Sorry for the late reply. Just to clarify for future references to this post as no doubt some one in the future will wonder what the deal is with ex track bikes. @Jock was correct the bike was taken off eBay I'm presuming it was sold. I waited till businesses was back open on the second and called ducati to check if a CSS bike would still be covered under warranty as suggested here and he said it would be as long as it was serviced when it was suppose to have been which it was. He also said the 1299 has a lot of power and he doesn't think it would be able to have been opened up and redline on Silverstone as its too small a track. The only thing he would be concerned about is if it fell and he said to check for scratches on the engine casing pegs levers etc. I also tried to call CSS them selves for any information on the bike but I got no answer. The strange thing is the bike had normal tank protectors new tires and that's it. I done a search for completed items on eBay and 2 CSS bikes came up but they had the R&G tank protectors engine covers etc. as suggested here. So... I think the original bike may have been a track bike for sure but maybe not CSS? not sure. For anyone interested in one of these bikes in the future I noticed the 2 CSS bikes in the completed items search sold for £11,860 and £12,450 which is a great deal compared. and apparently they sell they're bikes at the end of the season March to September yearly. And as other has suggested @MattM @jock @bradders @Phill etc. I don't think there is any thing wrong with these bikes. how are you getting along @shyboy?
I've seen the ex CSSbikesfor sale, but they've been sold by CSS directly If this is a one owner bike, the. It's probably not from them as theirs are very open in the description as to what they've been used for
Mixed feelings here. Only rode the bike twice, they were both on damp roads so could not get a real feel for the bike. Both times were in wet mode. Both times I felt like it really needed to be revved to set off the lights which I think surprised me. Also some strange yet slight engine behaviour which I could not put my finger on. For example, I'm finding it hard to keep riding at constant 3k in 2nd or 3rd gears. It just does not like it and starts misbehaving. I'm hoping that once I get it on a dry road and on sports/race modes thigs will start to make sense. I'm hoping its a combination of this being my first ever twin, road conditions and wet mode. It's really annoying though as I was really hoping to get it out today but it's icy outside.
To start with, do not be disheartened, you've just bought yourself one of the best sports bikes ever made and all the reviews and owners comments praising the bike aren't wrong! I'm not sure what bike you had before, but guessing in line 4 or triple (obviously!). A twin requires you to totally re-configure your riding style and everything you think you know about engine characteristics! You will gel with the bike, you will start to understand how it works best and where it doesn't. After 6 months of twin ownership I'm only just starting to understand this and I don't compare it to the jap bikes I've had before. They are silky smooth and forgiving, the twin is not, but I love my bike all the more for it! Just get out on it when you can and I promise you will fall in love!
I've just gone back to the twin after having Daytona triples which are buttery smooth, and yes the panigale can 'hunt' a little and mess and feel un smooth, however, u should consider stopping using wet mode, turn up the traction control in sport mode and use that in the wet for the mo. I absolutely promise you though, there is going to be a nice dry day soon when your ride isn't dominated by town work where it will just click. I would urge you not to make the mistake I did and sell it, and then realise u got caught up on the 'quirks'.
Can I ask why your wanting to keep it at a specific rev range? I couldn't tell you where I'm at half the time when riding, I just know when to change. You'll work out its feel over time but as Matt says a twin is so much different. A 1299 is a lot better than a 1098 for example, they really hunt but after a while you just "get it". Sounds like you've nothing wrong with yours fella, you just need to learn its behaviour.
Thanks for the input guys. Don't worry, I certainly am not about to give up. I know that I will gel with the bike as soon as I get the chance to ride it a little more. I just got back from a short ride and as it was all dry and sunny, had it in sports mode for my way home from the gym. My main grief is the low down rpm which seems to disappear at times or the throttle control becomes non-responsive. I feel like turning all electrics off to see if its anything to do with that. I noticed the inability to hold revs steady when trying to follow a steady flowing stream of traffic. Its not a problem as long as its not a technical problem with the bike. I will be much happier when I go to Ducati and have a go on their demonstrator just to confirm its all normal. From what you guys are sating, it does sound normal behaviour so I have no problem sticking with it.
Had a decent ride on the bike today. Starting to get used to is. Even had a chance to put it in race mode for a bit. Sports mode for the majority of the time. OMFG the thing is a rocket. Seriously scary if there are any cars on the road. Setting off the lights just needs a slight brain re-0adjustment. Wheras on a 4 or triple you can rev the bike at the same time as releasing the clutch, it feels as though you have to get the bike in 4-5k range BEFORE you start releasing the clutch. Otherwise, it just sort of struggles. Is that a twin engine thing ?
They aren't the easiest to get off from a standstill in comparison to 4 or 3s. It should automatically raise the revs for you as you set off. Its an anti stall measure. Wet mode is an afterthought on the 1299. It was useful on the 899. But on this I wouldn't bother the throttle is too unpredictable. I have my engine setting on high (full power/instant throttle response) in every mode now and I just cycle between modes depending on how many electronic aids I want. If it's wet or cold I use Sport or really, really cold like Friday I used wet.
