[watermantra]

I'm very interested in stepping up to the 899, since track days are fast becoming an interest of mine. One problem I just noticed, and this is admittedly a small one, is the lack of a pillion and pegs. My wife does like to ride with me from time to time, and I do enjoy those little excursions with her on the back. So a few questions...

Is it possible that there might be aftermarket seats and passenger pegs available for the 899? It's standard on the 1199, so I would imagine that retrofitting might be somewhat easy.

Might it be in the Small Pani's future to have this available as an option? I wonder if the shorter wheelbase makes it more unstable for two-up riding, or is somehow the electronics are gummed up with two people?

What do you guys think? I doubt I can talk the missus into owning two bikes, and I love my Monster...but the call to the track might be winning over. (Of course, one option is to find a used 1199, which could be similar in price to the 899, now that some new features are available on the new one.)

Anyway, just thoughts and questions

 

[Doctor 650]

I understand your dilemma and there is no easy answers, for what it's worth......
Still trying to work out how to ride 2 bikes at once, in fact, trying to ride 4 at once is even harder.
Don't think you will find a bike that does 2 different things perfectly, there will always be a compromise.
If you fall in love with a bike and that lust is still there 6 months later...just do it.
The track is addictive, everyone I know who gets hooked, ends up with a dedicated track bike.
You have got to love your bike, nothing wrong with letting your heart make the decision.

I haven't helped you one bit....just shared my experiences, looking forward to hearing what other people think.

Cheers Doc

 

[watermantra]

It's all elementary at this point, of course. I haven't even ridden an 1199 yet...and I don't think I'll get the chance to ride the 899 until at least this spring. I've ridden the 848, and I did like it, though the ergonomics leave a little to be desired, and it seemed like there would be a big learning curve to get it to do what I want it to do on the track. As compared to a Triumph Daytona, the steering seemed to need more body english. I like the idea of the more compact riding position on the 899. (The 1199 feels better than the 848, at least sitting on the showroom floor.)

My local Ducati Shop (AMS in Dallas) is very good about test rides, and I hope I'll have my answer after a couple of jaunts.

 

[snake shake]

the 899s riding position is actually going to make riding 2 up quite difficult. You will be hunched forward and she will essentially be sitting straight up. Tell wifey shes allowed to have more than one pair of shoes or multiple hand bags, she should show you the same decency

AHAHAAA, welcome aboard!

 

[rjjr]

I'm very interested in stepping up to the 899, since track days are fast becoming an interest of mine. One problem I just noticed, and this is admittedly a small one, is the lack of a pillion and pegs. My wife does like to ride with me from time to time, and I do enjoy those little excursions with her on the back. So a few questions...

Is it possible that there might be aftermarket seats and passenger pegs available for the 899? It's standard on the 1199, so I would imagine that retrofitting might be somewhat easy.

Might it be in the Small Pani's future to have this available as an option? I wonder if the shorter wheelbase makes it more unstable for two-up riding, or is somehow the electronics are gummed up with two people?

What do you guys think? I doubt I can talk the missus into owning two bikes, and I love my Monster...but the call to the track might be winning over. (Of course, one option is to find a used 1199, which could be similar in price to the 899, now that some new features are available on the new one.)

Anyway, just thoughts and questions

The 899 does come with rear pegs. I think most of them are removed in pictures and videos.

I sort of have the same dilemma as you. I bought a Diavel a year ago and started doing track days this summer. I got hooked right away but realized the Diavel was not the best bike for the track. I had just started to look for a sport bike when the 899 was introduced. I really like the Diavel and don't want to sell it but I don't really want 30K of motorcycles sitting around my garage either. I could buy a less expensive track bike but I'm hooked on the 899.

 

[watermantra]

the 899s riding position is actually going to make riding 2 up quite difficult. You will be hunched forward and she will essentially be sitting straight up. Tell wifey shes allowed to have more than one pair of shoes or multiple hand bags, she should show you the same decency

AHAHAAA, welcome aboard!

My Monster isn't exactly comfortable with her on it. It is essentially a sport bike, as far as the passenger is concerned, and I have installed clip-ons so my riding position is already quite hunched over, so she's used to that. Don't I wish that multiple shoes or handbags was roughly equivalent to multiple motorcycles!

The 899 does come with rear pegs. I think most of them are removed in pictures and videos.

I sort of have the same dilemma as you. I bought a Diavel a year ago and started doing track days this summer. I got hooked right away but realized the Diavel was not the best bike for the track. I had just started to look for a sport bike when the 899 was introduced. I really like the Diavel and don't want to sell it but I don't really want 30K of motorcycles sitting around my garage either. I could buy a less expensive track bike but I'm hooked on the 899.

That is great to hear about the rear pegs. I guess I need to look at the pics more closely.

Jeez...a Diavel on the track? That thing has a ton of power, but isn't it way to low to the ground? I was dragging my kickstand by the end of the day on my Monster (796). I would imagine that the Diavel is lower than my bike.

 

[draggin]

the monster isnt very comfortable for passengers and the 899 is probably going to be worse.

thats just the way it is. if you want sporty. its hard to have a comfortable passenger seat. because a huge thick seat back there just doesnt look good.

 

[S.I.U.]

yeah unfortunately thats how it will be, you can always modify it but i doubt many people will do that. passengers will just have to live with it.

what options do we have for better seats?

 

[rjjr]

My Monster isn't exactly comfortable with her on it. It is essentially a sport bike, as far as the passenger is concerned, and I have installed clip-ons so my riding position is already quite hunched over, so she's used to that. Don't I wish that multiple shoes or handbags was roughly equivalent to multiple motorcycles!



That is great to hear about the rear pegs. I guess I need to look at the pics more closely.

Jeez...a Diavel on the track? That thing has a ton of power, but isn't it way to low to the ground? I was dragging my kickstand by the end of the day on my Monster (796). I would imagine that the Diavel is lower than my bike.

Yea it's pretty low. I'm a big guy so if I hang off quite a bit it'll turn ok. A big disadvantage is it's weight.

 

[teeny]

I had a monster 696, used to grind the foot pegs on that in corners even with pillion.
My son used to love going pillion on the monster.
The 899 does come with pillion seat and foot pegs too. I didn't get the rear pegs fitted they are in the parts box.. they will never be used.. it's not going to be any fun perched on the back of an 899...
At the moment I'm enjoying the 899, its a different ride to the 848evo. It's more agile.
The front brakes are useless. So it's back in the garage to get them sorted tomorrow all going well.
You'll love it... without pillion...

 

[rjjr]

I had a monster 696, used to grind the foot pegs on that in corners even with pillion.
My son used to love going pillion on the monster.
The 899 does come with pillion seat and foot pegs too. I didn't get the rear pegs fitted they are in the parts box.. they will never be used.. it's not going to be any fun perched on the back of an 899...
At the moment I'm enjoying the 899, its a different ride to the 848evo. It's more agile.
The front brakes are useless. So it's back in the garage to get them sorted tomorrow all going well.
You'll love it... without pillion...

You've actually received the 899? Are you in the US? What seems to be the problem with the front brakes?

 

[S.I.U.]

You've actually received the 899? Are you in the US? What seems to be the problem with the front brakes?

confirmed, there's one member on the forum here with a white 899. wouldn't be surprised if this guy actually has one.

 

[teeny]

yes I have the white 899.. popped pictures on here on various threads..

I live in Glasgow, Scotland and have had my 899 since friday 25th October...

The front brakes seem a tad spongy and unresponsive but work when pumped... this is being checked at the garage to find out if it is an issue in the ABS system as I have bled the brakes and no change... I will let you know what the outcome is.. and if anyone else gets theirs soon they can let me know!

 

[rjjr]

The white with red wheels looks really sharp. I put a deposit down on a red one but switched it to white. With any luck it will be here this month.

 

[watermantra]

yes I have the white 899.. popped pictures on here on various threads..

I live in Glasgow, Scotland and have had my 899 since friday 25th October...

The front brakes seem a tad spongy and unresponsive but work when pumped... this is being checked at the garage to find out if it is an issue in the ABS system as I have bled the brakes and no change... I will let you know what the outcome is.. and if anyone else gets theirs soon they can let me know!

The test videos I've seen all say the brakes are very good on the 899. It seems to me that this might just be an issue with your particular one.

Man, I can't wait until they come to the states.