My honest opinion. You want to be fast? Stick with the S1000RR. You want to have fun and look cool go with the Panigale. It is all of the things you want and more. Its sexy, loud and fast. Its not smooth like an inline 4. Thats fine if you want something that will rip your arms out and sound and look really good. But for going fast the S1000RR is just too good. You can have 200+ HP and not even know its there. That's what you want. Something so fast but so easy. The Vtwin is mental. A lot of the power is not usable.

Just my 2 cents.

 

What this guy said....then my advice to go for the Pani and in a year or two go for an S1000RR again and you be really happy you're back.

Explore and enjoy !!

 

Go for it. It sounds like you know what it will be like since you tried the 1199. It just won't be as comfortable as your BMW.

 

Its hard to give advice around a specific model of bike that I haven't ridden yet. However, I think its safe to say that Ducati will have taken note of the feedback from its racing teams and it's many thousands of road riders and the 1299 will be a noticeable improvement on the 1199. If we take a leap of faith on that then I would expect the 1299 to be a brilliant bike.

If they could make the 1299 feel as well rounded as the 899 does compared to the 1199 then it will be hard to resist. You'll need to change your perspective, and your riding style to suit the power delivery and dynamics but I'll wager you'll find it more rewarding when (if) you can.

My HP4 is a great bike, which I can only hope to exploit to 90% of its capability as time goes on but I still dream of racing a Ducati.

For reference I did my first season racing at Club level level last year and have been riding for a 20 years+.

 

Can't comment on the 1299 but rode a friends 1199 last year.

Didn't like it.

Didn't like the ergonomics of the flat bar and peg position. Also, din't like the way it delivered the power. If I would have wanted a bike that made power like an I 4 I would have bought an I 4 not a V twin.

I would take my 1198 hands down over the 1199 or 1299. Just no replacement for the low end grunt those engines make and I like the ergos much better.

I'd keep the RR.

BTW

I also have a 2011 RR.

I guess it just depends on your riding style and where you want the power delivered.

Good luck with your decision.

 

I rode an 1199 s last year and hated it. I would love to take the looks of the panigale and put it on my bmw. Now that would be a bike. I have a2011 bmw track bike and love it. I am setting up my ktm rc8r for the track this year too. It is tough because the ktm isn't in the same ballpark with hp. I am riding the ktm for a different reason. Sound character uniqueness engine etc. it is very comfortable for the street. I will reserve judgment on the 1299 til I ride it but if all they do is slap a 1299 in the 1199 package bike I would pass.


Sent from Motorcycle.com Free App

 

I have an 899 track bike and just replaced an 1199s with an HP4. I'm really enjoying the HP4, but will definitely be tempted by the 1299. After a few years riding Ducati v-twins the main difference for me is that you really know you're riding them and its a more involved ride. The inline 4 is so forgiving that I feel like I'm getting a bit lazy. Power-wise, Ducati's horsepower is measured at the crank, so a claimed 205 will be around the same as the 193 at the rear wheel of the HP4. something that really surprised me with the HP4 is how light it feels and how nicely it turns in. I chose the 899 as a track bike because it turned in and felt more stable than my 1199, but the Beemer feels even better.

 

Thanks guys for the replies.

I have always have had inline fours. You guys are right when you said the power delivery is different. The one thing I noticed as I rode the 1199 s this summer was the fact that I kept hitting the rev limiter. With my s1000rr It revs and hits hard around 9500 rpm. That Panigale seemed soft and then hit the limiter. Now again it was my 1st ride ever on a Ducati and was a demo so I didn't try to beat the hell out of it and only put on a hundred miles or so. My s1000 almost rips your Arms out of the sockets and the panigale seemed to be tame in this regard. But yet the speedometer showed it was accelerating hard.

As for handling I don't have an opinion. Where I rode the panigale it was on flat straight hiways so I don't know about turn in and handling.

I know it was loud as hell. Lol. My wife was riding behind me on her gsxr 600 and we use scala g4s to communicate and she said it kept the mic open all the time and drover her nuts. Lol. And I have a full akrapovic race system on mine so it must be loud. And she never complains riding with my s1000

I just feel I want a change. They are both great. I don't get to ride many miles cause of living in canada. Stupid winter. I know the new s1000rr is gonna be sweet and probably be the best litre of 2015 but owning a 2011 for the last 4 years I feel like I have experienced that already. Panigale will give me a new fun feeling hopefully lol

 

I recently totaled my HP4 and am considering the 1299 as a replacement. One thing to consider is they have changed some geometry vs the 1199 and updated the electronics. The power delivery is also supposed to come on lower in the rev range. I suspect it wont be drastic, but it is a different bike than the 1199. I myself am hopeful it will have more of the light bike feel to it that the 899 has.

 

The key to owning a Ducati is having a very knowledgeable dealer, along with a good relationship. I've had great service with the guys at Bellevue, Also Ducati Seattle when Dave was the owner.
I loved my Ducatis just hated owning them.

 

Interesting responses here. I listened to the entire Ducati reveal on the 1299 from the Milan show and have to admit to getting a bit aroused by it. There's just something about a torquey twin that offers a different and very cool experience and it looks like they fixed the problem the 1199 had being flat in the mid-range with the 1299. This is the bike meant for the street/track weekend warrior with a more forgiving power curve and a slew of new MotoGP derived techno-goodies.

I'm actually glad that I bought my S1000RR new this past spring because if I was shopping this year the choice would be a tough one between the '15 S1000RR, the new R1/R1M, and the 1299. The 3 year warranty and the relationship I have with my dealer would still probably have me on the BMW but those new bikes from Yamaha and Ducati have set a new bar for competition.

 

I sold my 1199s for the HP4. I test rode an sk1rr and I couldn't believe the difference. Night and day. Sure the ducati is nicer to look at, but IMO it's very uncomfortable. I'm 6'0 215lbs. Also, the heat problem really bothered me. Had heat blisters on the inside of my thighs every time I rode. Also, every part (and aftermarket) is very expensive. Geeat bike to look at, but that's about it. HP4 all the way!

 

The last Italian bikes I've owned ( mv, ducati ) have been nothing but trouble. Spent more time in the shop then on the road. Like you my s1000 hasn't missed a beat from when I bought it new in 2010 and that is one of the reasons I'm keeping it. Having said that veriety is the spice of life.....

 

I certainly see the allure of owing a Ducati. It's a beautiful work of art. I've always wanted one since I saw my first 916. I will own own at some point in my riding career. It really depends on what brings you joy. A buddy just purchased an Italian supercar. He said it's the most uncomfortable thing he has driven, yet he loves it. He enjoys it for his own reasons.

It all depends on what you're looking for. You can always sell the 1299 and get a used 2015 RR.

But, as a certain poster on this thread said in response to a post I recently made:



"Our opinion doesn't matter. Do what you want."

Smart man. I bet he goes out of his way to answer questions for other members. He isn't one of those who complain about how he is being treated here and leaves because his dealer is so much more helpful.

 

Fat guy's perspective.

I just turned 48. I am 6 feet tall and weigh 275 lbs. While I have only owned Dual Sports or Sport Tourers, I've always wanted a Sport/Super Bike and the only bike I was looking to get was the Ducati Panigale given its; reputation, aggressive look, "sex appeal" factor and reviews.

My BMW dealer strongly recommended I ride the Ducati and then ride the S1KRR to compare both machines before making a final decision. I only partially took his advice as I never did ride the S1KRR until it was left on my driveway after I took delivery of it a few months back. Needless to say I have never regretted the decision and love riding my S1KRR almost as much as I love riding my R1200GS Adventure which is REALLY saying a lot.

I found the Ducati to be too cramped for me and it just looked way too small when I was sitting on it. I spoke to a number of Panigale owners many of whom told me that it is very delicate, requires a lot of attention from the mechanic and parts are had to come by whereas the S1KRR owners I spoke to described it is a no nonsense beast, which I completely agree with. I have found my S1KRR to be very forgiving and while I have not taken it on the track, it is plenty fast and agile with constant torque until you get to anywhere north of 11K RPM at which time it comes to life and screams for more throttle. I also like to ride in winter as long as there is no snow or ice on the ground and none of the Panigale owners I spoke with have ever thought of riding their bike past mid November whereas I myself am still riding my S1KRR.

Whatever you decide to do just be sure you are doing it for yourself and not to appease others. Panigale is an awesome bike and if you like it then go for it.

Good luck!

 

Once again I am thankful of all the great responses you guys have given to my dilemna lol. It's great to hear from some people that have owned a Ducati and ones that have also thought about owning one as well.

If I would have never owned a bmw s1000rr and it was my year to buy a new bike this year and had got to test drive both the 2014 s1000rr and the 2014 Panigale S. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it would be the easiest decision ever. I would pick the new S1000rr 10 out of 10 times. I love my S1000rr. I have never rode any other bike that puts such a smile on my face. Everytime I whack the throttle I smile under my helmet. Especially when I ride with buddies and watch them in my mirror get smaller and smaller. Not to mention at least 3 times a week when I am at either a stop light or getting gas someone walks up to me to compliment my bike. Cant help to feel good about that.

I have experienced this for 4 years. I don't know how much more happy I could get by buying a revised s1000rr. Will it be better than mine? Yep, for sure it will. But not that much.

Buying a Panigale I hope will give me a new thrill and experience. Hate to make this comparison but its kinda like having a sweet looking wife or girlfriend. It's wicked but kinda nice to look at another beautiful woman can't hurt right.

I guess one concern is will it dependable. I have owned 7 new bikes since 2005. All Kawasaki and Suzukis and my s1000 and never have had one second of problems. I keep reading Ducaties are prone to break downs. I would cry if this happened. I don't care what relationship I have with my dealer. I don't trust them to change my tires let alone anything mechanical like an engine problem. I won't even take mine in to have the service light taken off on mine. I am so anal about any scuffs or marks they might put on my paint. This is a major concern to me. I need my bike to run.

Another concern is like someone mentioned above the cost of aftermarket parts. Holy **** their stuff is out of this world. Ie Akrapovic full system 4200 dollars compared 2200 for my s1000rr system. That's ludicrous. I have my bike modded a lot. I won't be able to afford to mod a panigale this year anywhere near what I want cause of those prices. No one wants to run a stock bike.

Next weekend I will get to see all the new bikes at the Calgary International Motorcycle show. At least there I will get to sit on them all and see what the new 15s are all about.

I also agree that the new R1 is gonna be badass but I want to stand out a bit from the common Japanese bike. The one thing I love about riding my s1000rr is that I am one of only a couple in my city. I see 20 R1s every day.

I hope after the new year that the tests and reviews are done quickly to help me decide as well. Usually by the end of November we all know how the new bikes are with shootouts. This year is weird. No news out there yet.

Again thanks for the responses. I like threads like this.

 

I guess if your "latest and greatest" is whatever attracts the most attention on bike night. It's a 524 lb sport bike that might not put down much more power on the street legal version than the S1000RR. Hardly the stuff of my wet dreams. No one can speak to what the 1299 really is since no one's ridden it yet and written the compro-article. But on paper and the marketing claims, it looks like a bike that you should fear in any contest of performance on the street or track - all rider skills being equal.

 

I for one still believe in the best......and l can bet my million dollars that for 2015 the bmw s1000rr will maintain its status as the best ....despite all the claims by other manufacturers with upgrades in their 2015s...we await real practical comparative reviews...but well one could opt for another bike for other reasons apart from best performance.....maybe for a little change.....cheers!

 

I can give you a little bit of perspective when it comes to your dilemma here. I just traded my 09 Ducati 1198 and 08 ZX-14 in for my S1K back in October. I bought the ZX-14 brand new and it was one of the best bikes I've ever owned. I had a hard time parting with it. While I owned it, a good deal came up on this used Ducati 1198. A buddy of mine got it on a trade and he's more into Harley , so I benefitted from a pretty square deal on it. The bike had tons of aftermarket stuff on it, and I had always lusted after Ducatis, and still do. They are beautiful machines. So I bought it.

I can't speak intelligently about the 1199 or the new 1299 because I've done nothing more than sit on them (1199). What I can tell you, is that in the short 6 months that I owned my 1198, I spent more time wrenching on it than riding it. Now, that's not all bad, because I like some of that. I did my own timing belt and plug change with valve inspection (pretty sure the 1199 went to timing chain). That was all part of getting to know the bike. There were times when the bike just plain wouldn't start. After wasting money on some parts that the dealer told me were "most likely the problem", I found out it was a $10 relay for the fuel pump. Not a huge issue money-wise that time, but the 2-3 weeks spent figuring it out were a pain.

All that being said, in the right conditions, I totally get the alure of Ducati. Twisty roads on a crisp morning with the quick handling, gobs of torque, and music blaring out of the dual Termis was pretty awesome. Track days...awesome too. Trying to cruise through town and maintain 40 mph, not so much. It would huck and buck, surge and just generally speaking not be very happy. Don't even think about dropping it below 4K RPMs. For me, it was too focused to make a decent streetbike, and on top of that, I never trusted it fully, and that's a big thing for me. One thing I've noticed, I belonged over at Ducati.org. Go take a look at the threads of people having bike problems. They're all over the place. As soon as I joined here recently, one of the first things I noticed was there are very few threads related to bikes not starting, bikes sputtering, overheating, engines blowing up, blah blah blah. The S1K just works. It's refined and on top of that, it's fast as all hell. Bonus is, for a superbike, it makes a pretty versatile streetbike as well, since it's pretty happy just loafing along in reasonable comfort if that's what you want to do at certain times.

All that being said, I wouldn't blame you if you jumped. The Panigale is, in my opinion, the sexiest bike on the market. Just beautiful. I considered buying one instead of the S1K. With the experience I had with the 1198 though, I thought the Beemer was the best bet, and I'm glad I went that way. I've loved it so far.

Not sure if I've made your decision easier or harder, but either way, good luck. They're both great bikes, just very different animals.

 

Just to toss another wrench into the mix, I will second the notion that maintenance and reliability on Ducati's has traditionally been pretty poor. I know people with 848's and 1198's that have had quite a few issues. That said, my good friend has been in Ducati parts for 14 years and has seen a big turn around in this area the past few years. Are they the most reliable bikes you can buy? No. But things seem to be quite a lot better now than they have been before.

 

Honestly I believe my biggest concern is the reliability of the Panigale. From your guys comments and experiences and from what I read it doesn't give me an abundance of confidence buying one. Lol.

I was just over on the Ducati forum and read issues about hard starts, bad fueling at low rpms, bad paint, oil leaks.

My only problem with my s1000 is an annoying hesitation that lasts a split second cracking the throttle open in 2nd or 3rd gear once in awhile high in the rev range around 9000 rpm, after that hesitation it pulls like beast. Other than that its been perfect.

You would think Ducati would be addressing these problems and have the remedied with the new design. It is 2015 not 1985 anymore lol.

Hope mcn, motorcycle.com, etc test these things soon.

Wouldn't be the worst thing if I had to settle for a new Black 2015 Loaded
S1000RR!!! Just thought a change would be good too.

 

Believe me, Ducati has come a long way from what they have been. Not too long a go, they needed frequent servicing which made riding so costly, was like the "Ferrari on 2 wheels" just because of running costs.

From what I know, the current 1199 has 2 year unlimited miles warranty, servicing is 600 - 7500 and 15000 miles.

Ducati's have always had a special appeal to them, 1299 is supposed to hit the showroom floors in April, if you aren't in a rush, I'd wait and see.

 

Since there has not been much mention of it I'd like to add that the electronics on the Panigale are awesome. Everything is individually adjustable, or you can use it with modes like the BMW.

One of the big reasons I bought my S1000RR was because of the electronics. When I saw my buddy's Panigale R I was amazed at his display and functional choices the system provides, as well as how incredible the bike looks.

Sure each of the latest bikes feels different and have different power characteristics, but I don't find the power as "the" defining difference as long as its in the ball park.

Just for reference, I'm 53 years old, 5'9", 205lbs, ex racer(motox, supermoto, off road, road racing), currently commute daily on the bike(s), 99 R1 or S1k, and do trackdays with both my R1 and my Z06.

Like was mentioned in previous posts, pick the one you like the best. I'm sure you won't regret which ever bike you get. They're all fantastic.

Dog

 

I've been riding a Panigale along with a S100RR for the past two years. Forget everything these guys have said. The Panigale is awesome. So what if it's unreliable (no problems with mine yet), that's the price of admission. It's a totally different beast from a S1000RR. But it's a much more visceral experience. If you have the extra money I say get it. I guarantee you'll love it. P.S. I've have a few drinks tonight but I really mean what I said.

 

I came across this while reading a comparison between a monster 1200s and a s1000r. I think it also applies to what is being discussed here.

 

I like the ducs a lot and could have got one instead of the s1000rr but for me ducs are like owning a Ferrari. Dead sexy but they are quirky, hot, least comfortable, and maintenance seems higher (not to mention our local duc dealer network isn't the best) but you put up with because "hey it's a Ducati". Don't get me wrong I love them and wanted one at one point. Obviously coming off Buells I am use to torque and the quirks (have ridden a few ducs so I know it's a whole different level than the Buell). After riding my wife's s1000rr a bit I just enjoyed the bike everywhere...fun to ride just to ride(so I bought my own). My Firebolt was only really fun in the mountains. The s1000rr was fun the same way my lightning is...just fun everywhere. I'm not knocking Ducati and still wouldn't mind having one but would only want it to go with my Buell and s1000rr not in place of.

 

Looking more appealing.

http://www.sportrider.com/sportbikes/2015-ducati-1299-panigale-first-look