Panigales

Hello everyone! I have PM'd a few people on here and i am looking for advice on the 899/1199 Panigale. I'm very torn as to which to buy and the advice I received was 50/50.

I will be buying a Panigale this year. I have watched the 1199 for the last two years and tried to talk myself out of one but I just love the looks and sound they make when I see them at the track. My issue is the new 899 and I'm very torn to which I should buy. I have seen them both in person and while I love the SSSA the DSSA doesn't bother me. Since I want an outstanding road bike that may see a couple track days (I have a dedicated 2008 R6 track bike). I enjoy being able to ride a bike somewhat hard when I get the chance. I worry the 1199 might be a bit much for the street as where the 899 might have less power but you might be able to give it a little hell more often than the 1199. When I had my R6 on the street it was low on power down low but when you were out on the curves and running it hard it was a brilliant bike. So fun! I just sold my S1000RR in preparation for the Panigale. The S1000RR was incredible but I never connected with it. Anytime you opened it up the power was insane and just a bit much for street riding. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but with the S1000 there was a time and place to twist the throttle and they were few and far between compared to what I could get away with on the R6. My question to you- If you were starting with a clean slate, no bike, and have ridden both the 1199 and 899, which would you bring home? If the 1199 is an awesome street bike please tell me. You can't argue they are gorgeous. But if you think the 899 is the best bang for the money I'd like to know.

My history is about 16 years street riding. Had had 1998 GSXR750, 2001 Aprilia RSV MilleR (kept her for a long time and is still the one I miss), 2006 Yamaha R1, 2007 CBR1000RR, and the 2013 S1000RR. Before I made my 2008 R6 into dedicated track bike this summer I loved being on it on the street. Yes the bottom end sucked but when you were really riding it hard it was fun. I'm seriously stuck on this decision.

I think you have answered your own question.
The 899 will likely be better at more things at more times.

Welcome to the forum

Brad,

Thank you for the welcome and the answer. I know I have answered my question. I know which I want. I just like hearing people with experience. It's though being reasonable and buying the little brother lol!

James

Brad said:

I think you have answered your own question.
The 899 will likely be better at more things at more times.

Welcome to the forum

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I think the 899 will be more trouble free and a better road going machine. I think if your tracking an R6 the the 899 will be more to your riding style. It's also fun to kick someone's ass on a smaller displacement bike

Thamer said:

It's also fun to kick someone's ass on a smaller displacement bike

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So true



But it sucks when your beat by liter bikes. That is what helped me decide to upgrade the 848 and get the 1199.

in 3 summer, I was passed 4 times, each one was a liter bike with guys with their race lic.

They probably would have passed me on the 1199, now I don't have any weak ass excuses

I own two 2013 1199's, an S and an R, a friend Chris who has a 2012 S, and a friend Mark who has a 2012 S. I've had the oil leak issue, bolt issues, and starting issues, Mark has had every single issue except the oil leak, and well, Chris has been lucky to date and I don't believe he's had any issues EXCEPT for the bike NEVER starting! Charcoal canister delete fixed the non starting issue decently, although it still isn't perfect.
Now, we have a fourth friend Paul who as of Wednesday was on a 675R and had a deposit on the 899 since the day they were announced. After me preaching to him about how .... my two bikes have treated me, this wednesday he nixed the 899 deal, went down the street and got himself a BEAUTIFUL Matte Gray R1 for $12,800 OTD WITH TAX! A STEAL IF I MAY SAY!

Choose wisely if you want a Ducati. I rode the R1 and will say, yes, it lacks ABS, but motorcycles have gone 50, 60, 70, however many years without it, and the R1 doesn't have that real low end torque the Ducs have but I mean, over 8K, that R1 dominates.
If money will never be an issue, and you won't mind saying bye to your bike for days, and weeks at a time for service for failed parts, then pickup what we here have, the 1199.
If you want to save $15,000 and have a bike that performs 99% of what the 1199 does, go buy an R1.

Let the flaming commence

Thamer said:

I think the 899 will be more trouble free and a better road going machine. I think if your tracking an R6 the the 899 will be more to your riding style. It's also fun to kick someone's ass on a smaller displacement bike

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We all said the same about the 2013 1199's. See my posts.

Buy the 1199 and don't look back - you won't regret it.

White13Pani said:

I own two 2013 1199's, an S and an R, a friend Chris who has a 2012 S, and a friend Mark who has a 2012 S. I've had the oil leak issue, bolt issues, and starting issues, Mark has had every single issue except the oil leak, and well, Chris has been lucky to date and I don't believe he's had any issues EXCEPT for the bike NEVER starting! Charcoal canister delete fixed the non starting issue decently, although it still isn't perfect.
Now, we have a fourth friend Paul who as of Wednesday was on a 675R and had a deposit on the 899 since the day they were announced. After me preaching to him about how .... my two bikes have treated me, this wednesday he nixed the 899 deal, went down the street and got himself a BEAUTIFUL Matte Gray R1 for $12,800 OTD WITH TAX! A STEAL IF I MAY SAY!

Choose wisely if you want a Ducati. I rode the R1 and will say, yes, it lacks ABS, but motorcycles have gone 50, 60, 70, however many years without it, and the R1 doesn't have that real low end torque the Ducs have but I mean, over 8K, that R1 dominates.
If money will never be an issue, and you won't mind saying bye to your bike for days, and weeks at a time for service for failed parts, then pickup what we here have, the 1199.
If you want to save $15,000 and have a bike that performs 99% of what the 1199 does, go buy an R1.

Let the flaming commence

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You don't need ABS.









UNTIL YOU NEED IT!!!!

You could really save the $$$, get a jap. and wake up every day and regret it. Every vehicle has its potential issues. The Japanese bikes are better off right now, as their model range is just plain old and uncreative so less issues too.

The duc will reward you with a big grin every time you see, hear and ride it.

Look at the very early posts in the forum of guys just hanging in the garage for hours just to watch the bike...


Try to test ride both, see which one suits you best and go for it!
Don't listen to others. Listen to your heart!

I think it depends on what type of street riding you will mostly do. The 1199 is not the best commuter and it doesn't behave well in traffic, but if you plan to take it to the canyons and twisties I think it's the bike for you. With any Ducati (or any other bike for that matter), be prepared for potential problems before you buy no mater what the price. Too many people buy this bike when it's totally out of there price range then complain when they have to fix problems. It's unrealistic. I rode every other new sports bike out there before I got mine and the 1199 is the only one that was thrilling to ride. I agree with whitepani in one sense, if it doesn't matter to you whether it's a Yamaha, Honda or Ducati then save your money. But, it sounds like you've decided on a Duc. The only thing I'll say about the 899 is it's heavier and has less power than the 899, will probably be fine in the twisties and better as a street bike, but having ridden liter bikes, you may miss the displacement.

I'm confused, why are we even considering the 899? I think you missed some things when considering to two. One, even the base 1199 is a better value than the 899. Two, you can get a great deal on a low mileage S (mine is still for sale ). Three, this is going to be the big one. Almost any sport bike is honestly "to much" for the road. I had 07 R6 track bike, and I hated the power curve on that thing. I never in a million years would/will buy another one. Not for the street, not for the track. The 899 will have more than enough power to get you in all types of trouble. At no point have I been out for a ride on the 1199 and said "you know, this bike really is to much for the street". I have done something that was not meant to be done on the open road 100+mph but what bike wont. If you did not feel the S1000 was to much you will not feel the 1199 is. Is a very smooth and linear power delivery, nothing like the Dr. Jeckle R6.
Just my own .02

Thanks everyone. I can't say I'm not worried about some of the issues the 1199 owners have been having. I really miss riding a twin and my Aprilia didn't have the bottom end of the xx98 series so that's not a concern. This is a toy for me so I want something to lust after. I 100% agree about all the other big brand bikes bringing more performance, less issues, and a better price to the tabke. I love everything about riding... not just getting there. After owning many other bike I want a piece of art. Not something I see a 18 year old doing stoppies on in some parking lot. At the moment the Panigales fit this. I just HOPE I get to ride it more than some of you. Did I mention all the issues I have read about in the forum have me WORRIED! Like a poster above said that the hoped the 2013 would be better, I hope the 899 will be better.

To answer more questions-

I don't use this a a commuter although I will ride to work once in a while. Mainly when an after work ride will happen. So canyon/mountain riding is the main thing.

The poster with the 07 R6... I love my 08. Crappy, nonexistent power down low but when you're riding it hard it's damn fun. I have no issues keeping it in its power on the track.

S1000RR- the bike was awesome. A beast but I felt it was a bit too much for most days. Yes I know every bike made is too much for the street. I get it. But some are flat out more usable than others in more situations.


I understand I can find great deals on a used 1199. I'm in the US Air Force and I have about 14 months or so left in Germany. Buying a used Euro spec bike only yo have to sell it before I come home isn't the best option. So I either buy new at MSRP while I'm here or just suck it up and wait until I get home.

Thanks for all the advice thus far.

Pock said:

I 100% agree about all the other big brand bikes bringing more performance, less issues, and a better price to the tabke.

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I'll have to disagree with this in its entirety. If you believe the less issues element of this statement to be true then I would suggest you either do more research on the multitude of issues that have arisen with other brands or simply spend more time on other forums. I would also be very interested to hear your argument pertaining to how all other major manufacturer bikes outperform the the Panigale. Please enlighten me.

Wow I guess I started an argument that wasn't intentional. I always forget how much forums are like internet court rooms. LOL

First using my phone to type is making me look like an idiot.

Second, I know there are tons of problems with many first year or two bikes. I personally had the stator issue with my Honda as did my brother-in-law. Mine happened at like 1100 miles! I know the 2008's ATE oil. I know there are problems. Not saying the Panigale is better or worse.

My performance statement was simply directed toward the initial cost of the bike. Nothing more. Not saying the Panigale isn't completely amazing and in all honesty I (personal feeling. No need to correct) feel it's a good bit ahead of others in many ways. I was just agreeing with another poster saying if you want a cheaper bike that does perform well there are other options. But look what forum I joined and look at my question. I didn't ask to sell me on Ducati. Or should I buy an R1 or Panigale. I know what I want. I simply am looking for what engine size might be best for me from people that I hope have been on both the 899 and 1199. I will demo the 899 but odds are slim I'll get seat time on a 1199 here. Thanks again all!

Duck41 said:

I'll have to disagree with this in its entirety. If you believe the less issues element of this statement to be true then I would suggest you either do more research on the multitude of issues that have arisen with other brands or simply spend more time on other forums. I would also be very interested to hear your argument pertaining to how all other major manufacturer bikes outperform the the Panigale. Please enlighten me.

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I use my 1199 for commuting 2-3 times a week - even during the Arizona summer. No issues with the bike. But, then dealer I bought the bike from knows his stuff and has been selling Ducatis since 1978. Set up was spot on -including not too much throttle slop. Actually, I've had ever Ducati superbike since the 748 and had no problems with any of them -though the 1098 and 1198 had too much throttle slop.

How much is the price difference between the 899 and base 1199? I don't think there's much of a weight difference. If you feel the 1199 has to much power, then set the engine to 195 low on Sport Mode....or 120 if you want it to be a 600.

So, my vote is for an 1198.

Obviously, I haven't ridden an 899, but the 1199 is awesome on the backroads, in that it has enough torque to keep the revs relatively low and still have a lot of fun. It works best in the 195Hi mode for sure, and you can pull from under 5000 rpm in 3rd or 4th gear without much drama. I think the 899 will be a good bike, but not that much fun for those who have ridden 1199's.

Haven't ridden one but I think the 899 will be a great bike. It's got a closer ratio tranny that may actually be a bit more "twisty" friendly and comes with shorter final drive.
I also love my 1199 base and wouldn't part with it for all of the R1/S1000/RSV4/F4/etc around.

One (sometimes overlooked) thing to consider is the color TFT used for the instrumentation. The more I've ridden my 1199, the more I've come to appreciate the ways Ducati implemented the visual instrumentation you need/use while riding. Their ergonomics engineers did a good job with implementation in how they laid out the dash, their use of color, etc.

The 899 has the monochrome display. And while I'm sure they laid out the info displayed well, because it's a monochrome reflective LCD (with backlight for night time), the contrast isn't as good which can make it harder to read. And of course, lacking color means it may not present the info as effectively.

No, I'm not suggesting you base your decision purely on the instrument display. But it is something worth (among all the other things) taking into consideration while you're deciding.

Yes the display is beautiful on the 1199. The slipper clutch is something else I like. I thought the gear ratio was the same and the 899 just used a higher tooth count rear sprocket?