From one of the guys here in Perth - his "review of his 1199 Tricolour... (he also has a DD16)
1199 Panigale S Tri - First Ride
Wow. I have not enjoyed riding a bike this much since my K3 Gixer.
Im not going to write a big arse well structured review, I will leave it to the hundreds of journos who are far better than me when it comes to writing about bikes, but here is my simplified summary.
Ergonomics
From the moment I threw my leg over this thing I knew we were made for each other. My 6'3" lanky frame settled into all the relevant spots like a custom mould was taken of me before they constructed it. I have never gotten on any brand of bike and felt so immediately at home.
Reach was perfect for me, pegs in a perfect spot and not too high unlike the D16 which can put pressure on my ageing right knee which is missing some cartilage.
I elected to get the "comfort seat" as an accessory which looks very narce and gives me an extra half inch in seat height which is good for my leg position when stationary at lights, but man...its a bit hard on the anus. I sure wouldn't want to have the stock "uncomfort seat" on if this is what "comfort" is.
I remember riding a mate of mines 916 a few times which felt allot like a push bike with its narrow frame. Its not like that. The Panigale feels like I could be sitting on a K5 Gixer as far as overall frame dimensions and feel. I really felt allot of comfort with that, the home cooked meal kinda thing. It was like walking back into your childhood bedroom.
Styling
Seriously... this thing is pure motorcycle pornography from every angle...so long as you can block out the rear ADR compliant (quick removal) fender which is two girls one cup, but that will obviously not last the weekend. I have always thought that no manufacturer could make a prettier bike than an MV Agusta. The MV is like the Aston Martin of bikes. Not the fastest car/bike on the planet, but who cares when it looks..that...good. I think however there is now something sexier in the Panigale. Not only does it look good but it may also well be the fastest thing on the street. It's Keyra Augustina. Booty perfection.
Power
The power delivery is smooth and unrelenting. From straight off the clutch there is a wall of torque that drives you up the rev range to that point that most v twins start to loose their pulling power and you know you have outstayed your welcome in that gear. But this thing wants to keep going. I actually have no idea when rev the limiter kicks in (the taco isn't telling me everything I need to know because it adjusts itself to a lower indicated redline until the first service). I certainly didn't discover the limiter this evening, but new bike aside, I really had no inclination to want to rev it hard as it is just so tractable and exciting in its bottom and middle range.
It is very similar to the D16 in the way it delivers power. It certainly feels as strong. Apart from the sound and seating position, I could have closed my eyes and would have sworn I was on the Desmosedici under power.
It is well geared for the street. The D16 is doing 130kph by the time you let the clutch out with hardly any throttle, only knows one speed...flat out...and bucks and surges at anything slower than 60kph. The Panigale was quite happy when I was stuck in traffic during peak hour this arvo.
Handling
Such a familiar feel to this bike, familiar in the sense that it feels like you are riding a push bike. Changes of direction happen *snap* sharp, all you have to do is think about it and the bike has already done it. It's not as intimidating as the D16 in this regard. With the D16 you have to do everything with conviction otherwise it will kinda laff at you and say "heh, nice try, you really fucked that up didn't you" which is unrewarding unless you push it hard and of course...get it right. This thing wants to please you and if you screw up a bit and have a second shot at the apex and adjust your line mid corner (which lets face it, on the street we have to do quite allot) it won't laff at you and tell you that your a fool, instead it goes "sure, i can do that.....and here is a medal for being so awesome".
Sound
Yup that deep baritone barrrp is unmistakably a twin. Whilst i have a set or Termi's for it I am currently running the stock set and they are plenty loud. Surprisingly loud. I look forward to hearing it with the Termi's on...or perhaps I don't!
Lights
The lights are good. I was concerned about the penetration being LED but they seem fine. Very white and crisp. I havnt been anywhere without streetlights yet so I will reserve the final opinion until I get to experience it without 3rd party lights. One thing I really did like was the large peripheral spread that shines a fair way out to the side of the bike and right up onto the footpath. High beam is a little bit pencil beamy however with noticeable hot spots,and when it's on a bit of light bleeds around the very top of the dash which ain't that cool.
Avionics
This is a very cool feature. Already well publicized with all the features you can macro into the three available quick access settings (different levels of intervention of ABS, traction control, suspension adjustment, engine braking adjustment, fly by wire throttle response, horse power levels) so I won't describe in detail as Ducati's website can do that. Exceptional visibility of all the info you need, which also changes the priority and scale of certain display info depending on what mode you are in. It is fucking neat. Really.
Quick shifter
I am in love. I first used it shifting up after the nice left hander on the Mill Point Road entry onto Freeway South where I gave it a good blat before merging (rather rapidly) with traffic. Beautiful timing of engine cut and return with this wonderful "pop blaaa" from the exhaust as the engine cuts and comes back on song. It had me giggling and making squealing noises at the top of my voice like a little kid until at least the South Terrace exit. I'm sure I could be heard from the train line.
I never used the clutch to change up again for the rest of the ride.
Brakes.
The Brembo everything are Very smooth and progressive, and absolutely reassuring, as they should be. Very very very (is that enuf?) good.
Indicators
This is a neat thing that needs a mention. The indicator switch is a small micro switch type throw instead of a long travel switch that needs a defined movement. Very easy to use and just needs a nock with your thumb rather than a definite slide with a sticky spot at the end of travel like most bikes. The push to cancel is also just a little micro button in the middle rather than a big mechanical push which needs little effort to use. A little thing...but hey, i likey.
Bad stuff:
It is hard to fault (so far).
If I had to be picky, it is a hot bike (as in temperature hot) to ride. Right under the underside of my thighs. It's defiantly not a hot summer day bike. But mind you, I am just fine with it because it is glacial in comparison to the D16 where you need a visit to the burns unit for a skin graft on your right calf every time you ride it.
Mt Henry Bridge was bumper to bumper which meant no Mt Henry wheely assessment, sorry. Beside, they are illegal so I wouldn't have done them anyway.
The high beam flash button is a little bulky and looks a little weedy like it would be easy to snap off. I found I flashed half a dozen people tonight as my gloves bumped it a few times.
And finally, it has to be the price. They are expensive. Not that you don't get what you pay for, I think you do, but $43 k plus a few more k later for the must have accessories...is allot of coin for a bike. Ohh but what a bike and what price do you put on sex with Keyra?
Conclusion
I am in lust, and I don't want to jinx it, but this could be the beginning of a relationship.
It is a bike that you don't have to prepare yourself days before you plan to ride (unlike the D16), and I really think I have found that perfect mix to get me out of my "im just too busy" mindset and encouraging me to go on that impromptu ride again.
Very rewarding for just the every day ride, and I'm sure it will be very rewarding for the flog as well.
Bring on the R.
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Originally Posted by Usarka
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