I rode the Ducati Panigale 1299 today

First off, LOADS of power. The demo bike only had 175 miles on it, so I didn't rail on it, but even being mellow on it, I could tell it's a beast. It should be, at 205 HP. it took a bit to get my bearings on it, as it's radically different than the VFR. Once I got a feel for it, I liked it. In the tight twisty stuff, I wasn't in love at first, but I can see it would be a great bike. You never need to leave first gear.

Really easy to set and follow a line. I found that I had to sit back in the seat to get my body in the correct position, but once I did, it was so easy to turn. The clutchless downshifting took a second or two to allow to happen, but it's cool. Of course the quickshift is fun too. It's a Panigale, so it's hot. But that is so much engine in so little space. I took it on the freeway and at 75 I was cruising in 4th gear, so this bike must have hella top end. All the torque and HP means it's just a little twist of the wrist and you are passing folks.

In the tight stuff, I was putting too much pressure on my wrists, at least until I remembered to squeeze my knees and hold my weight up. In the more open sweeping turns, I could see how this bike would fly. The brakes stop the bike fast enough to flatten your eyeballs against the inside of your visor. oh, and it's hot. At least around town. The freeway speeds wash all of it away. On the freeway, I was able to hold myself up pretty easily and I was actually comfortable, but I did ride more than five miles there.

Getting back on the VFR felt heavy, wide and sorta slow, bit I re acclimated to her pretty quick. I think she insulted me in Japanese when I first got on her tho...

Sunday I am riding the Diavel. I'll update you then.

 

I forgot to add, this one had an Akropovic exhaust n it. Loud, but sounded damned good!!!

 

I'm jealous .

 

Get one.....:wink:

 

Just like eating a Lays potatoes chip, once ya have one.......
your done.....