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Head count...

6589 Views 14 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  Chrisliveshere
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Who's got one? I took delivery today in 48'F wet weather. Certainly sub-optimal conditions to throw my leg over a never ridden before motorcycle but I survived. The weather has improved and I managed to get 50 miles on it. I'll go out again a bit later.




A few impressions. I'm coming off a 2007 Monster S2R1K. I've ridden the 1098S and Streetfighter 1098S quite a bit. This bike has nowhere near the down low torque of the 1098. It's so much tamer and refined without feeling a great deal slower. It does however have telepathic steering compared to that machine. It's in a different league in my opinion on those terms. Everything about it is more graceful than the older Ducati Superbikes.

The throttle by wire and clutch definitely took a few moments to get used to. Both are extremely light, particularly compared to my Monster. Since I was in wet conditions on a brand new bike (with new tires) I was quite stiff at first so I think that made things worse but the throttle is touchy for my tastes but nothing I wont get used to quickly.

High beams, you'll turn them on by accident A LOT. The quick shifter is absolutely sublime. I found the brakes to have just enough initial bite not to startle you but inspire some confidence. I pushed an off ramp a bit to see how they felt.

I switched out of WET to SPORT after 35 or 40 miles. Big difference. Clearly I've not pushed the bike hard yet but I can see that the riding modes make a considerable difference in the feel of just about everything.

More to come. For those taking delivery soon, check in here. Watch that throttle and clutch for the first few starts, it's "different" but quite nice once you get used to it.

My friend with the 1098 asked me to sum up my first ride...well behaved is my first impression. It's very sorted, not overbearing in the least.

YES, the reflectors are gone. One more thing I just remembered. My bike had 2 miles on it when I pulled out of the dealership. It took a few miles and several stop lights for me to easily find neutral. Almost like the transmission needed a few gear shits to settle in. That improved tremendously after 10 or so miles.
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Congrats!! Now make sure you get the "Panigale Throttle Spacer kit" it makes all the slop in the throttle go away.


Cheers!!!
So are there only 2 of us on the forum who've taken delivery? Any issues with your boots rubbing just forward of the rear brake lever? Mine do. I was able to remove a little boot rubber with some goo gone but I'm thinking of either getting different boots or working to change my foot placement. Size 10 foot here, perhaps I need a boot with a bit more slender toe pocket.
Congrats!! Now make sure you get the "Panigale Throttle Spacer kit" it makes all the slop in the throttle go away. Cheers!!!
Hi Rusks,Throttle Spacer Kits are back on topic. Could you share your input here as to which ones you installed?
Congrats on your new addition.
Nice summation of your first few miles.
I don't have the boot issue but I'm a full size smaller than you.
So are there only 2 of us on the forum who've taken delivery?...
of a RED one? doubt it...
in general? definitely not

Most of us that are frequent posters have taken livery of a White or Red already. I'm probably the newest with having it for only 2 weeks.

Congrats on your purchase! :grin2: and welcome to the Ducati Family!
I have a red 959 here in the UK - I'll get some pics up at some point. Ive done about 800miles so far. Once you've had the first service and start getting up around 10k revs any thoughts of 'well behaved' go out the window! It turns into a snarling beast and the induction bellow is seriously additive!

I'm interested to hear more about the throttle spacers - I assume they reduce play when starting to roll on the gas? Are they difficult to fit yourself?
I have a red 959 here in the UK - I'll get some pics up at some point. Ive done about 800miles so far. Once you've had the first service and start getting up around 10k revs any thoughts of 'well behaved' go out the window! It turns into a snarling beast and the induction bellow is seriously additive!

I'm interested to hear more about the throttle spacers - I assume they reduce play when starting to roll on the gas? Are they difficult to fit yourself?
With respect to spacers, numerous Duc forums state this is the best $30 mod you can perform. I have a set coming as we speak. The throttle play (or reduction thereof with spacers) is more apparent at low speed/RPM. As far as ease of installation, everyone says it's literally a 10 min fix and the kit I purchased even includes the weird bit to install the kit. States all you need is #2 Phillips, flat head screw driver and the special hex bit they include.
I'll post up what my thoughts are once I drop them in.
Hi Rusks,Throttle Spacer Kits are back on topic. Could you share your input here as to which ones you installed?


This one....


Throttle Spacer Kit Ducati Panigale 899 959 1199 1299 Instructions Tri Wing Bit | eBay


Cheers!
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Mine doesn't like to find neutral until the tranny is to operating temp.
Mine doesn't like to find neutral until the tranny is to operating temp.
Mine does the same. Takes about 4/5 minutes.
Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the Ducati family…I am in the Western AZ area right on the boarder of CA. I only have around 300 miles on her so still in the break in. I will say this, I just recently switch to riding in RACE mode all the time and it is a completely different bike, even though I keep it under the 6k as advised by my dealership…I can tell that it wants to be set loose. Keep us up to date on her.
I take delivery in two days from D & D Cycles in Pensacola, FL. I shipped a tail tidy to them as well to install right away so it will look perfect right off the lot. It's so hard to wait! 😑

Interesting about the throttle spacer mod...I've never used one but it sounds like I'll need to look into this more. Anyone use a throttle lock also? Not sure how I feel about them but with several x-country trips coming up, it might be a sound investment.
I pick up my 959 tomorrow as long as the weather holds out here.

I'm coming from a 2014 Honda VFR800. Looking forward to smiling for the next week.
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