Just bought a 1299s. New Ducati owner.

BullGator said:

Touche.

I definitely understand the math behind the equation, but it still doesn't make me feel any better about it lol.

I'm not so much after the power increase, it has plenty, I want the sound... and I don't want to pay 4k for it.

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gut the cans, or straight pipe it

Congratulations! You have just taken a big step in what motorcycling is all about. It is something that can not be quantified by lap times, horse power numbers or spec sheets. Its about how you FEEL and the passion that drove you to buy something outside the norm. I think you will find that owning something other than a Honda, Kaw, Suz, or Yam can be very rewarding. There is something to be said when you buy a Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Ducati, or Aprilla. It is something that you will not find in the others. It is Companies that have stayed true to their identity. Something you can feel when you ride their bikes and talk to their fan base of owners. It has taken me longer than most to see the light. And I for one am not looking back.

I have owned my Ducati for 2 months now and never did I hear a comment about my previous bikes like the one I did outside a restaurant I was walking out of last month. An older couple, late 70's are looking at my bike and I can hear them over talking about how beautiful the bike is and the woman says "Dear (looking at me), that is the most beautiful motorcycle I have ever seen." "You must be very proud to own a motorcycle like that." And then, just like it was out of a commercial the old man says. "honey that is not just a motorcycle that is a Ducati". I think I showed a little bit of a grin said "Thank you and wished them a good evening then rode off.

That my friend is something that can not be quantified by lap times, spec sheet or horse power number. That my friend is what it is like to own something special. It is what makes me grab a coffee walk out to the garage and just enjoy looking at the Ducati. It is what makes me enjoy just watching the bike start up and feeling the vibration through the ground. It is what I have waited 30 years to finally feel what owning a Ducati is like.

Congratulations!

Blade Runner said:

Congratulations! You have just taken a big step in what motorcycling is all about. It is something that can not be quantified by lap times, horse power numbers or spec sheets. Its about how you FEEL and the passion that drove you to buy something outside the norm. I think you will find that owning something other than a Honda, Kaw, Suz, or Yam can be very rewarding. There is something to be said when you buy a Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Ducati, or Aprilla. It is something that you will not find in the others. It is Companies that have stayed true to their identity. Something you can feel when you ride their bikes and talk to their fan base of owners. It has taken me longer than most to see the light. And I for one am not looking back.

I have owned my Ducati for 2 months now and never did I hear a comment about my previous bikes like the one I did outside a restaurant I was walking out of last month. An older couple, late 70's are looking at my bike and I can hear them over talking about how beautiful the bike is and the woman says "Dear (looking at me), that is the most beautiful motorcycle I have ever seen." "You must be very proud to own a motorcycle like that." And then, just like it was out of a commercial the old man says. "honey that is not just a motorcycle that is a Ducati". I think I showed a little bit of a grin said "Thank you and wished them a good evening then rode off.

That my friend is something that can not be quantified by lap times, spec sheet or horse power number. That my friend is what it is like to own something special. It is what makes me grab a coffee walk out to the garage and just enjoy looking at the Ducati. It is what makes me enjoy just watching the bike start up and feeling the vibration through the ground. It is what I have waited 30 years to finally feel what owning a Ducati is like.

Congratulations!

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I have experienced something similar to this more than once. I get comments from folks that many would by appearances think would have nothing to do with motorcycling. These bikes inspire passion from more than just their owners.....

Blade Runner said:

Congratulations! You have just taken a big step in what motorcycling is all about. It is something that can not be quantified by lap times, horse power numbers or spec sheets. Its about how you FEEL and the passion that drove you to buy something outside the norm. I think you will find that owning something other than a Honda, Kaw, Suz, or Yam can be very rewarding. There is something to be said when you buy a Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Ducati, or Aprilla. It is something that you will not find in the others. It is Companies that have stayed true to their identity. Something you can feel when you ride their bikes and talk to their fan base of owners. It has taken me longer than most to see the light. And I for one am not looking back.

I have owned my Ducati for 2 months now and never did I hear a comment about my previous bikes like the one I did outside a restaurant I was walking out of last month. An older couple, late 70's are looking at my bike and I can hear them over talking about how beautiful the bike is and the woman says "Dear (looking at me), that is the most beautiful motorcycle I have ever seen." "You must be very proud to own a motorcycle like that." And then, just like it was out of a commercial the old man says. "honey that is not just a motorcycle that is a Ducati". I think I showed a little bit of a grin said "Thank you and wished them a good evening then rode off.

That my friend is something that can not be quantified by lap times, spec sheet or horse power number. That my friend is what it is like to own something special. It is what makes me grab a coffee walk out to the garage and just enjoy looking at the Ducati. It is what makes me enjoy just watching the bike start up and feeling the vibration through the ground. It is what I have waited 30 years to finally feel what owning a Ducati is like.

Congratulations!

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Very wise man indeed...

Congrats BullGator on your 1299s. Sure you'll love it.

Congratulations mate !!! I'm sure your going to love this bike just as much as we do or any previous R1 and maybe just that little bit more Welcome to a great forum.

I didn't buy my Duc because it was the fastest or the very best track bike.. (although it is very fast and handles like a dream)
I bought it simply because I always wanted one
I lusted after the beautiful Italian design and the rumble of that big twin engine..I wanted to own one just because!!! Sometimes that is all it takes.. I am 6'5'' and probably look silly on my 1299 S but I just don't care..it is the epitome of cool!!! and riding it fast requires a different skillset than riding the typical Jap four cylinder liter bike. It is a much more visceral bike to ride. You cannot help but become part of it when you start riding it fast. It handles so well and it transforms you into a different rider.

It is like no other bike out there.. It is a DUCATI ! It's name alone is a symbol of beauty, quality and status..! Even among a lot of the non motorcycle riding public. Ducati has been featured in a lot of action movies and high fashion magazines in the last ten years or so and now it is much more recognized. Even the non riding public knows it means sexy and expensive...Just from an image perspective alone it is set above most other bikes.. It is truly the Ferrari of motorcycles..
All you have to do is put on a Ducati shirt and people will ask you if you ride one! Hell, even the Harley riders give you more respect LOL Its like owning a Rolex Presidential watch.. You really don't NEED one to tell the time but you WANT one.! No one really NEEDS a $26K to $33K sport bike.. But let's face it we wanted one!
Sure the R1 is a great bike (and it is substantially cheaper) but it is still just a Japanese 4 cylinder and two years from now when (all the initial hype is over and they have sold them to everyone and their brothers cousin LOL). It will be just another late model sport bike and no big deal. Others will come and go but the Ducati will be still a special bike to own.. They are not for everyone but I am not like everyone. I do not go with the crowd. I am 61 years old and all my buddies my age would not even think about getting on a fast sport bike..LOL..a I have owned a lot of Japanese sport bikes (My last bike was the 2011 ZX10R you see in my avatar). It was fast and a great track bike.(After I spent another $6 K on modifying the suspension etc.) It was very quick and fun to ride but many people have them and it was not that special.

Like I said before.. Owning the new 1299 Panigale is like dating an Italian Supermodel...
It is absolutely beautiful... It makes me hot and sweaty between the legs. It is expensive to get and expensive to maintain. It is very demanding to ride and likes to be ridden hard. If you don't treat it with respect it can turn on you in a heartbeat.. All these things are things you just have to put up to have it.. but at the end of the day.. it is still a Supermodel!
Your buddies will still be envious....

Speedy

well said Speedy, well said!