Panigale 1199 a performance flop?

[atadaskew]

When all the journos went on the mfg release of the Panigale, they said it was a game changer/ground breaker/toast maker etc etc superbike.

But... all the comparo tests that I have read so far (American ones) show it to be mid pack, behind old school, old tech Japanese bikes.

So... what gives?  The old 1198 seemed to have done better in these comparos, and at least it had its insane torque to give it unbeatable low/midrange punch to give it an edge.
The Panigale has lost that Vtwin characteristic - it now 'needs' to be revved out - and yet still seems to be a work in progress.

What do you lot think?

[Mac]

What do you lot think?

I think its purdy!!  

[Orson]

What do you lot think?

Depends on the paint job.

I read on the innernet that the tricolore scheme is worth 15% power, even at a standstill.

Guzzi could easily match these power gains, but they choose their paint from whutever spray cans are available down at the local Mandello hardware store.

[veefer800canuck]

We shall see next year, when they hand it to Checa.

The Panigale is currently leading the 1000 SuperStock class.

119 to 88 over BMW.

[DogBoy]

Any 150+hp 1200cc v-Twin needs to rev. You're not going to get more hp without pushing the powerband up the rev range. All the big bore sportbikes are so damn good these days that comparison tests are just exercises in splitting hairs. Paginale sales will remain strong.

[UFO]

Any 150+hp 1200cc v-Twin needs to rev. You're not going to get more hp without pushing the powerband up the rev range. All the big bore sportbikes are so damn good these days that comparison tests are just exercises in splitting hairs. Paginale sales will remain strong.

^^^ This.

I don't even read magazines or online comparos anymore.  All the bikes are absolutely stellar.  Buy what you like, not something that is .1 gram lighter, or .00856393s faster lap time.

[st2sam]

Any 150+hp 1200cc v-Twin needs to rev. You're not going to get more hp without pushing the powerband up the rev range. All the big bore sportbikes are so damn good these days that comparison tests are just exercises in splitting hairs. Paginale sales will remain strong.

100% correct, end of story.  It's a power difference you'd never be able to use (feel) on the street.

My two cents.
When I read the comparo's I always look for which bike is best on the street because that's where I'm riding it 99.9% of the time.
You gotta admit the 1199 is one pretty bike that has more power than any mortal could use. (on the street)
IMO it's too bad the Honda (ABS) is about $5,000.00 cheaper and a better street ride, because I WANT the Ducati but the Honda makes more sense...

[atadaskew]

My point is the 1199 viewed as a stock/street bike, not how it performs in races.

Point being, when the S1000RR came out, it instantly vaulted to the top of the street bike standings.  The Panigale, meant to be much better than the 1198, sits in the same spot as the 1198 in group tests.

As street bikes go, what I really like about big v-twins like the 1198 is the way they make so much torque in the low to mid range.  because crazy peak power is pretty much unusable on the street.
But the Panigale has lost the 1198's torque kick, replaced with a top end punch that really is not so useable.

Maybe what Ducati now needs is to bring out a new modern day SS model.  Basically a more rational 1198, more streetable now that the 1199 has taken over race duties.

[DogBoy]

My point is the 1199 viewed as a stock/street bike, not how it performs in races.

Point being, when the S1000RR came out, it instantly vaulted to the top of the street bike standings.  The Panigale, meant to be much better than the 1198, sits in the same spot as the 1198 in group tests.

As street bikes go, what I really like about big v-twins like the 1198 is the way they make so much torque in the low to mid range.  because crazy peak power is pretty much unusable on the street.
But the Panigale has lost the 1198's torque kick, replaced with a top end punch that really is not so useable.

Maybe what Ducati now needs is to bring out a new modern day SS model.  Basically a more rational 1198, more streetable now that the 1199 has taken over race duties.

All Ducati needs to do is sell bikes. Until sales of $20,000 sportbikes take a dive, they don't need to change anything. Magazine comparison results don't directly relate to sales numbers. The 1098 and 1198 didn't win every comparo and those models sold well.

Were you about to buy a Paginale before the comparos were published?

[ray916mn]

There is only one answer. Quit reading comparison tests and go out and ride one for yourself and make your own judgement.

[miles]

Don't make me Manigale-bomb this thread, too.  I'm warning you.

[veefer800canuck]

Don't make me Manigale-bomb this thread, too.  I'm warning you.

I'll stock up on Eye Bleach, just in case. Can't be too careful when it comes to Manigale.

[GTS_Rider]

Don't make me Manigale-bomb this thread, too.  I'm warning you.

Nooooo!

I will report you to mods if you do that shit again!  

[falcofred]

 I WANT the Ducati but the Honda makes more sense...

BINGO! Ducati is building bikes people want!
Lets face it, here in the USA no one needs a motorcycle, but many want a motorcycle, Ducati is building what people want, what they lust after, dream of.
Honda on the other hand.............the CBR is a great bike, no doubt I couldn't ride it to it's full potential especially on the street, but I don't want one.
The 1199, I want, but can't afford a second expensive tire shredding Ducati in the garage, maybe when they're some used ones in a year or two  

[NuckaMan]

I test rode the 1199.

While the egro's are better for me (narrower and shorter tank), the engine powerband lost's its twin-appeal.

Like some stated before, gotta spin the motor to really get it going....like a I4.

Very pretty too look at and engine note is quite nice.

Take the words of any of the American printed magazines with a grain of salt.... credibility with one went out the window when they called the motorcycle like the 2009 Yamaha R1 a "game changer" on their cover page.

[Silverbird]

People lust after their crotches baked on every ride?

Seriously, though Ducati lied about the HP big time. Everytime a mag hails a new bike as the second coming, I tell myself I'll never buy into it again and wouldn't you know it, they suckered a lot of people once again (including me) about the Panigale.

After all the hype, build-up, R&D, and MotoGP frameless drama, the 1000RR beats it in every legitimate test out there  I'd still take one over any literbike though.

[Aero]

At those horsepower levels it's all academic anyway, you can't use it on the street if you want to keep your licence. It's down to whether you prefer a four or a twin. Should be interesting when they start running them in WSBK though...

Here's Kevin Ash's thoughts...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorbikes/9464813/Living-with-the-Ducati-Panigale.html

[honda4ever]

After all the hype, build-up, R&D, and MotoGP frameless drama, the 1000RR beats it in every legitimate test out there I'd still take one over any literbike though.

This sounds like the same rationale that has people buy Harleys.

[Silverbird]

Actually it's because I don't like I-4's anymore.

[atadaskew]

Actually it's because I don't like I-4's anymore.

What about the Aprilia V4 scoot?

Thatsa nice-a bike-a too.