After 15 years of accident-free driving, I've managed to pick up my 1299 on Wednesday to go against the guard rail. Apart from a hidden brake lever and foot rates conditioning, a large scratch on the fairing has been slightly affected only my foot. The ankle is thick green and blue and I no longer fit in the Boots
Sorry to hear that, really sucks especially with a new 1299! How were you finding it up until then?
As I've got a spare 10 mins thought I'd post my general impression of 1299 vs 1199 for those still waiting for new bikes. Just my opinion, don't take it as gospel.
First thing I guess is was it worth the money to upgrade. For me, yes although I don't think that will be true for everyone. It really depends on how much you use the bike and if you'll explore the performance. If you are going to do some miles and/or track it I'd say go for it. If it's a Sunday toy you put ride once in a while then maybe not.
Physically the bike is very similar. The larger front fairing is much more noticeable when riding and the DP racing screen is a lot taller than 1199 one was, wind protection is improved. Seating position feels slightly lower with a touch less weight in arms (also mentioned at launch I think) particularly noticeable in traffic. Generally it feels more comfortable.
The electronics package feels more refined and everything seems to integrate better. For example the DQS seems slicker, I'd say they've sped it up a bit, you no longer get the delay/surge in lower gears. Blipper and downshift is equally crisp. I had Tuneboy on the 1199 and adjusted the DQS settings, don't think I'll need to on 1299. It's quite hard to get the bike out of line too although I've yet to really push on with it.
The fuelling of the stock bike (Akra on order) is much smoother, the bike pulls really well, especially in Race and the midrange improvements are really noticeable. I haven't pinged it past 8k yet but it's certainly a fair bit quicker stock than my 1199 was to this point with Termi slips and Tuneboy. It does seem to bog down as you pull away though, dealer says Ducati are aware and working on an update. Anyway high hopes for when the full Akra, MWR filter and Tuneboy are fitted.
It turns quicker with the revised geometry but the more impressive is the increased stability. Some of the bumpier roads that would see the 1199 shake it's head feel planted with the 1299. Not sure if that's the electronic Ohlins damper, semi active suspension or revised geometry but the bike is definitely more settled. You can also run it a bit softer for the road as the dynamic mode will firm things up when needed.
Other than that the bikes feel the same. Brakes, dash, switches are all familiar, clutch is still on the heavy side. The up/down nudge buttons are a bit of a gimmick unless you spend all your time on the track. Only activated in certain modes and can only adjust one one parameter at a time (DTC, EBC, DWC, as selected when at a stop and in the main menu). Don't see them being of much use to road users and doubt most on the track will use them regularly either.
I'd say main difference is that you can ride faster with ease, people will enjoy more midrange, better fuelling & better handling.
