New 959 or used 1199S?

Hello everyone, first time posting and new joiner to the forum.

I'm in the market for a Ducati and right now I'm looking for advice from others on which option to go for, a new 2016 959 or a 2012 1199S with 5000km on it.

The price is identical for both bikes, as Ducatis are extremely expensive in Hong Kong. For reference, a new 1299S cost $45,000 USD over here, so not many people will be willing to drop that much on a bike. The 959 cost $26000 USD over here.

Can I get some current owners voice in on what's it like to live with an 1199S? I've ridden 600cc Japanese bikes before and I did a track day with Ducati Riding Experience this year on the 959. I can manage the power on the track and I think the quick shifter is great. Also, I'm sure 959 is more than enough bike for street riding, especially in a crowded city like HK. However, a part of me is thinking if "both bikes are overkill anyways, so why not just go for your dream bike and go all out for the 1199 S version?" (keep in mind the price cost the same because the 1199S is a 4 year old used model)

I plan to keep it for a long time and won't upgrade after I've decided on one. There's no place to take it for track days, however there are some nice roads to take the bike canyon carving. Any advice will be appreciated, thanks guys!

1199S

Ohlins, Led lights, single sided swingarm, wheels, colored lcd dash

advantages from the top of my head

oh and welcome to THE forum

If you are looking for a rationale to buy Ducati, you are all wrong... If you want a reasonable purchase do NOT buy Ducati at all. However, what you should be asking yourself is this: which bike am I going to regret not buying? And that will surely be the bigger, stronger, more expensive Ducati. No wise advice there. My 2 cents...

1199S, yessssssss.........
Adding to Phl's list: sound and hp.

1199s. you can get one for very good price at low miles. like mine i'm about to sell. lol

If you're the sort of person who always rides pretty hard and enjoys a wheelie or ten then definitely go for the 1199S. If you are not this sort of person then perhaps consider the 959 as it is way more friendly around town and still pretty fast. I tried using the 1199S for commuting into London for a little while and got frustrated by it pretty quickly.

Snk1199 said:

If you are looking for a rationale to buy Ducati, you are all wrong... If you want a reasonable purchase do NOT buy Ducati at all. However, what you should be asking yourself is this: which bike am I going to regret not buying? And that will surely be the bigger, stronger, more expensive Ducati. No wise advice there. My 2 cents...

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I tried to google translate this and it came out saying the same thing, can anyone explain this non sense.


1199 hands down

I was all set to buy a new 899, and ended up with a lightly used 1199s. Don't regret it for a second and done 11k miles in 15 months.

I think you also need to be aware of what you're getting into. It's not a friendly Honda, that just works. They are reliable, but there always seems to be something to sort out. I've got two missing screws, loose exhaust trim and a cracked screen right now.

I'm happy to tour and commute on it, but it's a bit of a waste commuting unless it's a lovely day and you're prepared to get what is known as Ducati sweaty ......

LethalBrizzle said:

I'm happy to tour and commute on it, but it's a bit of a waste commuting unless it's a lovely day and you're prepared to get what is known as Ducati sweaty ......

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So very true... But man, for some of us just being on the bike and hearing that engine is worth the price of some monkey butt.

Bought my new 959 6 months ago and think its perfect if you are street riding. I have ridden both and yes the 1199 is faster but i don't regret buying the 959. My last bike was a 2010 R1 with more horsepower than my 959 but it didn't put the smile on my face like my 959. You will be wrapped with both though.

Phl said:

1199S

Ohlins, Led lights, single sided swingarm, wheels, colored lcd dash

advantages from the top of my head

Click to expand...

Not only that they drive tame if need be, and yet when needed you can wring its little neck and do things the baby bike wont do.

I was in a bit similar situation buying my first Ducati a couple of months ago (after many japs bikes and 1 aprilia). But I did not even consider 899, 959 or base 1199 for longer than a few seconds and started looking after a low milage 1199S. Dont regret that!

I've been asking myself this same question since my 2012 1199s is converted to track (after it got written off) and was thinking of getting another for the street and been considering the 959. But reading everyone's comments on this topic, I think I might be looking for a 1199S now
oh & the wife has a 959, cant be on the same bike as her, right

You said that the 1199s was your dream bike so don't settle. The new bike comes with a warranty so that's a plus. But Ducati Superbikes are supposed to have single sided swingarms so 1199s is the choice.

Go get your dream bike!!!

coming from an 899. I was at this situation 2 months ago. The 899 vs 959 are so similar with a few differences from each other.

I traded my 899 to get a low mileage 1199S and couldn't be happier. With that full termi installed! WOW!!!!!

The 959 is more than capable bike. But i prefer the 1199S over both of them.

whatever you decide go with what YOU feel is good for you! Cant go wrong..On the 1199 vs 959 you have to respect the throttle as they say..

good luck!

get the 1199S and ride it in 120 Hp mode. You get Ohlins suspension, better tires, nicer display screen, better sound, better wheels, LED highlights, carbon fiber front fender... better bike all around.

Norick said:

Bought my new 959 6 months ago and think its perfect if you are street riding. I have ridden both and yes the 1199 is faster but i don't regret buying the 959. My last bike was a 2010 R1 with more horsepower than my 959 but it didn't put the smile on my face like my 959. You will be wrapped with both though.

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Ridden meaning spent more than a couple days on one? Its beyond silly when people say theyve ridden a certain bike when all they did was do a demo ride. I'm the opposite and went from from a 2009 R1 to a 1098 and was very let down when it came to the hp dept. I now have an 1199 and like others theres not 1 regret. When i wanna ..... foot around i can drop it into wet mode but when i need to get to the starbucks quick i have the luxury of 195 horses to whisk me there quickly. The 959 is an amazing bike im sure but if you're having a hard time deciding between the 2 you will most likely regret not getting the 1199. And as a closing argument that no one can argue with, SINGLE SIDED SWING ARM.

The 959 will be easier to live with.......

You can buy an 1199S for $10,000. Buy an 1199S