I don't know... seems the wear is in the center not at the edges. Those tires haven't seen a track corner at speed. I agree with an above post... The 899 would suit me better... but I'd still buy a used 1199S. I currently have 2 bikes: 2003 BMW R1200C Phoenix (really comfortable sport cruiser) 2012 Triumph Thruxton (heavily modified cafe racer: clip-ons... fender / tailight delete... fully adjustable suspension... D&D TT Exhaust... intake / ecu mods) I've considered getting a 1199s to complete a Euro-bike trifecta. Unfortunately,... they are incredibly impractical for SoFL. The exhaust headers under the seat make the seat so hot they become uncomfortable.
2013 version has a new heat shield which is supposed to help with the problem. Not sure if a full Termi system w/o cats would help too.
Differentiates the product and cost to manufacture is assumed to be less. IMO, more for the former than the latter.
Adolf's take on the 899 [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFTC_N3d-Ew&feature=player_embedded]Panigale 899 - YouTube[/ame]
That's hilarious. Kudos to whomever wrote it! I'd love one of the new sport bikes, but having lived with a 998 for a couple of years, I gotta say my S4RS is a lot more friendly to sit on for more than an hour. Hopefully the ergos have been improved. Philip
I had a 2000 748. Not a single problem. It was a fun bike with decent power. Some like the higher revs with the smaller displacement motors. It also costs less $$.
It's the first recent Ducati that makes me consider selling my 748. That said, the electronic suspension, traction control, and ABS don't excite me. I still love the styling of the 748 and analog bikes are way easier to work on ( yes, I know, electronic fuel injection…. I may just up the displacement of the 748 and keep going. I'm on the fence though….
I'm pretty sure in going to trade my 2000 748 for an 899. I love the 748, but think I'm ready for something more modern. If I had more room, I'd keep the 748 or maybe replace it with a 996 to partner the 899. The 906, 996, 998, 748 is an anbsolutely timeless design. Mark
I've ridden it on the track and it's a really nice riding bike. I just don't like the body. I like the 848 pretty well too. The 748 is excellent but after years of riding it and thousands of track miles I want more power. I have a 907ie bored to 948 and it has so much more power and torque the 748 feels tame. I'll have to ride the Panigale and see if the handling is that much better to make me trade up. The 748 was my dream bike at the time and I still love it so it's hard to let go after 14 years.
Once you see what they will give you in trade-in, you will likely either keep it or sell yourself. My guess is the value of the 748 in trade-in would barely cover the 15,000 mile service on the 899. The new bike has to be seriously stripped down to do a full service, with many hours of labor. First one I heard of was Dennis Matson last winter (google his name with Panigale if you are unfamiliar). 15k service was almost two grand. No reason to think an 899 will be any cheaper than the 1199 to keep on the road.
Be careful it's not a bike to learn on.If you truly have never been on bike before IMO you should start out with something a lot smaller.Go visit a bike store and see what your comfortable with
My dealer has already sold a couple, but I've really been waiting until the demo bikes makes it's way to Wisconsin before I decide if I really want to trade my bike in on one. Mark
I haven't seen them yet but the Daytona dealer's location is pretty nice and just an hour up the road from me. So a nice little road trip in the 348...
All the reviewers are loving the 899, saying it is a bike you can have fun on and not be terrified. LOL Worlds First Ride: 2014 Ducati 899 Panigale Review - RideApart
