Same bike, different feel...???

Ok, so I had a 2012 1199s last year and I loved it. I, however, ended up selling it for a few diff reasons (none of which have anything to do with this thread). Of course, half way through winter I started thinking about getting another bike. So I decided on a year newer 1199s, less issues with 2013's and 14's plus I didnt mind having an oil sight window lol.

Getting to the point here, this 2013 feels a bit more confidence inspiring than the 2012...? I would say im 10-13lb lighter and thats really the only diff. I keep the bike in race mode with a little change to the rear shock rebound from troy bayliss' settings....So, my question is: Has anyone else had two panigale's and they felt diff, bc im stumped. And I did always wonder about the motoGP guys who crash their bikes in morning warm up and have to race after repairing it, or even guys who crash in qualifying and have to finish on their second bike...


Unless, its just all in my head...But I know, no two bikes are the same blah blah blah.

Anyways, just interested to hear others experience----Thanks!

I'd say most of it is in your head. When I don't ride mine for a week or two and get back on it it feels incredible. If it was a new/different bike I'm sure I'd attribute it to the bike and not reality feeling far better than anything my memory recalled. (Kind of like sex when you haven't had it for a couple weeks.)

I would say your weight is also a factor, particularly if you've been training and improved your core body strength.

First 2012 season on my Tri, I found the front end rather confidence uninspiring.

Now, late 2013 and 2014, I feel like its a different bike, but its not the bike, its me.

I now ride with very little weight on the bars, lock my legs into the tank - generally a better riding technique, but it all started from being in better physical shape.

Had a '12 Base and changed for a '13 Base.

The 13 pulls harder from the bottom, even with the 39t still in place. No real explanation there.
Suspension also is worlds ahead since I got the Ohlins cartridges.