by 1299Panigale » Tue May 02, 2017 8:26 am
Yes the 1299S is indeed a joy to ride. I had purchased a new 959 Panigale when they came out. Lovely bike and no slouch. I hit 210 kph at Hampton Downs circuit where my previous best on my CB1000RR was 183. I had believed the 1199 Panigale was a bit of handful after watching YouTube and reading reviews until I borrowed a friends on a Club Ride. Although I only rode a short distance on that bike it felt great and I considered trading in my 959 for one. It would be second hand of course as by now the 1299 was out. Well long story short - the dealer made me a very attractive offer for a 1299S that was too good to refuse including a free Akropovic exhaust cans. Being the S model the bike has Ohlins suspension front and rear which is adjustable electronically via the display. Also LED headlights and a carbon front guard.
There is no doubt it has mental power! But it also has sublime handling and suspension. The brakes are the best you can get and it has cornering ABS. The electronic aids should prevent throwing it down the road if I get too enthusiastic. I think it behaves nicer at slower speeds than the 959 but certainly a bit less friendly than the Honda. I have yet to take it on the track. I most commute about 25km to and from work via motorway and rural roads. I ride it rain or shine mostly using Sport mode or Wet mode if necessary. Sadly I am only able to look at it as I await surgery to repair a broken shoulder after crashing off my bicycle in a cycle race in March. Frustrating!