[Duc It]

I have not had the chance to test ride the 899 yet. I felt in love with the appearance of this bike with the unveiling of the 1199 but purchased a BMW instead. I often tell people when someone asks how I like my BMW that I wish I still had my Daytona because I could throw it around, romp on it, and really open it up in corners without worrying too much about throttle control. To me, that made the Daytona more fun. The BMW is just too much bike for me. When I started reading reviews of the 899, it sounded just how I felt on my Daytona but a little better. My question is: Have any of you had experience on the Daytona675 and if so, how does it compare to the 899? I am set on getting the 899 but I really would like this little tidbit of info. I saw the MCN video but I want more than that.

 

[Doctor 650]

I reckon you raise a good point, I went for the 899 because I would rather have a bike I could flog than it flog me, something about ringing a bikes neck and not being bucked off. Yet to do a track day on the 899 which were it is heading, but so far on the road I haven't felt threatened. My experience has been on a street fighter and the s4r monster, both bikes you could go nuts on without ending up in the ditch. In my dirt bike days I always had more fun on my mates WR250 than on my own 510.
I reckon a lot of blokes buy more bike than they can handle and never really get to enjoy it.

 

[mcouper99]

I currently ride an '11 Street Triple R, which is basically a naked Daytona. The bike is unbelievably nimble, and provides consistent power across the entire rev band. In short, I LOVE it. When I decided to get a sport bike, the Daytona seemed like a natural choice, although I'd still be limited on power; which was one of the reasons I was looking for another bike.

I had a chance to ride the S1000R at the track in Vegas while at the California Superbike School. I had always believed liter bikes were more than I needed/could handle, but after that weekend I was ready to buy one of their fleet bikes. The electronics are nothing short of amazing, and for a 'big' bike, it was VERY easy to ride.

Then Ducati decided to throw a monkey wrench into my plans with the 899. So just prior to pulling the trigger on the BMW, I talked to a friend of mine who tracks both his S1000R and 1199 (yes, he has WAAAY too much money). The comment that stuck was that while the BMW's have the technical advantage, the Ducati's have soul. That really stuck, and I decided to hold off on my purchase.

I haven't had a chance to test ride the 899 yet, but I did hear one fired up in the lot. We're actually experiencing a real winter here (where's global warming when you need it), but the deposit is down and barring a really bad experience when I do get a ride, I'll be trying to figure out how to create space in the garage this spring.

 

[Che dolce tuono]

My last bike was a Daytona 675R (before that, an 848, which was stolen). I traded the Daytona in on the 899, which I pick up in the spring. I was a bit worried that I would regret the trade--but obviously not worried enough not to trade it--test driving an 1199 activated the Ducati fever latent in my blood. Reading Quo Vadis's review of his 899 brought me real comfort. He stressed how good the engine is of the 899 and how smooth. He also said that the 899 was like Daytona 675 on steroids--and that is what I'm hoping to discover for myself. I'll paste the URL for his review at the end of my response. Also you may want to look at the MCN video review comparison of the D675R and the GSX-R 750. The reviewers love all 3 bikes but indicate that the 899 is really something special and expect it to be the bike of the year.

Quo Vadas' 899 Panigale Review
http://www.899panigale.org/forum/ducati-899-panigale-reviews/2506-quo-vadas-899-panigale-review.html

Ducati Panigale 899 fights Suzuki and Triumph | Group Test | Motorcyclenews.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQza_TWj8JM&feature=player_embedded

 

[mcouper99]

Comparing an 899/4 to a 675/3 isn't really fair to Triumph...

 

[T-wizzle]

I have not had the chance to test ride the 899 yet. I felt in love with the appearance of this bike with the unveiling of the 1199 but purchased a BMW instead. I often tell people when someone asks how I like my BMW that I wish I still had my Daytona because I could throw it around, romp on it, and really open it up in corners without worrying too much about throttle control. To me, that made the Daytona more fun. The BMW is just too much bike for me. When I started reading reviews of the 899, it sounded just how I felt on my Daytona but a little better. My question is: Have any of you had experience on the Daytona675 and if so, how does it compare to the 899? I am set on getting the 899 but I really would like this little tidbit of info. I saw the MCN video but I want more than that.

Yes! I've owned a 2009 daytona 675 and it was one of my track bike! To me, as far as sitting on it, they both sit tall, and feels slim. Riding feels nimble, easy to throw around in turns. Daytona was great on the track with great power to play with but with the 899 I feel a step ahead. I took my 899 out on a ride thru our local canyon for some canyon craving and just ripped it hard! Response and power was so much better but at the same time my daytona didn't have all these traction control or abs! All in all, the 899 would be my ultimate track bike over the daytona, IMHO.

 

[Duc It]

Comparing an 899/4 to a 675/3 isn't really fair to Triumph...

I get that. I'm not really looking for a head to head comparison. More so, I was looking to see if the Ducati has the same feel as the Daytona only improved.

 

[Duc It]

Yes! I've owned a 2009 daytona 675 and it was one of my track bike! To me, as far as sitting on it, they both sit tall, and feels slim. Riding feels nimble, easy to throw around in turns. Daytona was great on the track with great power to play with but with the 899 I feel a step ahead. I took my 899 out on a ride thru our local canyon for some canyon craving and just ripped it hard! Response and power was so much better but at the same time my daytona didn't have all these traction control or abs! All in all, the 899 would be my ultimate track bike over the daytona, IMHO.

Sweet sauce! Thank you for confirming my expectations. Now I really really want one.

 

[mcouper99]

I get that. I'm not really looking for a head to head comparison. More so, I was looking to see if the Ducati has the same feel as the Daytona only improved.

It sounds like you and I took the same road, and arrived at the same place...now if only those roads would clear...

 

[S.I.U.]

I get that. I'm not really looking for a head to head comparison. More so, I was looking to see if the Ducati has the same feel as the Daytona only improved.

that i think is fair enough, can't always go by segments and CC's.

 

[jumpman]

I was contemplating between a Daytona 675r and the 899 Panigale. Loved the Daytona 675R and I was that close to putting down the cash for it. Then came the 899 and it really blew me away. Literally a 675 on steroids. Both bikes have their pros and cons and they're both awesome bikes. It all comes down to preference. Twins and triples are incredible engines in their own nature.

 

[385north]

I'm actually in the same boat - currently own a 675r and absolutely love it. I'm working towards an 899 but basically have to pay for it twice based on the duty structure where I'm at in the Caribbean.

All in all - the 1199 is what I really wanted, however, after all my reading I think it would be too much bike for me and too much for our roads here. Plan to keep the 675r one way or the other.

The 899 seems to be the perfect fix - I just wish they offered a "S" or "R" version.

 

[Kman S]

Comparing an 899/4 to a 675/3 isn't really fair to Triumph...

hope this is a typo mcooper99, you say you're going to purchase a 899, you do know they are twin engine not four

 

[mcouper99]

hope this is a typo mcooper99, you say you're going to purchase a 899, you do know they are twin engine not four

Yeah...total brain fart...still can't get over the MV V4 that was sitting next to the 899 last weekend. **** if those Italians don't build beautiful machines.

 

[Kman S]

Yeah...total brain fart...still can't get over the MV V4 that was sitting next to the 899 last weekend. **** if those Italians don't build beautiful machines.

agree totally, once I saw the white 899 sitting on the showroom floor I fell in love with it, actually kinda similar situation as yours, right now I ride a new Street triple R which I love, but I want that 899 so bad. since I'm on Long Island and you're not that far away maybe we could meet half way when we both get our bikes, would make a nice 100 mile ride for the summer

 

[mcouper99]

agree totally, once I saw the white 899 sitting on the showroom floor I fell in love with it, actually kinda similar situation as yours, right now I ride a new Street triple R which I love, but I want that 899 so bad. since I'm on Long Island and you're not that far away maybe we could meet half way when we both get our bikes, would make a nice 100 mile ride for the summer

We should meet in Millville, NJ...

 

[hagetaka]

Yeah...total brain fart...still can't get over the MV V4 that was sitting next to the 899 last weekend. **** if those Italians don't build beautiful machines.

Umm... isn't the MV Agusta an IL4?

I'm reading all of this and thinking how to make all that money to buy myself that 899, keeping my 748 and the commuter hack

Re the comparison between the daytona and 899, I don't really see why it's unfair to compare these two. Sure the cc and hp is different, but in real-world terms these two are and will be competitors, fighting for the same bit of market. Neither of them qualifies for the typical japanese-make supersport segment, and both will be targeting road users with the occasional track experience, looking for something not as intimidating/scary/ridiculously overpowered. It would be the same with MV F3 if it were cheap enough and as easy to get as these two.

By the way I think that the 899's are selling like crazy in UK, that means there's going to be a fair bit of depreciation and an occasion to get pre-loved ones much cheaper once the S version comes out (surely it must, right?)

Last edit: oh hi all btw, just noticed it's my first post here - usually on the .ms forum!

 

[mcouper99]

V/F...all I know is that that engine, regardless of cylinder configuration looks and feels huge. The point regarding markets is valid, although I think the much smaller displacement and hp (and price) puts the triumph in a more beginner to midrange spot, versus the 899 and F3 that seem to be for those of us who want more power, but recognize the current liter bikes may be too much for us mere mortals. I'm reasonably sure the 899 is more bike than I can fully take advantage of, but then buying a bike isn't a completely rational decision.

 

[TL2Bass]

Hey Guys... just signed up and this is my 1st post. I'm on the edge of the 899 cliff and need someone to push me off! I currently own and love my '14 Street Triple R. I purchased her in mid October and just clicked 7600 miles today. 85% of those miles are canyons (I live at the base of Angeles Crest Highway) and the remaining are commuter miles into Hollywood from Glendale.

So I figured I'd own my STR3 forever - great ergos, sweet tone and plenty fast enough to pass 95% of the guys I see riding the crest daily (corners like mad). That is until my buddy at a dealer let me test ride the 899 for about 45 mins. ****. I loved it. Deceivingly fast. Felt a bit gutless at first twist, but then I looked down and was at triple digits without even trying as I entered the freeway! I need to get more seat time on it to make a proper decision but I guess my main concern has been as follows...

The Ducati ownership rep is an expensive one. Parts and service is costlier than most. I hear horror stories from friends old and new that have owned or currently own Ducs. The fact that this is a first model year bike doesn't help any. I get the "oh.. nice bike... but be prepared for a ton more money in maintenance costs" when I discuss the possibility of swapping into an 899 with friends.

Now I'm sure many who buy these bikes don't ride them the way they were meant to be ridden (parking at Starbucks, or worse, into a corner), hence any mechanical issues from lack of use (sorta like the athlete that needs to run HARD or the body breaks down). I plan on flogging the bike and putting 12-15k miles a year on her.

So my question to you guys is what's the feedback from owners as to ownership experience thus far? Is this reputation warranted with these bikes? I know they're new... so not much can be gleaned online via proper reviews.

Thanks for any enlightenment you can offer!

 

[TL2Bass]

Ahh... just found the thread regarding rider feedback...

as you were....