lenses, motorcycles, cars. If you don't you usually end up spending more than you would have in the first place to get the top spec.

Where the 1299 comes in, is that I really wanted the 2015 1199R, but actually made the decision that the 1299S would be the best compromise for street and track duties. The Ohlins gear is far better quality than the Marzocchi stuff, plus I ride all year round, including when it's dark every night on my commute, plus in the boonies where there are deer, elk, mountain lions, raccoons, possums and bobcats; I want the BEST possible lighting for my particular circumstances.

All of us make very personal choices when it comes to picking our toys and no-one else can second guess our personal choices.

Get what you feel is right for you, your use scenario and your budget.
 
Last edited:
I bought the 1199 base because it was lighter, I did not want ABS or electronic suspension, I will go for light weight and simplicity every time. And I did not like the look of those chicken foot S wheels either.
 
Is the panigale over kill for the street yes. As chaotic has out, I have a Panigale R and love it, and I don't give a .... what anyone thinks. I also have a daily rider minster 1200R, since the panigale doesn't like slow speeds. Do you need the S probably not, the base is an awesome bike. But if you can get the S as a deal, go for it hands down.
 
Thank you all so much for your inputs and comments. All of your opinions and comments were helpful. I spent 5 minutes looking for a thanks button on my phone, and I gave up after I couldn't find it, lol.

I had an 08 R1 for 8 years, and the roads were I live are not the greatest, but I never complained about the suspension. I think as long as I don't test ride an S model, I will be happy with the base model after all.
If someone lets me test ride an S model, then we might have an issue, lol.

Anyhow, what are the aux feature buttons for in the S model? I think I even saw a thread in a classified section that someone was selling.
 
As Chris said just get the Base for the street, unless you're doing some serious mountain road carving the difference will not be all that significant, and you can always upgrade the shock for $500 and revalve the fork later - not a big deal. Brakes/engine are identical

Where I disagree with Chris a little is I actually think the 1299 is an awesome street bike - light, quick steering, gobs of power everywhere - much more practical and fun than the "screamers" in my opinion

I like the look of the Base forks as well
 
The S model is just bragging rights for bike meets at starbucks - the base is probably what you want and will be much more accessible for people in used markets looking for exotic bikes.
 
My argument would be the Base even if and especially if you race. You can get much better kit for the bike with the difference. Secondly, I don't think electronic suspension is legal in sports competition yet, so you may have to get it switched out anyway. For the occasional track day the S is a good choice.

In the end I'd get a 959. No SS swing arm, but a truely great choice
 

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