[gomeybear]

Hello all,

So Ive been contemplating trading in my 2014 daytona 675 for a 959 and some opinions on the move would be much appreciated. Some of my logical opinions which may not be factual but are concerns to me either way are mainly ducati reliability & cost of maintainence. Been told by some that those are the kickers with ducati. On the emotional side of things, I just cant get over the beauty of the ducati 959. When I bought my 675 a couple of years ago, the 899 was the only bike I thought was better looking and so of course I feel that way about the 959 as well. Anyways my 675 has been good to me but I have no faith in the triumph dealer here in Austin Tx (acquired by woods) Ive heard much better things from the ducati dealer which I feel is a pro for the ducati (dealer support is important to me). Ive not test rode the ducati so I will definitely have to do so. Last question about the riding position, would be that Ive heard its a little aggressive on the ducati but the 675 is know to be one of the more agreesive riding position sport bikes and I am very comfortable on it. Do you all think that will translate over to the ducatis ride position?

 

[sinjin]

Hello all,

So Ive been contemplating trading in my 2014 675 for a 959 and some opinions on the move would be much appreciated. Some of my logical opinions which may not be factual but are concerns to me either way are mainly ducati reliability & cost of maintainence. Been told by some that those are the kickers with ducati. On the emotional side of things, I just cant get over the beauty of the ducati 959. When I bought my 675 a couple of years ago, the 899 was the only bike I thought was better looking and so of course I feel that way about the 959 as well. Anyways my 675 has been good to me but I have no faith in the triumph dealer here in Austin Tx (acquired by woods) Ive heard much better things from the ducati dealer which I feel is a pro for the ducati (dealer support is important to me). Ive not test rode the ducati so I will definitely have to do so. Last question about the riding position, would be that Ive heard its a little aggressive on the ducati but the 675 is know to be one of the more agreesive riding position sport bikes and I am very comfortable on it. Do you all think that will translate over to the ducatis ride position?

I have never ridden a Daytona, but the responsiveness and suspension receive very good reviews. However, the power and availability of aftermarket upgrades has the Triumph beat hands down. They are both great looking bikes, but the Ducati will likely widen the smile across your face when you ride.

I am not sure that you will have much difficulty transitioning from one bike to the other. Just don't get caught up in all the hype about the heat. Austin will offer you plenty of opportunity to get out in the hill country or closer in around the lakes and focus instead on the riding.

Dealer support is a rough reason to look at another bike and Ducati Austin does seem to be well regarded in Texas. I too am very motivated by post sale service and shop support.

The twin vs the triple isn't as big of a change as going from an inline 4 to two cylinders. If you think the 675 has strong torque you are in for a pleasant surprise and the HP isn't lacking either.

 

[dougo1199]

I would agree with what @sinjin has mentioned above. I haven't ridden a 675 either, but I know there are a lot of guys racing these bikes so that says something for their performance and handling. I would think your biggest concern in switching would be the twin motor characteristics of the 959. Again, I have not ridden a 675 but I would think the riding position would be very similar. To me, the Panigale line have a much less aggressive riding position than the older style Ducati super bikes.

 

[sinjin]

Post ride with a group of Daytona riders...

 

[DarR]

@gomeybear
I concur with what @dougo1199 and @sinjin have written. I know you will be pleased with the power delivery and the handling.
Moreover, I'm not concerned either about the riding position which is very comfortable.
Like @sinjin wrote, the heat is not an issue in a fast pace environment but could bug you in stop and go traffic.
Personally, I couldn't care less for the heat when I happen to ride it slow because I enjoy it so much when ridden for what it's been designed for. Others don't necessarily feel the same way.
Consequently, don't buy without giving it a good test ride in a similar environment and condition you are currently riding your Daytona. Then decide.

 

[able duc]

If it was a 675R no way would I swap it for a 959.

Before I purchased my 899 I looked very closely at the 675R, my friend who I do track days with has one
and I really liked the feel of it and I just love that engine. I was riding a modded 1098 at the time and needed to go slower.

I chose the Pani because of my Ducati history. 749, ST4s, 996sps, Multistrada 1200, Hypermotard 1100s and 1098 I just went with the 899 because I sort of know them and am set up to work on them even thought the Pani was a different breed.

 

[Dingo]

A guy I met while at Chuckwalla this past Monday had 70 miles on his new AWS 959, of which he traded his 675R for. He left half day in because he was tired from riding the bike - he said it's worlds better than the 675R on the track, much more power, gearing is great, he doesn't need to rev the heck out of it to get going, and it goes where u point it just like the 675R. He wished he went to the gym more so he wouldn't be so fatigued!

Get the 959 IMO

 

[able duc]

he said it's worlds better than the 675R on the track

hahaha

 

[gomeybear]

Thanks for all the replies! I have never done a track day so all my experience riding is street only. Ill just have to test ride it to see if it handling is on par, hp & torque it of course has the advantage. I saw a couple reviews that mentioned its cornering is slightly different than most sport bikes, not sure what they meant by that but I do know that the daytona is a breeze to get some angle and speed in the twisties of the hill country. Do you all think maintenance costs are exorbitant?

 

[sinjin]

I am not sure what is meant by the comment regarding the cornering, either. The stock suspension is very capable and performs extremely well whether you are riding spiritedly on the street or pushing it hard at the track.

I knew what I was getting into when I chose a Ducati and the BMW. I would rather pay a little more for better and reliable service and have my dealer do the work than choose a different bike or perform the work myself and miss out on riding in my spare time...

Since many Ducati dealers sell European bikes, Triumph included, I would imagine that the shop costs are about the same. Ducati Austin and AMS in Dallas have good reputations regarding their service departments, so you are less likely to be funding their education as they figure $hit out...

 

[Paul Robinson]

Hi, my previous bike was a 2008 675 and traded it in for a 959 in January so still getting used to it. The biggest difference is coming off throttle, you need tank pads for grip to stop crushing your nuts. The 675 triple is smooth around slow corners e.g. roundabouts but it's taking a bit of time to get used to the 959. Some mods to help are the panigalespacers and dropping the front sprocket down a tooth. My 675 had sharp handling and slowly getting there with the 959 but the 959 has a lot more power so really depends on your riding environment, take the 959 for a demo but watch for the throttle slack and coming off throttle.

 

[gomeybear]

Paul Robinson thanks for the reply! Do you mind if I ask how they gave you on your 08 daytona?

 

[OMG_959]

Hi Gomeybear,

My previous bike was an 06 Daytona 675. Had that bike for two years, and for a portion of that time I also had an 636 ZX6-r. I LOVED that 675, to this day, I wish I hadn't sold it. I FELL IN LOVE with the Daytona, it was love at first sight. Loved it for a lot of reasons: power/tq, handling, classic design (one of the most beautiful bike ever made, if you ask me). Like you, I've not been to a track day, all my experience is street and back-roads.

I was off of bikes for two years. When I decided to get another bike last year, I was pretty much sold on another 675. In fact, there was a '12 or '13 675R used for sale that I almost bought. Then the 959 came out.. And it was love at first sight all over again. Couldn't stop staring at them. Timeless looks, aggressive yet graceful, amazing sound. Arctic White Silk. Enough said.

To answer your specific questions:

Reliability: had my bike for a year, and the only issue I have is the "cold start" issue: basically the bike didn't like to start right up for the first cold-start of the day. Ducati is aware of it, but no known fix yet. There's a trick I found on this forum that I've adapted for the first start of the day, and I've not had the problem since. And do yourself the favor: don't let this be a turnoff.

Maintenance: Don't be scared of maintenance. Ducati designed the Panigale to much more in line with Japanese bikes: 7500 mile oil service, Valve service at 15K miles. While I'm sure it'll cost more than japanese bikes for valves, I imagine it wont require a second mortgage. Also, Ducati switched from timing belts to chains, so no belt replacement.

Dealer Support: Ducati is owned by VW/Audi, and their dealer support is pretty good from what I can see in the SF Bay area at least. If you have a reputable dealer near you, you'll be fine.

Riding Position: yes, its aggressive, but not that different from the 675. Comfort seat helps for longer rides.

Go and take one for a ride: I had high expectations after my 675, and I'm very very happy I switched to the 959 Panigale.

Get one! You wont regret it.

-Charlie

 

[DarR]

@gomeybear
You may be interested in viewing this review from the pro's at MCN Motorcyclenews.com.
They pit the 899 Panigale against the Triumph Daytona 675R and the old school Suzuki GSX-R750.
As you know, the 959 is a stroked version of the 899 with added HP, torque and a slipper clutch amongst the most significant improvements.

 

[dougo1199]

Hi, my previous bike was a 2008 675 and traded it in for a 959 in January so still getting used to it. The biggest difference is coming off throttle, you need tank pads for grip to stop crushing your nuts. The 675 triple is smooth around slow corners e.g. roundabouts but it's taking a bit of time to get used to the 959. Some mods to help are the panigalespacers and dropping the front sprocket down a tooth. My 675 had sharp handling and slowly getting there with the 959 but the 959 has a lot more power so really depends on your riding environment, take the 959 for a demo but watch for the throttle slack and coming off throttle.

You may try dialing the engine brake all the way back (least intrusive). The mechanical slipper does an excellent job on it's own.

 

[sinjin]

You may try dialing the engine brake all the way back (least intrusive). The mechanical slipper does an excellent job on it's own.

You ought to try out a RR in Race mode... I used to prefer the engine braking characteristics of my Ducati once I installed the Yoyodyne, however I now have it on 3 once I got used to the smooth engine overrun on my BMW and it still gives me a sense of being jerked forward when I let off the throttle.

It is the single issue I have now transitioning between the two bikes. I don't miss the up quickshift, but instead I wish that the Panigale had EBC settings around 6 or greater.

Regarding the other topics between the 675R and the Ducati, I can tell you that the group of Daytona riders that I often met up with always commented on how they liked their bikes, but loved the Panigale and wished that they had the chance to change their decision on which to purchase. If you are in a position to swap yours out, I think you will be pleasantly rewarded for your trouble!

Update the thread and make sure you keep us posted on your decision...

 

[Dingo]

...The mechanical slipper does an excellent job on it's own.

The slipper on this bike is great - coming into turns 8/9 (Chuckwalla) at speed was no problem at all and the bike never got upset

 

[DarR]

@Dingo,
You should share some pics soon. We're so envious here.

 

[Rinzlr]

i traded my MV F3 675 for my 959 and i wish i had taken that bike on track but honestly im so much happier with the 959 and after doing a couple track days with the 959 i sold my track only zx6r

 

[Dingo]

@Dingo ,
You should share some pics soon. We're so envious here.

Done, Thread posted!