A positive thread for you 1199 owners.

[rm4two]

Originally Posted by 1stduc1199

I hear ya, I cant believe people commute with this bike, at least there are some back roads with no traffic on them that I take my R1 on sunday mornings that enable us to reach top speeds of 180 if we want to.Miles of Everglade Lined roads although mostly straight are enjoyable.The ride is approx. 100-150 mile round trip, barely any intersections and Streetlights, No stop and go.

What's wrong with commuting? lol I take every importunity I can to ride my Pani. If that means 70 miles a day on the interstate then so be it

[NorthBankGooner]

Just got back from picking my Pani up today after a 2 week delay. One word describes this bike.....AWESOME!
The only thing I will change is the seat as it has about as much grip as "Bambi on ice". I had at least a dozen pedestrians give me the thumbs up as a drove past. That says it all!

[1stduc1199]

Originally Posted by rm4two

What's wrong with commuting? lol I take every importunity I can to ride my Pani. If that means 70 miles a day on the interstate then so be it

Interstate commuting is fine, it's the stop and go city traffic that would make me nuts.

[CaliDuc]

Originally Posted by Xbox

And if you lived in the EU, north of pretty much $30k or $40k for a Tric.

Its all about having realistic expectations. Do Astons have issues, yep shitloads. Do Ferrari, yup. Even super reliable Porsche.

Some people just don't understand what they're buying into with exotica, whether it be a car, bike, or even a wrist watch.

+1. With the exclusion of a few friends with Jets (G5, Global Express, etc) .. my other passion SAILING .. is really right up there in the cash burning / hole in the water / taking a wet shower and ripping up $100 bills category.

North of $44K for a decked out decent panigale .. well worth it.

[Supernova1199]

Originally Posted by b1six

After seeing a lot of negative remarks and discontent with either non owners, 1st time buyers and other users all over the forum scene, I decided to share this with you guys as well. By far this forum has been the best to hang at, but I love meeting new people. Take it with stride or take it with a grain of salt, I think a lot of people feel this way and I think it should be said.

Steve


I have had enough of the trash talk, hating, flaming etc... so here is something I want everyone to keep in mind.

I wanted the bike. I didn't need the bike. I love the bike. I bought it. Thats that.

To some extent, I expected downfalls, disadvantages, problems and more, regardless of what I paid for it. Another amazing thing I have seen is people who do not own the vehicle actually criticize it for something as little as not taking first in a magazine in a liter bike shoot out. WTF?

On another note lets clear some things up:

1. Exhaust smoking: Ummm, either live with it and hope it doesn't break down. -OR- go kick the dealer in the nuts until they fix it. Sitting there and analyzing a motor is not the same as having a hopefully well qualified mechanic troubleshoot the issue.

2. Radiant heat to the rider - Ummm, give me a sec, I think there may be a motor by the seat. Yeap! There is one. So here is a couple options, a) go get some thermo tec adhesive heat blocker, you spent thousands on it, whats 25-30$
? b) move to Australia every 6 months out of the year, it's summer and some asshole invented stoplights, so it does get hot. It's f*cking amazing how people cry about a bike getting hot.

3. Hard start issues - refer to part 1. Repeat kicking motion until bike is fixed.

4. "Not having that low-midrange umphhh" - These superbikes are obviously made for cornering. Surprisingly, they come with headlights and DOT/state required equipment to be on the street. This bike is powerful, how f*ck is it not "umphh"-y enough? My bad, you must be referring to being in a wheelie at the beginning of each gear. I want to ride, not stunt.

5. Parts just vibrating off - Lol. Sorry, it's an extremely torque-ey motorcycle, haven't you heard twin motors vibrate? Seriously, I hate to tell you, I have had a 2006 R6, 2006 GSXR 600, 2007 R1, 2008 848, 2005 ZX6RR, and now a 2012 1199S, and they all have had loose parts after miles being put on, the Ducati's tend to vibrate more, but it is YOUR responsibility to PM (Periodically Maintain) (USMC jargon sorry) and check your fluids/settings. I eyeball my bike everyday, I check it like homework, it is a motorcycle, a vehicle that by far requires more attention than a car. Your life depends on it.

Bottom Line -----------

Ducati motorcycles are an enthusiast motorcycle. A smart person would research a vehicle before purchasing a motorcycle north of $17,000.

I try to get to meet as many other enthusiasts as possible on here and I am so tired of hearing about MV this and s1000 triple r type Z1b that... this is a Ducati forum, please let us enjoy our motorcycles. Please. All the bitching does for us is cause recycled hate, unnecessary flaming, paranoia and mass hysteria.

I hope someone refers to this when someone says "I really want tur gert me uh Dercotti bert I herd it blerrs up if you dernt tightern dem ferring bolts..." Guys, not everyone has issues. Sh*t happens and we should either work together to help each other out, or get to a tech as soon as possible to figure ou the issue. I love all motorcycles, except 'Busas. We all choose a ride to our taste, so like my mother always told me:

Don't say nuthin' unless you have something nice or useful to say.

Everybody, rock on and have a good one, back to the garage to heat insulate my seat so my ass doesn't get burnt

I have not taken the time yet to read all the negative remarks and discontent but after readding this thread I thought i mite chime in. To qualify myself first. I'm 52yo and have been ridding for over 40 years I started with a Mini Bike and moved up from there to the list below
Bultaco Frontera
Hodaka Super Rat
Honda Elsinore 175
Honda Elsinore 250
Husqvarna 450WR
Yamaha RD-400 Built into a cafe bike/Drag bike with help for Pops Yoshimur and Mike when they first came to Costa Mesa California.
Yamaha TZ750
Suzuki GS750E built with a American Turbo Pak Turbo Charger
Kawasaki Z1R 1000
Suzuki GS1100E built with a American Turbo Pak Turbo Charger with alcohol injection Raced at Riverside Raceway and Orange County International Raceway.
Yamaha YZ250
Honda XR650
YZ400F
GSXR 750 Built by Yoshimur
GSX-R1000 Built by Yoshimur
I have worked on a pit crew for a Top Fuel Funny Car and Rail
and I've never met a motor/woman/bike that did not need work and love to make her purrrrr. That being said I'm now the proud owner of my first Ducati, the Panigale 1199s ABS
If your privileged enough to own one of these Supermodels take the oath (for better or worst) and promise to love and cherish her tell death do you part. If she is not what you like her to be then pamper and care for her molding her into what you want her to be, eather way she is still a supermodel and her ride is nothing like the rest.
If you can't take the Heat ,and your unwilling to deal with it or fix it, then get out of kitchen. I'm more then sure there is a dealer with a girl that has a few extra pounds, not so HOT, and a nice personality, for you.
I read in a magazine that a slippery seat,rotating GRIPS and slippery footpegs had brought it to the bottom of the bikes they tested. *grin* are they kidding me? for real? they call themselfs a Test rider? lol Besides I thought the grip on the right side was supposed to rotate?. silly fictional test/sport writers/riders they crack me up.

[capnjack52]

I like your thinking, sir ... experience and wisdom speaks.

Supermodel, indeed!

Originally Posted by Supernova1199

I have not taken the time yet to read all the negative remarks and discontent but after readding this thread I thought i mite chime in. To qualify myself first. I'm 52yo and have been ridding for over 40 years I started with a Mini Bike and moved up from there to the list below
Bultaco Frontera
Hodaka Super Rat
Honda Elsinore 175
Honda Elsinore 250
Husqvarna 450WR
Yamaha RD-400 Built into a cafe bike/Drag bike with help for Pops Yoshimur and Mike when they first came to Costa Mesa California.
Yamaha TZ750
Suzuki GS750E built with a American Turbo Pak Turbo Charger
Kawasaki Z1R 1000
Suzuki GS1100E built with a American Turbo Pak Turbo Charger with alcohol injection Raced at Riverside Raceway and Orange County International Raceway.
Yamaha YZ250
Honda XR650
YZ400F
GSXR 750 Built by Yoshimur
GSX-R1000 Built by Yoshimur
I have worked on a pit crew for a Top Fuel Funny Car and Rail
and I've never met a motor/woman/bike that did not need work and love to make her purrrrr. That being said I'm now the proud owner of my first Ducati, the Panigale 1199s ABS
If your privileged enough to own one of these Supermodels take the oath (for better or worst) and promise to love and cherish her tell death do you part. If she is not what you like her to be then pamper and care for her molding her into what you want her to be, eather way she is still a supermodel and her ride is nothing like the rest.
If you can't take the Heat ,and your unwilling to deal with it or fix it, then get out of kitchen. I'm more then sure there is a dealer with a girl that has a few extra pounds, not so HOT, and a nice personality, for you.
I read in a magazine that a slippery seat,rotating GRIPS and slippery footpegs had brought it to the bottom of the bikes they tested. *grin* are they kidding me? for real? they call themselfs a Test rider? lol Besides I thought the grip on the right side was supposed to rotate?. silly fictional test/sport writers/riders they crack me up.

[DRAGAKNEE]

B1,
Nice speech!! I feel the same way. I have always bought my bikes for what they do for me not to me. The Pani cocks my hammer so to speak! I look at everyday and just laugh to think I have this outstanding machine in my living room. It's where it nests.
I hate getting on here and reading all the negative nit picky shit people post with expectations of perfection. When I PM it (Marine aviation as well), I think of it as an excuse to run my hands all over it. I become more intimately aware of everything this beauty needs and wants and when I poke holes in the atmosphere with it I know I'm in tune with it.

Keep the rubber side down.

[herby22]

Love the idea of an only positive thread.
My 1199S is my sixth Ducati. All of them have been incredible in their own way.

The Panigale is more than incredible. The combination of hyper acceleration and perfectly balanced handling make this bike super exciting each time I ride. I see RPM numbers over 8000 rarely. Doesn't seem to be a need for me. But when I get the need for speed the upper range of R's really has no rival to heighten total awareness and adrenalin.
Added to the riding experience, the pleasure of looking at it in the garage. Pure artwork on wheels.

[SoonerNation]

I've read some of the comments on the other forums and I just cant relate as I had nothing to compare it to other than the Japanese in-lines I had ridden in the past. I knew by buying this bike as a first year model I would end up taking it in for one issue or another. I also knew most of those same issues would be resolved in the second year bike. To be honest, I was willing to take my chances as I was just drawn to the bike. Hell, I still picked mine up knowing of the smoking issues others were dealing with and communicating on this forum. So far, other than the recall items, I have not had the issues that others have experienced (knock on wood).

I was away from street bikes for 5 years and really had no intentions of getting another until I saw the 1199. For me, it does not disappoint. I love every time I get a chance to ride it. As others have mentioned, I still smile in my helmet when I accelerate on freeway entrances. I can't wait until it cools off here so I can take it to the track.

[flobrandx]

Originally Posted by Supernova1199

I have not taken the time yet to read all the negative remarks and discontent but after readding this thread I thought i mite chime in. To qualify myself first. I'm 52yo and have been ridding for over 40 years I started with a Mini Bike and moved up from there to the list below
Bultaco Frontera
Hodaka Super Rat
Honda Elsinore 175
Honda Elsinore 250
Husqvarna 450WR
Yamaha RD-400 Built into a cafe bike/Drag bike with help for Pops Yoshimur and Mike when they first came to Costa Mesa California.
Yamaha TZ750
Suzuki GS750E built with a American Turbo Pak Turbo Charger
Kawasaki Z1R 1000
Suzuki GS1100E built with a American Turbo Pak Turbo Charger with alcohol injection Raced at Riverside Raceway and Orange County International Raceway.
Yamaha YZ250
Honda XR650
YZ400F
GSXR 750 Built by Yoshimur
GSX-R1000 Built by Yoshimur
I have worked on a pit crew for a Top Fuel Funny Car and Rail
and I've never met a motor/woman/bike that did not need work and love to make her purrrrr. That being said I'm now the proud owner of my first Ducati, the Panigale 1199s ABS
If your privileged enough to own one of these Supermodels take the oath (for better or worst) and promise to love and cherish her tell death do you part. If she is not what you like her to be then pamper and care for her molding her into what you want her to be, eather way she is still a supermodel and her ride is nothing like the rest.
If you can't take the Heat ,and your unwilling to deal with it or fix it, then get out of kitchen. I'm more then sure there is a dealer with a girl that has a few extra pounds, not so HOT, and a nice personality, for you.
I read in a magazine that a slippery seat,rotating GRIPS and slippery footpegs had brought it to the bottom of the bikes they tested. *grin* are they kidding me? for real? they call themselfs a Test rider? lol Besides I thought the grip on the right side was supposed to rotate?. silly fictional test/sport writers/riders they crack me up.

Nice adder to b1's original statement... Loved it!

[Yama1yzf]

Originally Posted by Supernova1199

I have not taken the time yet to read all the negative remarks and discontent but after readding this thread I thought i mite chime in. To qualify myself first. I'm 52yo and have been ridding for over 40 years I started with a Mini Bike and moved up from there to the list below
Bultaco Frontera
Hodaka Super Rat
Honda Elsinore 175
Honda Elsinore 250
Husqvarna 450WR
Yamaha RD-400 Built into a cafe bike/Drag bike with help for Pops Yoshimur and Mike when they first came to Costa Mesa California.
Yamaha TZ750
Suzuki GS750E built with a American Turbo Pak Turbo Charger
Kawasaki Z1R 1000
Suzuki GS1100E built with a American Turbo Pak Turbo Charger with alcohol injection Raced at Riverside Raceway and Orange County International Raceway.
Yamaha YZ250
Honda XR650
YZ400F
GSXR 750 Built by Yoshimur
GSX-R1000 Built by Yoshimur
I have worked on a pit crew for a Top Fuel Funny Car and Rail
and I've never met a motor/woman/bike that did not need work and love to make her purrrrr. That being said I'm now the proud owner of my first Ducati, the Panigale 1199s ABS
If your privileged enough to own one of these Supermodels take the oath (for better or worst) and promise to love and cherish her tell death do you part. If she is not what you like her to be then pamper and care for her molding her into what you want her to be, eather way she is still a supermodel and her ride is nothing like the rest.
If you can't take the Heat ,and your unwilling to deal with it or fix it, then get out of kitchen. I'm more then sure there is a dealer with a girl that has a few extra pounds, not so HOT, and a nice personality, for you.
I read in a magazine that a slippery seat,rotating GRIPS and slippery footpegs had brought it to the bottom of the bikes they tested. *grin* are they kidding me? for real? they call themselfs a Test rider? lol Besides I thought the grip on the right side was supposed to rotate?. silly fictional test/sport writers/riders they crack me up.

I didn't know Honda made an Elsinore 175....learn something new every day! All I can say is I wanted an 1199, I bought an 1199 and I love my 1199!

[zaster]

I had the pleasure of riding a 1199S w/ABS, my 1098S and S4RS in Ouray, CO during our annual 'Ducati in the Rockies' outing.
I took the Panigale on a 150+ mile run from Ouray to Gateway and back comparing it to my 1098S:
The most important aspect of the ride for me was the ease of navigating any type of corner. My riding buddy commented that I was going at a faster pace than usual and that I looked extremely comfortable on the bike.
The riding position is better which might be due to my lack of height at 5'7".
The throttle response was so much smoother from 3K on and the power past 8K was nothing short of phenomenal. I did notice a slight flat spot around 5K though.
Heat was a non-issue and the seat is what I'm already used to and I can sit on a rock now and feel comfortable
Brakes and transmission are superb even though I felt some surging while the bike was in gear and stopped mostly towards the end of the ride.
The kickstand had to be activated by the toe vs. the heel with the same ease.
Had a blast riding the beast in the mountains of CO and can't think of a better bike to do it with.

[WAfatboy]

Holy shit I'm amazed at this sledgehammer of a bike. Headed out of town today, riding some pretty gnarly fast roads. The sheer power is incredible and so raw!

As a UK newspaper wrote recently "viscerally exciting but not something you can comfortably exploit without threatening not just your licence, but your liberty" and they'd be right!

The good news is that these are some the bumpiest most fidgety roads in the state and I was traveling way faster than I've ever done and felt very comfortable.

Just when you think you're going fast you realize you're only just touching the power band and there's a perverse enjoyment in that realization and then twisting the throttle to power on to the most amazing roar.

Sure you can go faster than me but not with a bigger smile!

[cptfozzy]

U are all lucky buggers.
I have that pre-cum feeling...mine arrives on friday ...fuck i cant eat sleep or be bothered to argue
with the misses...i just keep painting the garage walls white and the deck Red.
Call me a cunt if u like..even gone for an electric door ...us english are so proud of our dukes

[Rene]

@b1six, although I agree that people who don't even own a Ducati should refrain from making comments about things which they know nothing about, I do believe that comments and observations made by other Ducati riders can be helpful - even if they're negative. This is my first Ducati, so I find comments - even if negative - to be helpful. I simply don't know everything there is to know about this bike. I, for instance, smelled coolant from the onset. I reported it to the dealer, but it wasn't until I finally saw coolant that we all realized the severity of the problem. In that case, it's helpful for others to know that if they smell coolant, it could be a sign of bad things...my engine had to be replaced...I'm not bitchin'. I could have easily paid cash for the BMW, but chose this bike instead. The negative comments aren't making me enjoy my bike any less! I also agree with you that this bike is blazing fast! It's certainly more bike than I'll ever need. I don't know how much more umph people want...LOL! I've found that there are solutions to all of the minor things people are noticing about this bike. Overall, it's a great bike. I'm glad I chose this one over the others that I was considering. My Gixxer 1000 is being neglected now that I have this one!

[Hamish]

Firstly, great thread...

More importantly I finally got a decent day of sunshine and the time to go for a decent ride. Having spent a little time in sport and wet modes, I switched sport mode to 195hi and the des to front 22comp 22 rebound and the rear 14comp and 14 rebound. (riding an s by the way) headed for my local twisties and WOW, this is the most confidence inspiring, most powerful, nimble bike I've ridden and I've ridden most litre bikes!

Had an excellent afternoon ripping my rear tyre to shreads, yes I'm sure the pani has its faults, fortunately not that I've experienced many but the more I ride it the more everything seems to be settling in. After riding the afternoon in 195hi I wouldn't go back unless it's wet. The engine map settings do exactly as they suggest but 195hi gives you the response you'd expect whilst retaining a smooth ride.

Without going on and on, well done Ducati, you've produced a most excellent machine that is an absolute pleasure to ride. Fuck the haters, money well spent I say!!!

[Jmythehead]

This is my second ducati, the first being a 1098s. When i bought that bike i remember thinking, this has to be the best bike i will ever own, especially after riding jap bikes for years. Boy was i wrong, i have had my panigale for about 3 weeks and it just keeps getting better every time i ride it. If i had to come up with a complaint i don't think i could. I did months of research before i bought it, read all the storys, and bought the bike i wanted. No one could ever convince me there is anything better out there, and i've had people try. To all the haters all i can say is, hey, you don't have to ride it, i do, and i love riding it.
Well thats enough typing, time to go decide where i'm going to ride it next.

[AntiHero]

Reliability: I've been depending on my S in all kinds of situations Ducati superbikes aren't typically subjected to (miles, rain, heat, exposure, lots of traffic, gravel/dirt roads) and it hasn't let me down. The only things that vibrated off were inconsequential bodywork bolts that are easily replaced.

Performance: In order to experience the maximum performance of the bike you have to risk jail and vehicle seizure. Anyone complaining about performance better have an AMA license.

Comfort/ergos: Heat is the only issue. And that can be solved relatively easily and cheaply (by Ducati, if I might add).

Let the haters hate. It's not like the Panigale is preventing anyone from buying the bike they love. (Or is it?)

[unrazzo]

Originally Posted by Justifire

When leaving the dealer in the first 500 mtr i got a thumbs up from someone on a bicycle, f#ck the magazines !

hahaha.... I get a least 1-5 thumbs-up when I ride this thing... I didn't know I'd be such a celeb... kinda like it.

GREAT READ B1six... I rather enjoyed that.

[unrazzo]

My first Duc was 1996, an M900 (I still miss it) and people who didn't understand the brand complained... but I know very, very few that didn't make sure their next bike was another Duc.

I point out this review a lot on the other forums, not sure whether I shared it here, but it REALLY sums up everything I love about these wild horses we ride:

(Just place 1199 where ever it says 999... works perfectly.)

A touch of evil (and Evel) - Los Angeles Times

"This bike will beat you down like you said something bad about its mother." So good.