By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Supersport
Ducati 1199 Panigale (H8) vs 1299 Panigale S (H9-03)
Ducati 1199 Panigale vs 1299 Panigale S: fast is a given. What sets them apart isn't.
On a clear stretch with the throttle pinned, the Ducati 1199 Panigale's fury lives high in the revs, where it's charging for redline behind a howling exhaust. Crack open the Ducati 1299 Panigale S low in the revs and it's already shoving hard. The pull keeps coming across a broad spread.
So which one do you buy?
The 1299 Panigale S has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Narrow edge: 1299 Panigale S
Through a string of corners, the 1299 Panigale S feels a little more eager. Most of that is better suspension. The gap is small, so ride both.
Racetrack use
Inches ahead: 1299 Panigale S
Lap after lap, the 1299 Panigale S noses ahead. That comes from more suspension adjustment. Your own riding will make a bigger difference than this gap.
Daily commuting & city riding
Nose ahead: 1299 Panigale S
Through rush hour, the 1299 Panigale S is a little easier to live with. Only a little.
What makes each one tick
1199 Panigale
There's a race-bike sharpness to how the 1199 Panigale flicks from side to side, and its compact aluminum monocoque frame is the reason. Corner entry doesn't ask much of the bars. The nose goes where it's aimed. In stop-and-go traffic, there's heat pumping off the underseat pipe and engine onto the rider. Mid-corner, the chassis locks onto its arc and stays there.
Nils rode the 1199 Panigale in 2013 (NastyNils Testride).
1299 Panigale S
At full attack, the 1299 Panigale S answers every bar input precisely, yet it's civil once the pace eases. A bump in the pavement travels up through the electronic Öhlins suspension as a vivid read on what the front tire's doing. Its twin thunders out in pulses.
Nils rode the 1299 Panigale S in Oman & UAE in 2016 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The 1299 Panigale S makes more peak torque: 107 lb-ft (145 Nm) vs 97 lb-ft (132 Nm).
- The 1299 Panigale S has the larger engine: 1285 cc vs 1198 cc.
- ABS: standard on the 1299 Panigale S, option on the 1199 Panigale.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither one fits
Hours in the saddle won't flatter either of these. They're happier on shorter runs.
On running costs, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
1199 Panigale
What owners say
Strengths
- Explosive engine performance
- Sharp, agile handling
- Advanced rider aids
Trade-offs
- Excessive heat buildup
1299 Panigale S
What owners say
Strengths
- Exotic design and build quality
- Explosive low-end torque
- Precise chassis and handling
- Comprehensive electronics package
- Superb braking performance
Trade-offs
- Expensive maintenance and parts
- Heavy clutch effort
- Intense engine heat
Known problems to check before you buy
1199 Panigale
- Swingarm shaft pivots loosen (recall) Recall 12V401000 The right and left swingarm shaft pivots can loosen, leading to loss of control. NHTSA Campaign 12V401000.
- Exhaust valve cable cover melting (recall) Recall 12V392000 The bowden cable cover on the exhaust butterfly valve can melt or burn due to excess heat from the catalytic converter. NHTSA Campaign 12V392000.
- Swingarm linkage incorrect screw (recall) Recall 12V270000 An incorrect screw used to retain the swingarm to the rear suspension linkage can detach, causing catastrophic suspension collapse. NHTSA Campaign 12V270000.
- Steering damper uniball slip (recall) Recall 12V399000 The Uniball bearing on the Öhlins steering damper rod eyelet can slip out of its seat, leading to detachment. NHTSA Campaign 12V399000.
- Steering damper screws fall out (recall) Recall 12V400000 Screws securing the steering damper to the steering head can fall out due to insufficient Loctite. NHTSA Campaign 12V400000.
- Left handlebar switch failure (recall) Recall 14V166000 The left handlebar switch may lose power, disabling the horn, high beam, right turn signals, and instrument display. NHTSA Campaign 14V166000 / RCL‑14‑001.
- Front brake master cylinder hose interference (recall) Recall 12V402000 The reservoir hose may contact the threading end of the retaining screw, damaging the hose and causing brake failure. NHTSA Campaign 12V402000.
- Hard starting when hot The emissions charcoal canister can fill with fuel, causing vapor lock and extended cranking when the engine is warm.
- Intermittent gear position sensor The gear position sensor can fail, disabling the quick shifter and causing fueling errors.
- Instrument cluster fogging Humidity can cause fogging inside the TFT display. Typically clears on its own but can be persistent in damp climates.
1299 Panigale S
- Brembo front brake master cylinder recall (17V-812) Recall 17V812000 NHTSA recall for PPS plastic piston in the front brake master cylinder that can crack, causing brake failure. Affected 2015-2017 1299 models. Dealers replace with aluminum piston.
- Clutch slave cylinder failure The OEM clutch slave cylinder can leak fluid or allow air into the system, causing a spongy lever or difficulty disengaging. Many owners upgrade to an Oberon aftermarket unit.
What they share
- Engine
- 90° V-twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Fuel capacity
- 4.5 US gal (17 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front brake
- 330 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 200/55-17
- Wheelbase
- 56.6 in (1437 mm)
Where the spec sheets split
| 1199 Panigale | 1299 Panigale S | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 32.5 in (825 mm) | 32.7 in (830 mm) |
| Wet weight | 414 lb (188 kg) | 419 lb (190 kg) |
| 1199 Panigale | 1299 Panigale S | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1198 cc | 1285 cc |
| Power | 195 hp (143 kW) | 205 hp (151 kW) |
| Peak power at | 10,750 rpm | 10,500 rpm |
| Torque | 97 lb-ft (132 Nm) | 107 lb-ft (145 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 9,000 rpm | 8,750 rpm |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| 1199 Panigale | 1299 Panigale S | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Option | Standard |
| Cornering ABS | Not offered | Standard |
| Wheelie Control | Not offered | Standard |
| LED Headlight | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
