Ahh, jerry a Stella man here, hic. Now watching Jools H on t' tele. I can't ever see the 999's being overtaken for racing success in my life time.
I'm lucky enough to have upgraded from an R to an SL. I also own a Desmosedici. The 1199SL is very different from the 1199R, and much more exquisitely made - it really is a WSB road legal bike. At 168Kg (weighed by MotoRapido when I took delivery) with a full tank of fuel, ready to roll, lights and number plates, race kit fitted, it's below min WSB weight - Yet it has over 200bhp. That's approaching 1300bhp/ton, around the same or maybe more than a current F1 car. Even my wife was amazed at the huge number of differences from the R, and the lightness of the magnesium, titanium, and carbon components - and the obsessive attention to detail that went into designing it. It's in many ways similar to the R to ride, but the SL is just better in every area - much easier to ride, yet feels much quicker. But it feels like it is more suited to track use with the race kit fitted - obvious I suppose. The SL feels as amazing as the Desmosedici. Similar sound - not just because of the Akrapovic race pipe, but also because of the engines WSB internals. And the chassis is more modern, feels much sharper. I only wish I was a good enough rider to do either of them justice, but I'm happy to ride within my limits. Which one is better... The SL wins. Which one is more special... It's a draw (for me). Are either worth the money... Yes. Both are, in my opinion. They're automotive art. Better than hanging a painting on the wall, or a sculpture in the sitting room. And at least I can take them out on the road and track.
I took a special trip up the road to MR to see your bike Steve. Absolutely stunning IMHO. As you say, every component seems to have been reviewed and improved (at least what I could see) and I had to admire the engineering and attention to detail on it. 'Tis a beautiful bike sir....enjoy!
