The lastest R1 is a very good bike. Put a Austin racing slip-on on and it sounds horny AF. Plus being a Jap I4 it will last a long time.
They have a had a recall on the tranny and the oil filter is known to spin loose so you need to lock-wire it on.

the 1299 fixed a number of the 1199 hiccups (thou not the leaks or brake feel) Also the updated Electronics package and downshifter are a bouns
1199 are still way ahead of a 959, but you would need to look at a rear sprocket change and something like a rapid bike or Tuneboy/woolich ECU reflash to fix the low end putt-putt-putt. If you can find a 1199S for a fair price work on that.

The 1199/1299 will be hotter on you thighs than a 959.....

Best bet is to test ride them all (try a S1000RR and a new GSXR aswell) that way you can find out what you like.

For me after my experince with the Current Panigale, I wouldnt be sad given up the Panigale for an R1. Specially when you look at prices of bikes themselves (I can buy a New R1M cheaper than a Base 1299) and cost of aftermarket parts doesnt command the "Ducati Tax"

But a R1 doesnt get the stares nor attention that a ducati gets when ridering by or Parked up.

 

The 959 is a 155+hp / 160mph bike which is more than enough for the street and my ego. I dropped a tooth on the front sprocket to use the sixth gear once and awhile. This midsize produces about the same power as a 2004ish R1literbike and the Panigales' handling makes the old Yamaha look like a sloth.

 

for me it came down to the 959 or the 15+ R1. I decided on the panigale because i really didnt want the power from a modern liter but i wanted some exclusivity. Now after selling my track bike and converting my 959 to track only i wish i had gotten the R1 just because its easier to build, a little cheaper to build and alot more data and options on that platform. but i love the 959 and im not selling it any time soon.

 

Thanks for the input guys.

At the moment I am honestly leaving towards the 1299. And not just that. Currently it is the 1299 S that tops the list, as stupid as that sounds. Compared to the base 1299 it really is not worth those extra $$$'s for me, only having intermediate skill. But the look of those full LED lights just gets my juices flowing and that semi-auto suspension (as much as I do not need it) in the end just makes for a little better of a ride and visually it looks great to me.

But like has been said many times on many forums and in different threads - you need to buy that one you just can't stop thinking about. If you shell out 15k for a 959 and then still look in awe at 1299's passing you - that's not a good buy. I am sure I would love any of the 4 listed bikes. Without having tried it, I feel pretty confident that the best bike for me, practically speaking, and with a much lower price tag, would be the s1000rr. But at the end of the day it just doesn't speak to me at all, even though I speak German (LOL)

Thankfully I still have a good 9 months to consider and a whole lot of test rides ahead of me before I need to make a decision.

Don't be surprised if you see me around SoCal next year on my 1299 S being stingy as **** because I had to drop 25k on a bike. LOL

 

Try 959 and you would love it, for daily riding!

I myself intend to but a ZX10RR this year, just read the sale of day in my dealer page, go to it and pick up 959. It was 1 month up to now, I never regret about that choice.

 

What's your underlying goal and use case? Seems like you're heavily motivated by what seems to be raw power, but what's your driving your primary goal?

The 959 isn't necessarily comparable to the 1199/1299/R1. 959 is more comparable to other middleweights like the Daytona R or the GSX-R750, so sure its going to be underpowered when comparing it to actual liter bikes.

If you're looking to be competitive at the track, the 899/959 sometimes doesn't fit in the middleweight class, so you're stuck racing in the heavyweight/open classes (maybe not as far as superbike, but its possible).

If you're looking to "race" buddies on the street, well, throw your money wherever you want.



Everyone who considers a Panigale does it for the aesthetics, so ultimately, from what it seems you're torn between paying the extra 10k or so for a beautiful 1299 vs getting similar power from a "bland" liter bike. You don't have to justify it to us, but it seems like you have another reason for specifically looking at 1299 S. If you need a great looking bike with the most power, no question about it, get what you need.

Question to you, why not the Panigale R then? #YOLO

 

You know, DJ, the thing is - I know I won't benefit any, as far as riding goes by getting the S over the base.
It is basically just the aesthetics of the full LED and the comfort of knowing the suspension will always be right where I need it to be for the conditions I'm in.

I won't be doing much actual racing, if any. I won't be NEEDING the power of the 1299 over the 959. I just WANT it, ya know :-D
On the road it's not like I will be looking to go racing with 650ib (YouTube moto vlogger, for those not familiar with him) or any of those types, but I gotta admit I would like to be able to rip the occasional "duuude" on his pimped out '07 R1 or whatever.

I think you get pretty much where I'm at. I do feel, solely based on reviews and such, that the R1, s1000rr and 1299 are very, very equal performance wise - so essentially I would be spending another 5-10k purely on aesthetics. As crazy as that seems, at the end of the day, I'm sure that what most 1299 owners have done, and it seems to me like it might be worth it. To feel like I didn't compromise and end up on another bike gawking at every 1299 that I pass. To just have the ultimate grin on my face every time I sit on that Italian beauty.

Installing the full LED of the S on the base could also be an option I assume, but 1. I havent seen anywhere that I can buy that actual headlight, and 2. I think in the long run, that option might actually be more expensive, as aftermarket spending just sinks right in to the bike where as the S models almost seem to keep the gap in price when selling.

To answer your question about the Panigale R - I honestly haven't looked into that one much. Although I don't mind paying the price for what I want, I do also have reason, and 10k ON TOP OF THE 1299 S is just a range that I won't go to. Besides, I dont actually feel like I'm getting anything for those 10k really. Do you know more about it?

And as with all the others, thank for pitching in. This forum is by far the best MC forum I have seen.

 

If it's 9 months till you make a decision don't forget about the V4 on it's way!

 

Exactly. Well aware of that as a factor, but thanks for the heads up! I am very excited for that one.
Have you come across any new information on that? Even if not, what are your expectations as far as price, power, looks etc?

 

Take a trip to the 1299 forum.

 

@Dingo,

You don't seem to think that they will keep it below a 1000 in order to keep it homologized as they did with the Panigale R at 1199 when they released the 1299 for street?

I was expecting that it would be 999 L4 close to the $40k US mark... SL internals and no LED or electronic suspension as with the current R.

 

From reading through the entire thread over at the 1299 forum and whatever else I could find on the WWW, this sounds very accurate Sinjin. Doesn't sound lok the bike I need.

Let's see what they come up with though.
For the time being, prior to testriding them all, the 1299 (S) in in the lead for me.

Thanks again to everybody that pitched in.

 

As mentioned above, my first question would be what are your plans for the bike? Another thing to keep in mind is, no matter which superbike you chose, is that they're all superbikes, which mean they built to perform best at speed. Choosing from the Ducatis you've listed, for regular street use I think the 959 is your pick. The smooth linear power band gives you a great balance between power and handling for street riding. For track, I would choose the 1299. IMO, it would be very difficult to get, or keep the bigger bikes (1199 /1299) in their zone on the street. (this of course is excluding any expressway foolery) As far as "base" vs "S". There is is lot to be said for being able to dial in your suspension correctly. It is true art and can be one of the most difficult areas of the bike to master. The "S" would definitely give you an advantage there.

 

Hi Dougo,

The bike would first and foremost be for street riding, which would probably include a lot of commuting most likely (yep, I'm that idiiot commuting on a race bike) and possibly a track day here and there.

Am I hearing you say a 959 actually would be MORE enjoyable than a 1299 on the street? I was under the impression the 1299 has a fairly smooth powerband as well including plenty of low end power? Or are you simply saying it wouldn't be wort the money to get a 1299 over 959?

 

I initially considered the 1299 but ultimately went with the 959 and am very happy with it so far. It's really not about the ultimate HP as all of these bikes are going to have more than you can safely use on the road. The 959 has the perfect balance of power and handling for a twisty road or canyon riding IMHO, the 1299 would have been overkill in most situations. I think you'll get more out of a 959 than a 1299 unless you have the skills of an AMA Superbike pro. That said, f you have to have the 1299 I think you'll enjoy that as well, I don't think you can go wrong with either machine.

 

My brother and I did the factory tour last week while in Italy. Very cool to see. When the tour guide was asked about the V4, she just said "we have no information on that at this time". Naturally... We did get to see the new 1229 SL coming off the assembly line as well as one being run on the rolling road test stand. Only 500 being made and most of those are earmarked for the US. Very slick bike! Full carbon frame, wheels, body, with top level Ohilns and 200+ hp. Crazy machine! Crazy money! Looks a lot like the GP bike paint scheme wise too.

 

Yea, a couple of the bike rags said the 1299 SL is the finest production liter class motorcycle ever built. I'd have to agree but sadly the price tag is way out of my reach.

 

:grin2:Get it!

 

I wouldn't be so confident about the bike holding its value - just look at the previous 2 special editions and what they ask for these days - you'd be surprised, I think
@Kruz - you could make up more than half of the cost if you sold what's in your list there... just sayin' !

 

I wouldn't be so confident about the bike holding its value - just look at the previous 2 special editions and what they ask for these days - you'd be surprised, I think
@Kruz - you could make up more than half of the cost if you sold what's in your list there... just sayin' !

If I sold everything I have Dingo, I still don't think I would get enough to pay for a new 1299SL, most of my bikes are now getting a bit long in tooth, still good machines and very useful but no longer cutting edge and probably wouldn't bring much on the market even though all are in excellent condition. Exceptions would be the 2016 959 and ZX-10R which still would bring a fair return. No, I think I'm done buying new motorcycles, there is always something new and appealing that comes out every year and the next year it's old news. :frown2:

 

@adrian7 - point made, and I agree

 

Yea Doug, I guess it's a good thing we have so many choices but it's a double edged sword in a way.

 

I was looking for a 1299 Anniversario recently...found one used one for sale and the guy didn't really want to sell so couldn't make a deal. I know of one new one for sale right now in Kansas but they want $32k for it. In the end I just decided I didn't want a bike worth that much. WAY too risky in the event of a crash or theft which happens every day here in central FL. Decided to keep my 959 but bought a 2017 R1M to get my thrills on.

 

I was the first of three on the list to get one that was coming to Dallas, however at the last minute, I couldn't decide whether to keep the 899 or not and if I wanted to spend that amount on a 1299 twin after riding the i4.

I noticed that there are 3 on Cycle Trader currently and noticed the one in Kansas City MO as well. They were $32k out the door and they want $32k+ TTL. On top of that, it is used and they might even try to tack on freight and prep.

The R is $3k more and while it doesn't come with the racing exhaust and electronic suspension, the lighter weight, homologated 1199 engine with 205 HP, and similarly exclusive livery would be far more appealing to me. You can always get the RACE or an undertail exhaust later on.

I still have a soft spot for the Anniversario scheme, however I came across a painted set at motoxpricambri.com that you can buy for $1200.

 

Sinjin, we have a ride leaving out of Anna on Sunday morning if you're interested, kick stands up at 7:30 sharp, got to beat the heat.


We're doing FM 455 and then the Ida Road run up to Sherman.

 

@Kruz, thanks for the invite!

That is going to be early for me, but I am very interested in joining you and will do my best to be there... I certainly understand the interest in getting a jump on the midday sun. Is there a landmark in Anna where you plan on meeting? The Flying J on 75? I haven't done the Ida Road ride in a while and would look forward to riding up there with you guys!

 

Well if Casey likes it it must be good! lol! I would think that with the V4 supposedly on the horizon that the 1299's might start to take a dive in price. Although, it seems as though the 899's have held their value pretty well since the arrival of the 959.

 

@ Sinjin, thanks for coming out, it was a pleasure to meet you, hope you enjoyed the ride! We all need to get together soon and do this again. The guys from Fortworth would like to meet up in Sanger next time and do the run up FM 455 to Forestburg and then up to St Jo, Munster, Indian Bridge etc. Lots of fast sweepers up that way.


@ PatrickR and TVGuy, sorry we missed you, I just saw your PMs when I got back from the ride. We'll plan a ride soon, next weekend is looking good.

 

Ive been on the look out for a 1199 bike to make into a race bike. Im seeing a number for sale used now that are less than a 899.
One thing is thou, there are a number of panigales in my home town, but only 3-4 of them do any riding.

 

IMHO, the 1299 Anniversario is the best looking bike I have ever seen with the white 959 as a close second. Looking forward to seeing better spy photos of the new V4. Have fun choosing.

 

Couldn't agree more.

Thanks!
I'm sure I would be more than happy with either Panigale out there. But my lust for the SA supersedes that of any other at the moment. I'm just hoping the V4 comes out even better looking, as that would make my choice easy. Should it come out slighter less attractive than the SA, I will be in a bit of a pinch. Let's see what the next 6 months bring. Regardless I will definitely make sure to update you guys once I do chose. Even in the (currently fairly unlikely) event that I end up getting an R1M