MotoGeo 899 Panigale Review Video

why is he calling it a "much more ... smaller" version of the 1199?

the only attribute that comes to my mind is "weaker"

Disappointing they didn't use the same dash, but pretty sweet.

Phil said:

"much more ... smaller" version of the 1199?

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Much more heavier, smaller, slower version of the 1199.

Been riding a CBR500R while learning, and thinking of jumping onto the 899 rather than the 1199.

It might be smaller, heavier, slower than your 1199. But it appears to be easier to ride, friendly to a newer rider moving into that class, and from rider reports online not as ridiculously hot.

I'm thinking seriously of buying one. Looking forward to a Test Ride soon.

Rowan said:

Been riding a CBR500R while learning, and thinking of jumping onto the 899 rather than the 1199.

It might be smaller, heavier, slower than your 1199. But it appears to be easier to ride, friendly to a newer rider moving into that class, and from rider reports online not as ridiculously hot.

I'm thinking seriously of buying one. Looking forward to a Test Ride soon.

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For starters I'd definitely recommend the 899. Have fun with it and share your test ride experience here

Rowan said:

Been riding a CBR500R while learning, and thinking of jumping onto the 899 rather than the 1199.

It might be smaller, heavier, slower than your 1199. But it appears to be easier to ride, friendly to a newer rider moving into that class, and from rider reports online not as ridiculously hot.

I'm thinking seriously of buying one. Looking forward to a Test Ride soon.

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Sounds a sensible idea more than enough bhp, enjoy the test ride

Rowan said:

Been riding a CBR500R while learning, and thinking of jumping onto the 899 rather than the 1199.

It might be smaller, heavier, slower than your 1199. But it appears to be easier to ride, friendly to a newer rider moving into that class, and from rider reports online not as ridiculously hot.

I'm thinking seriously of buying one. Looking forward to a Test Ride soon.

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If the Minigale came out first, I bet many here would have bought it then moved up to the 1199. I think you are being extremely sensible and a wise choice, the 899 looks practically the same at first glance.

Will be nice to hear a real review from a non journalist.

Rowan said:

. But it appears to be easier to ride,

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LOL this really is sort of a joke I hope.


It is a "race bike", and like all Ducati's SS, its ment to be rode hard and put away wet.

Under 100mph it will be very similar in many areas, and after a year or two you will be wishing you bought the "boy" version instead of the girl's bike.

friendly to a newer rider moving into that class

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Its way too much bike for a newer rider.


I rode my 848 for 3 summers because I thought like you that the 1098 was too much bike. I couldn't have been more wrong. The more experienced riders told me id only be left wanting and soon wished I had the faster one.

They were right.

I have no doubt that after 2-3 yrs of 899 ownership I'd be wanting more. Its because people adapt, skills develop, and you get used to it. Then you sell the 899 after 2 years and buy a 1199 when the time comes. But why rush that? I guess I'm lucky here, we don't have riding Summers, or a season to ride it then put it away, we have a full year (when it's not flooding).

I agree that the 899 is a dedicated race bike and not intended for new riders. In America anyone can buy a rocketship for their first bike but in Australia the licensing process is different and we first start on "training bikes" for at least a year. Hence the CBR500R which is a great platform to learn on and I ride that thing everyday of the year. My upgrade is between the CBR600RR, GSXR750R, the 899 Panigale, or the MV F3 800 and I'll test ride all of those bikes. But I think it's a foregone conclusion. I just love the looks of these Panigales and after seeing the leaked pictures years ago its what inspired me to start motorcycle riding. That's pretty powerful stuff. That's like walking into an art gallery and then having such a profound moment that you quit your job and become an artist; a baby fighter pilots first time he watched Top Gun. You get the idea.

My plan is Wet Mode 100 hp till I'm used to it, Then pop it up to stock 150 hp. Ride the bike for 2 years and if I can make it work with impending children then upgrade to a 1199S. I think that's a sensible plan. I don't really care for straight line speed (I say that now, lol) but how much of the bike I can use within my ability at the time.

If anyone develops low self esteem from riding a Ducati 899 Panigale and that its a "girls bike", then it must be awful inside your head. That's not really a way to live your life.

My only point was to try and help you not make the mistake I made.

These are horrible bikes to ride around slow. They are ment to be riden hard. I wouldnt buy one unless I was going to push it.

They are expensive and unless your pushing it, there are better alternitives.

But why rush that?

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because for what your doing, the 1199 would work just vas well in wet mode.


Both are rocket ships under a 100mph, the 899 isnt a toy. After reading your post you'll probably do fine on either

"girls bike"

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You like that I noticed

Step up, you will thank me later.

I also think the 899 would be a waste. The only plus side of owning an 899 is the fact that it's cheaper but even that's not much of a benefit since you can find a slightly used base for probably the same price if the difference in pricing is the same in Australia as it is in the states. If it is a marginal price difference then an 899 may make more sense. I'd buy a used base 1199, ride it in 120hp wet mode and toggle from that to 195lo just to feel the difference n gradually make it a permanent change to 195lo as your skill increases. As it does, you can pay for any upgrades the S model may have and you won't have to worry about the "I wish I would have gotten the 1199" thought eating away at you. With the technology built into these 1199's, it is practically pointless to buy a 600 or any other middle weight bike (750, 848, 899) unless cost was an issue. You get top notch brakes, traction control to help you, much better looking dash, no ugly swingarm, less weight than any sportbike out there and for not much more than an 899. If the red wheels do it for you, get them powdercoated and voila. DONE!

I'll see if I can test ride while I'm at the dealer the 1199 at the same time in Wet Mode.

If I feel that I can make it work and the power is as moduler and close to the 899 then I'll just get the 1199. The price difference between the 899 and the Base is only about 2-3 grand from reports. The extra's make sense to go for the 1199 and I understand what you guys are saying, but it's a confidence thing.

A test ride will give me a better understanding of the differences between the two.

Thanks for your inputs Outhouse and double0. I'll let you guys know how I go.

I'm in a similar situation except I have years on bikes from GSXR750, Rsv MilleR, R1, CBR1000RR, S1000RR, even a Vrod. I have had many bikes over my 16 years of road riding and my Aprlia is still the one I miss the most. I'm completely torn on the 899 vs 1199. I'm American but I currently live in Germany for the next year. I am planning to demo the 899 tomorrow weather permitting. But there is no 1199 to demo. I just sold my S1000RR to buy a panigale and while that bike was beautifully fast I never had a connection with it... except the heated grips. But in all honesty it was way to much for the road. I know all these bikes are too much for the street but comparing how hard I can ride a 600 compared to the tiny amount of throttle I could use on the S1000RR was night and day. While the 600 has crap bottom end it's kinda like being on a tiny light go-kart you can just flog. I like that and I miss the forgiving nature of smaller bikes. That's why I want a 899. But if the 1199 is going to be exactly the same please tell me!

Pock said:

I'm in a similar situation except I have years on bikes from GSXR750, Rsv MilleR, R1, CBR1000RR, S1000RR, even a Vrod. I have had many bikes over my 16 years of road riding and my Aprlia is still the one I miss the most. I'm completely torn on the 899 vs 1199. I'm American but I currently live in Germany for the next year. I am planning to demo the 899 tomorrow weather permitting. But there is no 1199 to demo. I just sold my S1000RR to buy a panigale and while that bike was beautifully fast I never had a connection with it... except the heated grips. But in all honesty it was way to much for the road. I know all these bikes are too much for the street but comparing how hard I can ride a 600 compared to the tiny amount of throttle I could use on the S1000RR was night and day. While the 600 has crap bottom end it's kinda like being on a tiny light go-kart you can just flog. I like that and I miss the forgiving nature of smaller bikes. That's why I want a 899. But if the 1199 is going to be exactly the same please tell me!

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Dude! you get free seat and leg heater on the 1199 ah the heat isn't so bad.


Get the 1199, its light and nimble, and you can always turn the power down.


You wont need too.


Its not as much a beast as I thought, it does like to be rode hard. Both the 899 and 1199 will never be putter around bikes. Their both race horses and demand you dig your heals in. Once you do is when you get the smile no other bike can offer.

Rowan said:

...My plan is Wet Mode 100 hp till I'm used to it, Then pop it up to stock 150 hp. Ride the bike for 2 years and if I can make it work with impending children then upgrade to a 1199S. I think that's a sensible plan. I don't really care for straight line speed (I say that now, lol) but how much of the bike I can use within my ability at the time.

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I think you have a sound plan, don't get caught up in the I have to have a liter bike crap. The 899 is no more a "girls" bike (whatever that means) than the R6 or SV650 and I've seen good riders lay waste to liter bikes on the track. It's a good looking bike, has enough power and may be a bike you keep longer than 2 years.

PS- I wish the US had that licensing scheme.