I have 5,700 miles on the bike now and I've noticed a definite change in the bike since it turned over 5,000 miles. It seems to rev a lot faster and also the suspension seems a lot more compliant, as though that's finally bedded in, it doesn't beat me up as much on bumpy roads now. I find I'm riding it in Race mode all the time and only switch to Sport when I'm caught out in the rain, I'm not using Wet mode at all as it feels like it dumb's the bike down too much. Also I suppose its the fact that I had the suspension set up to suit me and I feel like I've really "clicked" with the bike, the bonding process is complete!! I've ordered a Ventura rack system for it as I've got a few long weekends away coming up, I'm just really, really enjoying riding it and if I keep on like this, it'll have 10,000 miles on the clock by the end of the year! Its a year old in September and I'm still pleased with my choice in buying it, at the moment, I couldn't think of another bike I'd rather have. ( although the new 1100 v4 Tuono Factory would make a blinding road bike,..bit thirsty though! :Wideyed Me and a mate went to Filey on the north east coast last weekend and we were just over the road from the bikes having a cup of coffee, we both commented on how many people walking past stopped and had a good look at the Pani, don't think there's that many bikes make Joe Public stop and stare! Loving it....Poucher
Good to have such a positive report on the 899 as that is what I have in mind (if I can sort out the sale of one of my other bikes and then find a winter bargain!) I have only had a shortish run on the 899 so would like to get out a demo bike and try it for a decent half day run. A friend of mine let me have a go on his new Tuono Factory at the weekend and first impressions are that it is an even better road bike than the 899 but my budget means that I will probably be looking for a secondhand 899 over the winter.
Yeah also agree, good to see such a positive review from someone doing lots of miles on an 899, I'm waiting to see if they update it and if not I'm looking for a winter deal on a new one. Currently spending every waking moment reading reviews and videos of them!
Out of interest what did you pay to have the distinction set up for you? And did it make a noticeable difference? I'm 5'6" and weigh 80kgs and was thinking I might need this. I'm coming off 14 years of riding Honda's and Suzuki's which are described as unforgiving.
Gweev.....Distinction???? Predictive text by any chance It was done by this guy :- www.alphasuspensionset-up.co.uk John he's an ex racer who now fettles and sets up suspension for a living, not much use to you like as he's based in Morley Leeds. He travels on a weekend and does suspension clinics, I caught him at a bike meeting spot in Stockton. He set up the F&R sag with me on the bike and did the comp and rebound also, interestingly enough, he said that he'd like to get the forks rebounding quicker but had run out of adjustment :Meh: All for the princely sum of 30 quid !!!!!! It was a good starting point and I've not deviated from his settings much at all. I would not class the suspension on Honda's or Suzuki's as unforgiving compared to the Panigale! Just a note on predictive texting - A mate of mine sent me a text a while ago saying he wouldn't be out on the bikes for a while as he was having his Gall bladder removed as he kept getting "Hailstones" Poucher
Damn predictive text! That's cheaper than I expected but I suppose the local dealer will charge a lot more. I've had the front and rear adjusted for my height as I'm short, but maybe I need them seeing up properly.. I mean I could literally chuck the gsxr 750 on its side into a corner from the first day I got it. The 899 just doesn't feel as planted at corner entry and under heavy breaking I feel like I'm going over the bars!
