Hi everyone, I'm new to the forum and Ducatis, I've recently sold my S1000RR and, after Years of Japanese I4s and a German one I wanted to try a Ducati, I've test ridden an 1199 and it felt narrow and like it would take a bit of getting used to but I loved it!!. My main worry is my budget will only go to a used base model and I've been reading some horror stories about the front forks constantly failing amongst other things, as I will be looking at one age wise that will be out of warranty soon I just wanted to know if this is has been a major issue on them?, because to be honest it does put me off slightly what is otherwise an amazing bike. The only other option would be to get the S model but their a fair bit more, even used, or failing that I am quite tempted by an RSV4. Anyway I would just like to hear from owners really about how their bikes have been before I take the plunge.
Hi, I've owned my base abs 1199 for a year from new and have done 4k miles now including a wet track day at Donington. I raced for 5 years and have owned ducati's with and without ohlins suspension amongst other bikes. I love the 1199 especially the sound, quick shifter and all of the electronics and adjustability. The bike has been totally reliable but I have 2 criticisms. My dash mists up in winter and cool conditions which has been well documented on here and the stock suspension is disappointing. They are simply cheap units in my opinion but I think a lot of other owners will just get on the bike and ride it without being as particular as me. I have upgraded the suspension on my bike to fgrt 203 forks and ttx shock, both sprung for my weight. After a while getting them set up the ride is now fantastic and I love the bike. I cannot imagine owning another bike right now and find il4's very iffecient but boring. Maybe I should have gone for an s in hindsight but couldn't justify the extra at the time and the electronic suspension doesn't interest me. You may also still need to change springs on the s to get it set up perfectly. At least now my bike is a little different from standard. Good luck with your nice dilemma.
Tbf I think the 'problems' really are limited to fork seals failing on the 'S' model Ohlins; and some issues with misting dash boards and excess heat which is now resolved with added pkastic covers on the rear cylinder. 1199 owners correct me if I am wrong? There have been some 1-offs of course
Had my base for 2 years in August , I agree standard suspension not good enough for price of bike . Recently changed to maxton shock and fork internals . Other minor issues mirrors. All sorted early on . Bike done 10 k miles oil changed every 3500 . Fantastic now with serious character . Bike not used day to day just blast s out with the boys .
I'm sure you can buy a warranty as a second owner for bout 300 quid . Not certain on details but worth asking your local dealer
The Marzocchi fork issue has been bladder failures in the cartridge it seems (then allows oil to bypass the rebound valve.). Some people have been through 3 or 4 fork legs but as of mid 2013 there was a new cartridge part that sorts the issue. So if you do get a failure under warranty it should fix it for good or if you buy a used bike that has had a fork repair after mid 2013 it should have the new part. If there was no fix I would be more worried about it becoming an on going issue but at least there is a solid fix so you should only have to deal with it once if at all.
Extended warranty is available, so long as you take up the option inside 22/3 months. I bought mine used from a dealer who offered it. Mine is a Tricolore 1199s, so long as I paid for it by 1st of July no problem as the bike was registered 9th August 2012. The fork seals aren't great as they're usually Ohlins Racing version. Kais in Atherton put proper seals in. If I bought a used base model Id probably get the internals changed to Ohlins and the bike setup by the experts.
Not wanting to sound a naysayer or anything, but my catalogue of issues has been pretty high. Whilst all bikes will undoubtedly have horror stories I can safely say that this has been the most marmite bike I have had. When it works i love it when it doesnt I just want to set fire to it All repairs have been performed under warranty I must say pretty quickly as well so cant complain there. 6000k miles in after 16 months purchased with 1200 miles on the clocks 1) New dashboard due to fogging 2) New clutch Slave 3) New engine at 4000 miles 4) New forks at 5800 miles The bike is out of warranty now and I will be purchasing a aftermarket warranty as I can see a few more issues cropping up. Dont get me wrong I do really like this bike and want to keep it,, I keep saying next time it lets me down thats it.. We'll see Kwack
Had my 1199s for 14 months now and 4,800 miles. No issues at all, a bit of misting on dash in lower temperatures but nothing to serious. The buzz of owning a Ducati, I don't think you will get from another manufacturer. Obviously there has been some issues with the 1199, but if you look on other manufacturers forums the same will apply I am sure. Enjoy the 1199 you now you want one.
Thanks for the honest replies, I've found a used base model I'm interested in but it's a non ABS so I'm unsure wether to pay a bit more and get an ABS equipped one. It's a 62 Reg so will be out of warranty before long can I pay Ducati and extend it even though I'm not the first owner?. My only real worry on it is the fork issue, but if they get rebuilt now or have been after mid 2013 there have been no more reported failures?. If they do go I suppose the other option is Ohlins/Maxton/Bitubo internals. To be honest I do really like the RSV4 too but the Pani is just such a good looking bike, I've considered Ducatis before but have been put off, it's probably time I just took the plunge and bought one!!.
Thanks for the honest replies, I've found a used base model I'm interested in but it's a non ABS so I'm unsure wether to pay a bit more and get an ABS equipped one. It's a 62 Reg so will be out of warranty before long can I pay Ducati and extend it even though I'm not the first owner?. My only real worry on it is the fork issue, but if they get rebuilt now or have been after mid 2013 there have been no more reported failures?. If they do go I suppose the other option is Ohlins/Maxton/Bitubo internals. To be honest I do really like the RSV4 too but the Pani is just such a good looking bike, I've considered Ducatis before but have been put off, it's probably time I just took the plunge and bought one!!.
You can get a second owner warranty , or give person your buying off the extra and get them to sort it . Well worth it as dash alone is 1500 quid . Good luck and enjoy
Go for the ABS model if you can...you never know when it may save you. I have had mine for 9 months including a bit of wet weather use with no real issues. The dash did mist up once about a month ago but fine now.
