My test ride review of the Ducati 1299 Panigale S
Discussion
Well my test ride was for 10AM at Riders in Bristol
A short history of bikes I’ve owned in the past 10 years I’ve been riding. it’s not a long list but every bike I have owned i’ve loved. And I always take my time making sure the bike I want next I will be happy with for years to come.
So i’ve owned a 600cc Fazer, New 1050cc Speed triple and currently a 2011 Honda Fireblade ABS.
So only 3 bikes. I’ve never kept a bike for more than 3 years as I did with my Speed Triple but having the Fireblade for almost 5 years in Spring 2016 is a result of a bike that can do everything i throw at it. Touring Europe, Fast road and weekend out with mates and the occasional Track day.
So the Panigale has a huge amount to live up to. HUGE.
Well Andy was very helpful and took my details, ran me through the controls. Even with lots that can be changed and altered with regards to Engine mapping.
Riders as a company only allow Accompanied rides which I was more than happy to do if it meant I had a chance to ride the Panigale . And the Rider was Another Andy lovely chap. We had a chat and he explained when type of roads we re going to ride. Some town 30’s, a few A & B roads and some By pass roads. Which was great for me as I always like to do pretty much that type of road on a test ride to see what it’s going to be like to live with
What I was not expecting was how comfy the bike was to ride. I started on the Sport mode and half way though went to the Race mode but still had a little traction control set to 5and corner ABS set to 3 on the dash.
I had to get used to the huge difference between the massive V Twin of the panigale compared to the smooth inline 4 of the Blade. Like anything a clutch always takes a little time to get used to but the Ducati was not hard to get used it.
I also had to get used to the clutches up and downshifts which was fun in Sport mode but I what I found was changing the mode to Race mid test ride and then hitting a little wet under a few tree’s while kicking the gear shift without a clutch down a few gears made the rear tyre . Possibly due to the almost slick Supercorsa’s and wet roads.
Another thing I found was how light the front end turned into corners. and how planted the bike felt when braking hard before corners and accelerating hard from the same corner. If felt really well planted.
After a hour or so I got of the bike with a massive smile. I was shocked just how well the Panigale felt when riding.
And how bikes in just 4-5 years have progressed from my lovely and faithful Fireblade to the High Tech Ducati Panigale 1299 which I hate to say I would be happy to replace the blade with.
Lets shorten this down to Negatives :
1) Christ my old man got warm with the massive exhaust headers a only a few inches from my Todger. Once they got to sticky they did not warm up any more. It was not uncomfortable just warmer than I am used to.
2) Mirrors vibrated a lot and most speeds. they gave better rear visibility than my Blade Mirrors which only show my Shoulders but only when the Ducati was not moving. But who meeds to see anything behind when your on this beast.
3) OMG the standard exhaust is LOUD. Would it ever get on a track day with even 105db noise limits !
Positives:
1)comfy to ride. really i’m not kidding. i’m not small and 6ft 2” but found the seating position to be spot on. My legs felt good after the ride. No issues with leg room, The seat was as if not more comfy than my Gel touring seat on my Blade.
2) Christ on a bike it is quick and handles like a dream.
3) It looks beautiful.
4) everything else. I feel I would be happy too track this bike, Tour Europe and go out with mates for a lat over wales. OMG the noise of even the standard exhaust is Loud but lovely
I'm only at the point of test riding a few bikes and the R1 is next on my list when and if a dealer has a bike local that I can test ride. before I make my choice and put my money down on a next bike in 2016.
In short I loved it. I can’t bare to hand over an extra 4k for forged wheels and active suspension. So if I bought one I would be more than happy with the non S model.
A short history of bikes I’ve owned in the past 10 years I’ve been riding. it’s not a long list but every bike I have owned i’ve loved. And I always take my time making sure the bike I want next I will be happy with for years to come.
So i’ve owned a 600cc Fazer, New 1050cc Speed triple and currently a 2011 Honda Fireblade ABS.
So only 3 bikes. I’ve never kept a bike for more than 3 years as I did with my Speed Triple but having the Fireblade for almost 5 years in Spring 2016 is a result of a bike that can do everything i throw at it. Touring Europe, Fast road and weekend out with mates and the occasional Track day.
So the Panigale has a huge amount to live up to. HUGE.
Well Andy was very helpful and took my details, ran me through the controls. Even with lots that can be changed and altered with regards to Engine mapping.
Riders as a company only allow Accompanied rides which I was more than happy to do if it meant I had a chance to ride the Panigale . And the Rider was Another Andy lovely chap. We had a chat and he explained when type of roads we re going to ride. Some town 30’s, a few A & B roads and some By pass roads. Which was great for me as I always like to do pretty much that type of road on a test ride to see what it’s going to be like to live with
What I was not expecting was how comfy the bike was to ride. I started on the Sport mode and half way though went to the Race mode but still had a little traction control set to 5and corner ABS set to 3 on the dash.
I had to get used to the huge difference between the massive V Twin of the panigale compared to the smooth inline 4 of the Blade. Like anything a clutch always takes a little time to get used to but the Ducati was not hard to get used it.
I also had to get used to the clutches up and downshifts which was fun in Sport mode but I what I found was changing the mode to Race mid test ride and then hitting a little wet under a few tree’s while kicking the gear shift without a clutch down a few gears made the rear tyre . Possibly due to the almost slick Supercorsa’s and wet roads.
Another thing I found was how light the front end turned into corners. and how planted the bike felt when braking hard before corners and accelerating hard from the same corner. If felt really well planted.
After a hour or so I got of the bike with a massive smile. I was shocked just how well the Panigale felt when riding.
And how bikes in just 4-5 years have progressed from my lovely and faithful Fireblade to the High Tech Ducati Panigale 1299 which I hate to say I would be happy to replace the blade with.
Lets shorten this down to Negatives :
1) Christ my old man got warm with the massive exhaust headers a only a few inches from my Todger. Once they got to sticky they did not warm up any more. It was not uncomfortable just warmer than I am used to.
2) Mirrors vibrated a lot and most speeds. they gave better rear visibility than my Blade Mirrors which only show my Shoulders but only when the Ducati was not moving. But who meeds to see anything behind when your on this beast.
3) OMG the standard exhaust is LOUD. Would it ever get on a track day with even 105db noise limits !
Positives:
1)comfy to ride. really i’m not kidding. i’m not small and 6ft 2” but found the seating position to be spot on. My legs felt good after the ride. No issues with leg room, The seat was as if not more comfy than my Gel touring seat on my Blade.
2) Christ on a bike it is quick and handles like a dream.
3) It looks beautiful.
4) everything else. I feel I would be happy too track this bike, Tour Europe and go out with mates for a lat over wales. OMG the noise of even the standard exhaust is Loud but lovely
I'm only at the point of test riding a few bikes and the R1 is next on my list when and if a dealer has a bike local that I can test ride. before I make my choice and put my money down on a next bike in 2016.
In short I loved it. I can’t bare to hand over an extra 4k for forged wheels and active suspension. So if I bought one I would be more than happy with the non S model.
Nice balanced write up, not ridden a 1299 but ridden plenty of 1199's in various guises, its a great chassis and if they fit, they fit, and they don't for everyone, you very much feel you're in it rather than on it .... as for tracking one, they are a great tool for that ..... good luck with the rest of your test rides and look forward to the next write up.
I wonder what you'd think of an 899?
I had a Speed Triple the same time as you, but had already done Fireblades/R1/GSXR1000 oh & a 916.
Anyway I bought an 848evo after my Triple & I'm rather fond of it, hurts a bit when I start riding it in the spring as I attempt to wrap my 50 year plus frame around it but I soon get use to it again
I had a Speed Triple the same time as you, but had already done Fireblades/R1/GSXR1000 oh & a 916.
Anyway I bought an 848evo after my Triple & I'm rather fond of it, hurts a bit when I start riding it in the spring as I attempt to wrap my 50 year plus frame around it but I soon get use to it again
StuB said:
Excellent, thanks.
How did the torque/power delivery compare to the blade then?
How can i best explain the difference. WellI will do my bestHow did the torque/power delivery compare to the blade then?
With the blade it's:
between idle and it's not bad then at 4k revs or more then a steady power fowling more power then when you get above 8-10k it's like POWERRRRRRRRR so very linear smooth and then going into warp drive
The best way I can explain the blade
With the 1299 it's:
From the lights is come on where is the power, seems a little sluggish but it could just be me getting used to the clutch and throttle.then you get about 4-6k and OMG pulls like a train and the more rev's it had the more it smooths out and just going like a rocket ship.
The difference was one of the biggest things between what i'm used to and the 1299 which you would expect. But as I was expecting a massive V Twin is going to be a little lumpy at low revs compared to a smooth in line 4.
as for the 899 yes it looks and feels good to sit on but why go a shandy when you can have a pint. As with my Speed triple I would have never gone for the street. just personal preference over anything else. We don't need a full bore sports bike or 1050cc triple when you have a smaller and cheaper bikes that will do just the same on the road but given the choice I would rather have the big bike. No real reason why other then I just would . if that makes sense
dibblecorse said:
Nice balanced write up, not ridden a 1299 but ridden plenty of 1199's in various guises, its a great chassis and if they fit, they fit, and they don't for everyone, you very much feel you're in it rather than on it .... as for tracking one, they are a great tool for that ..... good luck with the rest of your test rides and look forward to the next write up.
I agree with this, I test rode an 1199 after riding up there on my then S1000RR and it felt really weird, not bad but I think I would have needed a lot more time to get used to it, the engine was great it is the thinness and chassis that felt a bit odd, would be interested to try the 1299 though.If your idea of an inline4 is all smoothness then you're in for a shock when (if) you get a ride of the 2015 R1 - it feels a little rough and edgy with snappy throttle response and a pronounced surge at 6-7000 rpm but it's a (stiffly-suspended and damped) weapon.
Edited to add:
The 1299 is a lovely, lovely machine - was close to getting one myself instead of the R1 (the RSV4-RF was the other option) but limited supply locally and 'issues' with the Aprilia meant I went Jap with only a little regret.
Has to be the S though!! If you're in it for £17K may as well go the whole hog
Go standard and you'll only be pissed off when you pull up next to an S (luckily for me R1-Ms are pretty rare )
Edited to add:
The 1299 is a lovely, lovely machine - was close to getting one myself instead of the R1 (the RSV4-RF was the other option) but limited supply locally and 'issues' with the Aprilia meant I went Jap with only a little regret.
Has to be the S though!! If you're in it for £17K may as well go the whole hog
Go standard and you'll only be pissed off when you pull up next to an S (luckily for me R1-Ms are pretty rare
)Edited by legzr1 on Saturday 29th August 19:35
Biker's Nemesis said:
RemaL said:
I know what to expect with a big bang R1 as I've ridden one of the first when I had a play with a mates years ago.
The 2015 R1 is a completely different animal to the early big bang model.RemaL said:
Is that good or a bad thing? I'm in no rush to test ride one but look forward to see what it's like when I get a chance
I had One out for the day on Friday, they're lighter on their feet than the previous model and jesus they're faster too.They're more comfortable and they drink more fuel, I got 75 miles before the fuel light came on and ran out of fuel with 110 miles on the clock.
Biker's Nemesis said:
RemaL said:
Is that good or a bad thing? I'm in no rush to test ride one but look forward to see what it's like when I get a chance
I had One out for the day on Friday, they're lighter on their feet than the previous model and jesus they're faster too.They're more comfortable and they drink more fuel, I got 75 miles before the fuel light came on and ran out of fuel with 110 miles on the clock.
Do sound absolutely fantastic especially one with the SC Projects Ti sys5em..
Definitely very very fast bikes, Ricky Morais (Sheridans dad) was setting some blistering times.
Head to head the 1299 outdrags it but the Duc seemed to have major issues in the corners, looking like it was tying itself in knots coming off the corners. Not sure this electronic suspension is what it's cracked up to be.
Have to say the R1 is looking like a real contender for my next bike....
And sad to say there's a couple less HP4's in the world now. Both were totally destroyed going into Uncini 1.
It's a fast bumpy entry and you wonder if the electronic suspension is to blame?
bass gt3 said:
Biker's Nemesis said:
RemaL said:
Is that good or a bad thing? I'm in no rush to test ride one but look forward to see what it's like when I get a chance
I had One out for the day on Friday, they're lighter on their feet than the previous model and jesus they're faster too.They're more comfortable and they drink more fuel, I got 75 miles before the fuel light came on and ran out of fuel with 110 miles on the clock.
Do sound absolutely fantastic especially one with the SC Projects Ti sys5em..
Definitely very very fast bikes, Ricky Morais (Sheridans dad) was setting some blistering times.
Head to head the 1299 outdrags it but the Duc seemed to have major issues in the corners, looking like it was tying itself in knots coming off the corners. Not sure this electronic suspension is what it's cracked up to be.
Have to say the R1 is looking like a real contender for my next bike....
And sad to say there's a couple less HP4's in the world now. Both were totally destroyed going into Uncini 1.
It's a fast bumpy entry and you wonder if the electronic suspension is to blame?
Deranged Granny said:
I get the feeling you're suspicious of... electronic suspension?
For track, yes. My mate has had no end of issues on his 1299S with Ducati Electronic Suspension alarms. Seems to loose all its marbles and stop working.
Maybe ok for road but I wouldn't want it on track. Too inconsistent
bass gt3 said:
Quite a few new R1's at Phakisa this weekend. Couple of M models as well.
Do sound absolutely fantastic especially one with the SC Projects Ti sys5em..
Definitely very very fast bikes, Ricky Morais (Sheridans dad) was setting some blistering times.
Head to head the 1299 outdrags it but the Duc seemed to have major issues in the corners, looking like it was tying itself in knots coming off the corners. Not sure this electronic suspension is what it's cracked up to be.
Have to say the R1 is looking like a real contender for my next bike....
And sad to say there's a couple less HP4's in the world now. Both were totally destroyed going into Uncini 1.
It's a fast bumpy entry and you wonder if the electronic suspension is to blame?
I've done as many miles on the R1 now as I did on a 13 Factory and, excepting the brakes and pretty looks, no regrets.Do sound absolutely fantastic especially one with the SC Projects Ti sys5em..
Definitely very very fast bikes, Ricky Morais (Sheridans dad) was setting some blistering times.
Head to head the 1299 outdrags it but the Duc seemed to have major issues in the corners, looking like it was tying itself in knots coming off the corners. Not sure this electronic suspension is what it's cracked up to be.
Have to say the R1 is looking like a real contender for my next bike....
And sad to say there's a couple less HP4's in the world now. Both were totally destroyed going into Uncini 1.
It's a fast bumpy entry and you wonder if the electronic suspension is to blame?
BNs right regarding fuel consumption - out of our crowd I'm normally the one looking for fuel first and normally use 20-30% more than the others for a given pace. Worth it though
legzr1 said:
I've done as many miles on the R1 now as I did on a 13 Factory and, excepting the brakes and pretty looks, no regrets.
BNs right regarding fuel consumption - out of our crowd I'm normally the one looking for fuel first and normally use 20-30% more than the others for a given pace. Worth it though
So the dealer who let us test the R1 was back at the track and we managed to have a chat. Asked him why these others went so well and he admitted that the demo bike had been electronically neutered!!. Not sure what but he'd turned the systems down a lot. seems he didn't trust most of the clients he brought up from Durban!!BNs right regarding fuel consumption - out of our crowd I'm normally the one looking for fuel first and normally use 20-30% more than the others for a given pace. Worth it though
And on an aftermarket pipe they sound utterly sublime, very RSV4 ish. Trouble is the RSV4RR is available here much cheaper, something like 2000 pounds!!! That's a lot of groceries that can be added on....
And the R1 is getting as common as Dog s
t 
Edited by bass gt3 on Monday 31st August 09:50
I took the 1299 S to the TT, the very bike you rode probably and it was great, although as an owner of the standard 1299 I definetely wouldnt spend the extra 4k for the wheels and suspension. For me I wouldn't get the most out of it and I prefer the feel of the standard bike on the road. The S felt a little "floaty" at times, especially going fast over the mountain.
Also coming fromt he latest Blade, the Ducati certainly feels more special but initially I felt that it was easier to go faster on the Blade, but I think thats just down to getting used to a new bike.
Also coming fromt he latest Blade, the Ducati certainly feels more special but initially I felt that it was easier to go faster on the Blade, but I think thats just down to getting used to a new bike.
Edited by Obiwonkeyblokey on Tuesday 1st September 17:26
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