I remember all this exactly, and I remember not being totally enchanted with the 1199 until I saw mine in person. Why is the shock hanging out there? Why is the tail so short?
I had an 848 previously and unfortunately totaled it in September 2011, so I was looking for a new bike just in time for the 1199 to come out. First, I was gonna get another 848, then I decided to look at leftover 1198s. I looked at a BMW too, but didn't fit well on it (tank was way too wide) and didn't like the build quality (everyone complained about all the "cheap plastic" on the 1199, but the BMW was covered with it). Friend of mine was buying at the same time too, and started thinking about an 1199. He went for it, then ended up convincing me to go with one too. Couldn't be happier, in retrospect. The bike is lighter and nimbler than my 848 ever was, the engine was smooth and powerful, sounded great, and was fast. What else do you want?
Well, for me, a V4 superbike. Why? Because of GP, I guess. The sound of those V4s running around Indy was intoxicating. To me the configuration just screams "race bike". So I'll get one. Not this year, as having 3 kids in the past 2 years has put a damper on discretional spending, but in the next couple years, absolutely.