Hey Guys, I'm looking to get my first Ducati and was wondering how comfortable it is on the street? I came from an R1 which is totally different bike but I understand the aggressive riding position and am ok with that. I was more concerned about the high revs to get it moving. My riding would be minimum traffic for the most part but would encounter lights and some stop and go. I just keep hearing you really have to rev this bike up to get it going and it's not good on the street.
How comfortable on the street?
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
Joined
·
77 Posts
Very comfortable , my 3rd ducati and it's way more (jap -like) than my last 2.
Much less stretch to the bars and fairly upright compared to my previous Duc's.
Less low range torque than previous but def pulls hard from 5k plus.
Joined
·
184 Posts
Its the most comfortable bike I've had so far ..... had various Hondas and just came from a sofa gsxr 750. As for traffic riding .. it's fine ... your bum gets a bit warm though. Yes you do have to rev it a bit more to move off but nothing excessive .... this might be because of the hydraulic clutch which seems to be less forgiving than a cable. I've changed the clutch slave cylinder to help stop any pains.
Go on a test ride for sure !
Go on a test ride for sure !
Joined
·
184 Posts
Good to hear but the red ones are faster !
Joined
·
180 Posts
I agree as previously proven 😝
Joined
·
336 Posts
Well i came from a 2010 R1 (still own it) and when i put my leg over the 899 you can immediately tell its a better designed bike. To address your concerns;
Riding Position
Only slightly more aggressive then the R1 (which isn't that aggressive) but alot more comfortable than the R1 as you feel like your locked into the bike while the R1 you feel as if your sitting on the bike and that fat tank and body just makes it hard to lock in. I actually get slight wrist pains on the R1 due to not being able to lock in while on the 899 i have yet to have a sore back, neck, wrist or anything and i've done 3,600kms so far.
Acceleration
Well you do have to rev it higher than the R1 as its got alot less power however its lighter and accelerates to 100kph in 2.5sec which is almost 1 second faster than the R1. So you will not have any problems from the lights there. As for the high revs, this bike love it and you will love revving it high. You can launch off the line so hard with this bike compared to the R1. Its way more fun and puts the smile back on your face everytime you jump on.
Overtaking
R1 trumps the 899 here (as it should due to the power difference). As the 899 has a dip in power from around 4k-7k you need to drop a gear, rip the throttle, gear up again to make the overtake. The R1 you just rip the throttle and bam your already 4 car lengths ahead.
Cornering
Right here is where this bike belongs. Its amazing, like nothing you have ever ridden before. It's on rails and feels like no matter what you throw at it, the 899 will take it. The R1 mid corner feels sloppy and having to muscle the front into a corner is what i hate about it. Really the 899 belongs on the twisty roads, its an amazing bike.
I can't stand riding my R1 now. While i do enjoy the R1s power which is only useful in a straight line. The 899 puts a smile on my face and makes me enjoy riding. Trust me when you put your leg over one you will love it and not miss the power of the R1.
Riding Position
Only slightly more aggressive then the R1 (which isn't that aggressive) but alot more comfortable than the R1 as you feel like your locked into the bike while the R1 you feel as if your sitting on the bike and that fat tank and body just makes it hard to lock in. I actually get slight wrist pains on the R1 due to not being able to lock in while on the 899 i have yet to have a sore back, neck, wrist or anything and i've done 3,600kms so far.
Acceleration
Well you do have to rev it higher than the R1 as its got alot less power however its lighter and accelerates to 100kph in 2.5sec which is almost 1 second faster than the R1. So you will not have any problems from the lights there. As for the high revs, this bike love it and you will love revving it high. You can launch off the line so hard with this bike compared to the R1. Its way more fun and puts the smile back on your face everytime you jump on.
Overtaking
R1 trumps the 899 here (as it should due to the power difference). As the 899 has a dip in power from around 4k-7k you need to drop a gear, rip the throttle, gear up again to make the overtake. The R1 you just rip the throttle and bam your already 4 car lengths ahead.
Cornering
Right here is where this bike belongs. Its amazing, like nothing you have ever ridden before. It's on rails and feels like no matter what you throw at it, the 899 will take it. The R1 mid corner feels sloppy and having to muscle the front into a corner is what i hate about it. Really the 899 belongs on the twisty roads, its an amazing bike.
I can't stand riding my R1 now. While i do enjoy the R1s power which is only useful in a straight line. The 899 puts a smile on my face and makes me enjoy riding. Trust me when you put your leg over one you will love it and not miss the power of the R1.
Joined
·
336 Posts
There is already a discussion going on about the heat, you can read it here: http://www.899panigale.org/forum/ducati-899-troubleshooting/842-hot-seat-while-riding-8.html
In my opinion, having ridden the 1098s i do find the 899 cooler. However its still a Ducati which means it produces alot of heat unlike the Japanese bikes. That said, if you are riding in jeans, track pants, shorts then you will fry and you will be committing genocide on your little swimmers (if you are a guy).
I ride in kevlar pants for day to day stuff and notice very little heat, nothing uncomfortable and this is on high 30 degree (86+ fahrenheit) days. Compared to my R1 i prefer the Ducati on hot days. The R1 produces alot of heat around the tank and up front which makes you melt on hot days. The 899 is definitely more comfortable on hot days. Provided i got kevlar/leather pants on.
In my opinion, having ridden the 1098s i do find the 899 cooler. However its still a Ducati which means it produces alot of heat unlike the Japanese bikes. That said, if you are riding in jeans, track pants, shorts then you will fry and you will be committing genocide on your little swimmers (if you are a guy).
I ride in kevlar pants for day to day stuff and notice very little heat, nothing uncomfortable and this is on high 30 degree (86+ fahrenheit) days. Compared to my R1 i prefer the Ducati on hot days. The R1 produces alot of heat around the tank and up front which makes you melt on hot days. The 899 is definitely more comfortable on hot days. Provided i got kevlar/leather pants on.
Joined
·
184 Posts
I've been out riding for most of day in sun and yes it was a little warm but nowhere near unbearable .... tbh I was worried before about great but not now
Joined
·
399 Posts
Firstly, welcome to the forum, secondly, IMO, the 899 is a far better all round bike than the R1. I had an 2008 R1, probably one of my least favourite bikes I've owned. The front end always felt vague, and that it was about to fold despite having the suspension tweaked professionally twice.
I think the 899 is a far more practical and comfortable ride, I's not as an aggressive riding position than other models. A mate used to have a 996S, that was not a bike to ride any distance on. The 899's ergos are fantastic, so far I've not suffered and wrist pain, back or neck pain and I do suffer with my back after having a cracked vertebrae and fusion a few years back, so far finding it very comfortable. I can honestly say, the best bike I've owned or ridden
I think the 899 is a far more practical and comfortable ride, I's not as an aggressive riding position than other models. A mate used to have a 996S, that was not a bike to ride any distance on. The 899's ergos are fantastic, so far I've not suffered and wrist pain, back or neck pain and I do suffer with my back after having a cracked vertebrae and fusion a few years back, so far finding it very comfortable. I can honestly say, the best bike I've owned or ridden
Don't know about the R1, as I've not ridden one, but had been on lots of different types - the 899 is also my first Ducati. I bought it on Jan 31, and use it for weekend warrior type rides. I now have 1700 miles. I rarely ride for less than 150 miles at a time, and just did 3 days non - stop all over Norcal. This is by far the most "ride-able" bike I've ever been on. There really is no down side in IMO. It rips when it needs to, yeah, so you drop a gear if necessary - but it's not all that noticeable. The best quality is this bike's comfort and cornering ability. Point your head and your knee and it's there - effortless. Love this bike and highly recommend it.
Joined
·
39 Posts
New here!
I traded in my 2007 Kawi ZX-10R for one of these and have not looked back. Yes, it does get warm and the power band is narrower...but the ride handling characteristics more than make up for it. I also own a CBR 600RR (mainly for commuting) but I would choose the 899 over that...
I traded in my 2007 Kawi ZX-10R for one of these and have not looked back. Yes, it does get warm and the power band is narrower...but the ride handling characteristics more than make up for it. I also own a CBR 600RR (mainly for commuting) but I would choose the 899 over that...
1 - 17 of 17 Posts
