Why a 1299 S?

kismetcapitan said:

.... and then of course the automatic suspension settings, versus the hard-core units for suspension gurus steeped in that black art.

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And this was one of the reasons I went with the R. I had a few issues with the electronic suspension during the warranty period of my multistrada which included ecu replacement etc. As I planned to keep the panigale for several years if not indefinitely, I didn't fancy buying crazy priced suspension ecu's when it was a little older. Obviously there are plenty more on the bike to go pop over time, but I could avoid that one at least. The wheels, cans and carbon swung the R after that.

ultra300x said:

The R is not worth twice the money for street riding, that's the point

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Agreed.

It will take someone just as long to get to the store or bank on an R as it will a base model.

Chaotic said:

Agreed.

It will take someone just as long to get to the store or bank on an R as it will a base model.

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but won't be as fast looking in front of starbucks

Chaotic said:

Agreed.

It will take someone just as long to get to the store or bank on an R as it will a base model.

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It will take longer, as more time is spent admiring one's reflection in shop windows.

You all know all Ducati Superbikes are compared with how much R'nesss it has. Details aside, decision is R everytime....or SL

Slowdive2 said:

This was the big factor for me in choosing the S, I'm not a suspension expert so for me this feature was worth the extra $'s (that and the wheels)

If you have suspension engineer for a best friend, then Im sure you'll make do without.

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I have had 2 1199's and could never get the right balance of street/hard riding for the suspension. The new 1299s seems to just get it right for me.

I am won, no question!

For me getting old and short daylight in SoCal. I am partial to the lights on the S

Martindfletcher said:

For me getting old and short daylight in SoCal. I am partial to the lights on the S

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Actually..yes good point. I get flashed by oncoming cars all the time, that's never happened on another bike.

It's very effective at lighting up dark country roads.

Are the lights different 15-R VS 1299S?

15R has the cheap halogen lights. S has the LED.

All this again? Really?

Yup, better headlights= a better ride.

Seriously, get the bike that you feel is right for you.

You can't go wrong in that regard.

Okay, so firstly forget around 80% of this thread on the 'he said, she said' is it for track, is it for road. Just forget it.

You've already made a very valid point on the cost of the 1299 + new system vs getting the R. Sounds like you've already convinced yourself?!

I have the Panigale R and bought this over the 1299, that was my personal choice. I chose it due to a number of reasons.

I was never really able to get on with the electronic suspension of the older R or the 1199 S. To have high end Ohlins mechanical suspension that I can set with a spanner is more up my street as I'm a bit old school, can't beat it.

The handling and the steering is sublime. This thing is so light it's itching to tip into corners with hardly any input. Breaking deep well into corners is awesome.

Also, when I got the 2014 R and compared it to the 1199 S, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed for the money I spent. The new Panigale R is incredible, the engine is just pure witchcraft, seriously, that is worth the extra alone.

I could also spend most of the day just looking at it, it really is a thing of beauty.

As for track/road riding a lot of the people here are forgetting is that both machines have 205 bhp and weigh nothing. Is that really suitable for the road anyway, where on the street will you ever fully use 205 bhp? Unless you're a d#ck! And both will be formidable weapons on the track.

Will the 1299 be a better bike for the daily commute, sure......... but will a well set up R?! There's no real answer here.

Get what you want, get what makes you smile the most. Both are great machines undoubtedly. But if you want something a little bit more unique, not a 1299 or an 1199 but a Panigale R, it really is a different experience.

............

The headlights are a bit sh#t though, high beam is decent enough, so if you are planning on night riding and really want the R, either upgrade them or choose a well lit route. It's not that bad, but they could be better.

Thanks for all the input!

As for lights, it does not matter.
We (in Sweden) are so far north that it never gets dark in the summer. (almost)
But god info anyhow.

Mutt1979 said:

if you are planning on night riding and really want the R, either upgrade them or choose a well lit route. It's not that bad, but they could be better.

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It's all relative I guess, I think the Base/R lights are great compared to my old ZX-10

I was hanging pretty low that day and felt manly enough that an "S" would suffice.

Even though my friends made fun of me for not getting the "R" I will surely prove them wrong when I show up in my custom leathers at Starbucks.