Ive tried the 1199s more than once and to be honest it was underwhelming. Fantastic looking bike but, and theres plenty who buy for that reason alone, but as a riding machine just not for me. Was up at the track at the weekend and there was an 899 Panigale there but the was an R1 sitting next to it which was getting more positive comments. To each there own I guess.
I was parked right next to them mate! But I had the kids and the Focus with me I noticed someone in the kitty litter at the hairpin and I've just got to try the reverse track
I had a test ride on both, the 899 and the 1199 and I would not change my blade for it. The engine runs like a concrete mixer and the fun disappears after 1 hour on the road. They might be good for track days or as a second bike, but not for a bike you want to ride every day in any conditions. To be honest, I was more than disappointed and I liked the 899 more than the 1199. Both of them are great looking bikes, but I really don’t know why people think of them like the ultimate driving machine, which there are not. They obviously have not tested a BMW HP4 nor the S1000RR etc.etc.etc.
Same here, tried the 1199, which I loved the look of, tried the 899 , felt too narrow for me personally, I'm a bit chunky..lol Never tried the sp as the dealer was a dick, but fell in love with the HP 4 and so glad I got it, even tho just had to shell out £250 quid for a carbon hugger, pay 20 grand for a bike and the standard one is plastic
Ducati's are one of those bikes that you either love or hate. Loads of people bought the 1199 when it came out coming from Japanese bikes and sort of expected it to be the same, 3 months later they are up for sale or part exchanged back to an inline 4 as they just could not get away with it. I have had 8+ Ducati's and absolutely love them, once you get to know exactly how to ride them they are brilliant, if you don't ride them properly they will feel like a tractor but get it right and they are beautiful to ride. I love my Blade, it does everything easily and will pull in 6th from tickover nearly, but, give me the chance of an 899 and it would be in my garage. They are brilliant through the twisties and in my opinion out handle the blade, I personally can ride a Ducati quicker than the Blade and it feels more stable. As I say though, if anyone jumps on one expecting it to be just a variation of an inline 4 they will be disappointed but given it a chance and they would learn to love it.
I see at Knockhill there's a full day open pit tomorrow and another evening session next Friday. You heading to either of these?
