I dunno....the 1098R I rode was brilliant. Far more of an 'experience' than the 1199. A better all-arounder? No....but ...., what a memorable and engaging ride.
As for the GSXR and the 1199....I have no doubt that you would never regret the decision to go with the 1199. And there's a lot of data out there online that will help you make your decision if you haven't already. But I'll mention three of the biggest differences that you'll never read in SportRider or hear mentioned in a YouTube shootout:
1) Owning a Ducati means you are part of one of the best fookin' brotherhoods I've ever known. Ducati owners are ....... awesome. Owning a Ducati means you will make some new friends that are worthy of a spot in a lifeboat in the event of a zombie (or ebola) apocalypse.
2) How should I put it--showing up to a dinner party on a Japanese bike is like showing up in riced out STi. Yes, everyone notices you. Yes, you have a fast ride. But there's a judgement call 95% of the population make and it's usually not all positive. Showing up on a Ducati is the equivalent to arriving in a Huracan. You're still seen as flashy, daring and antisocial, but there's just a dignity and respect--an awe you might say--given to you by the general public (which includes the police) you will never get on a GSXR/CBR/R1/ZX.
3) Women. Guys love sportbikes, but women only swoon over Ducatis. Trust me on this one.
This is 100% true a friend of mine got pulled over for loud exhuast on his Yamaha when he sit next to mine it make so much quieter compare to my ducati, yet the police will not pull a ducati over and harassed us over modified , exhuast , license plate in an obstructive location etc. I have been riding around without license plate and at a stop light motorcycle cop pull up nod his head.
- every female know ducati . You'll get more respect than any other regular superbike.
