So, I’ve been messing around with this Ducati 1199S lately, and boy, it’s been a ride. Let me tell you, getting into this thing was a whole process. I first started by reading up everything I could find about it. There’s a ton of chatter online about whether the 1199S is better than the regular 1199 or even the 1299. Man, the forums are a rabbit hole.
I spent days, I mean, literally days, just scrolling through these Ducati forums. You’ve got guys like “Dorotheos” – yeah, they call him DoDo – talking about picking up his new 1199S and asking for tips. Then there’s a whole debate on whether the 1199S or the 1299 is the way to go. It’s a mess, but a fun one.
One thing that kept popping up was this whole deal with the suspension. Apparently, the Ohlins suspension on the 1199S is a big deal. I mean I’m not a total bike expert, but the electronic suspension that the 1299s has makes the 1199S not that attractive. I dug into it, and it turns out it’s pretty sweet. These guys were talking about how it handles on different roads, especially in places like Connecticut. I even found this one post where someone clocked 65 miles on some reservoir roads – sounded like a blast.
Here’s What I Did
- Research: I started by gathering all the specs and user reviews I could find. Reading through forums, articles, and anything related to the Ducati 1199S.
- Comparison: Then, I compared the 1199S with the 1199 and 1299. This involved looking at the weight, price, and features like the suspension and electronic systems. Some people said that 1199 is cheaper, while the 1299 is heavier.
- Deep Dive: I focused on understanding the “S” package, like what makes the 1199S special. That’s where I learned about the ABS system, Ducati Traction Control, and all that jazz.
- Test Ride: The most important part was to take the bike out for a spin myself, I was able to find a friend that had it, and he let me ride it. It is necessary to feel how it handles, and see if all the hype about the suspension is true.
I realized that the 1199S is a beast. It’s lighter than the 1299, which is a plus. And that suspension? Totally worth the hype. Riding it was an experience. I could feel the difference, especially on those twisty roads. It’s like the bike knows what you want to do before you do it.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. These bikes are rare, like, only 500 of the 1199 Superleggera were made. Finding one was a pain. And the price? Let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart. You’re torn between different models. There was this discussion about an evolution from the old 916, but that’s a whole other story.
In the end, I get why people are so into these Ducatis. The 1199S is a solid choice if you’re looking for something special. It’s got the looks, the power, and that sweet, sweet handling. Just be prepared to do your homework and maybe sell a kidney or two.
