Wanted to love it but

Some background on me. I am a 26 year old motorcycle enthusiast and have owned 2x Hayabusa, 3x GSXR1000, Nightrod, S1000, 2xR1, Xb12, ZX6, GSXR750. My family has a dealer licenses so I usually do pretty well at riding bikes for half the summer and flipping them. My most recent street bike is the BMW S1000RR and I really enjoyed it. When it came time to move on I started researching the 1199, I feel that and the RSV4 are the most comparable bikes to the BMW, my brother has a RSV4 so I went for the Ducati. My buddy told me I could borrow his Pani for as long as I wanted it. I must admit the Ducati is easily one of the best looking bikes ever made, it just oozes style and sex appeal. So I grab the bike and start riding it, the blinkers didn't work which I found odd for a bike with 300 miles on it. Things I noticed right away, dam that seat is HARD and the stock exhaust is loud and I can feel air move from both sides is the exhaust loose fitting. The traction control system on the bmw is a stand alone control vs the Ducati is integrated with the turn signals. Since the turn signals weren't working out of habit I still turned them on only to switch the modes on the traction control system which was annoying.

So onto my actual riding impressions. The bike is fast there is zero downplay there, the torque is addicting. The bike does sound BAD ASS at idle and any amount of throttle input. The exhaust is HOT, I never liked roasted nuts and I certainly don't now. The ergonomics of the bike make me feel like a fat over weight man with back problems, I'm 5 foot 10 with 8 percent body fat. The bike feels very confident at speed but awful at slow speeds.

How does it compare to my S1000. The BMW is faster, smoother, and by far more comfortable. In the looks department the Ducati wins hands down its a super model. I was not impressed by the bike having less then 400 miles and already having electrical issues. The traction control system on the bmw is easier to use I can't say which is better. Brakes are both out standing the Ducati is a nudge better. The BMW is by far smoother, Ducati should advertise their bike as a Vibrator for woman I am sure it will increase sales numbers.

So what one is the better street bike and what will I buy next? The Ducati might be better on the track but on the street its cramped, hot, and a vibration machine. With the options and price tag on a 15 BMW its hard to beat by any machine. I guess thats why it wins so many shootouts. I think they compliment each other very well and I would love to own both but with just building a house and a far more expensive hobby, my girlfriend I will stick with the 15.

 

I haven't spent any time on the 1299 but the review I saw said it is painful to ride on the street which is my exact feeling on the 1199 Panigale. I love the KTM just lacks some of the neat electronics and big horsepower I like. The Aprilla is probably the best bike you can buy if you want Italian styling, great motor, and good street manners. The issue I have with the 959 is you can buy an Aprilla RSV4, S1000, R1 for the same money. Heck you might even be able to find a left over R1M for that much.

 

I buy 3 repossed bikes a year. After riding the 1098 I thought I would give the panigale a shot and see if I liked it better. I thought about bumping a thread from 2 years ago but figured I would just start fresh.Thanks for caring.

 

I am more then willing to validate whatever you believe is untrue. Let me know.

Thanks,
NK