Hello and Help!

I'm going to counter some others here - I would say since you're moving from a 600, put it in rain mode for a week and ride it around. Max TC, slightly slower throttle response etc. . . Get used to riding it around and then you can easily put it in sport mode and realize the additional torqiness (sp?) . There are enough stories of first time riders not realizing how much power is in the throttle that they twist it and it starts a chain reaction where they are leaning back and end up twisting it more (irrecoverable unless you let go), and the bike just dumps you off the back and goes out. . . Since you're a rider but coming from a much more forgiving lower powered bike - just ride it in rain mode (which is still more than the 600) until you're comfortable. Then switch. Whats the point of going out of the dealer lot in sport ? seriously ?. ..

When I got my 600 I was timid as well. Bought the GSXR because it had different modes (different maps) and said to myself that I would only ride it in B mode (lesser HP) to get used to it. Bike gets delivered and I totally forget about B mode until a week later and end up having a good laugh about it. Now that I think about it, I tried B Mode once.. in a rainstorm

Now I am not ABing a 600 against the power of this 1199 but it's funny what your brain does to try and trick yourself into thinking of ways to deal with new and unfamiliar things. Funny how the excitement also negates thought.

I'm going to do what feels right. Ride in sport in test and ride in wet. Then change to the 899 for a comp while it is still fresh and the opportunity is there.

Honestly, the only thing really keeping me from LOVING the 899 more is how I am learning that they kind of chinced in its production. No clear coat, double swing arm, BW display, steel parts and unfinished portions under fairings. Still an amazing bike but reading some reviews kind of took the thunder away from my initial excitement and steered me to the base 1199.

1199 all The Way