2014 Ducati Panigale 899 Review: Is This Superbike Still Worth Buying?

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So, I’ve been eyeing this 2014 Ducati Panigale 899 for a while now. You know, it’s not the newest model, but man, that thing still looks like a beast. I finally got my hands on one, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey.

2014 Ducati Panigale 899 Review: Is This Superbike Still Worth Buying?

Getting Started

First off, finding one in decent shape wasn’t a walk in the park. A lot of them had been ridden hard, and I didn’t want a project bike. I just wanted something I could hop on and enjoy. Finally found one that looked promising, good condition, fairly low miles. The guy selling it was asking a pretty penny, which was expected. I mean it’s a Ducati, after all. They used to say these 899s were cheaper than the 1199, but let me tell you, finding a good deal is all about the work you put in.

The First Ride

After a bit of haggling, I got it. Took it out for the first real ride, and whoa. This thing’s got some serious power, but it’s surprisingly smooth. It’s not as crazy as the 1199, which was a 195bhp monster. But the 899 still pulls like a freight train. Twist the throttle, and you’re off. Feels like you’re riding a rocket.

Getting Used to It

It took a few rides to really get used to it. The handling is super sharp. You lean, and it just goes. It’s like the bike reads your mind. Braking is insane, too. Those Brembos really do their job. The electronics package is pretty basic by today’s standards, but it’s got everything you really need – traction control, different riding modes, that kind of stuff.

Little Tweaks

Of course, I couldn’t leave it completely stock. Threw on a new exhaust, just to give it a little more growl. It’s not just about the sound, though. It feels like it breathes a bit better now, too. Maybe it’s just in my head, but it seems to pull even harder in the mid-range. Then I swapped out the stock seat for something a bit more comfortable. Those long rides can be tough on the backside.

Living with It

  • The Good: Power, handling, looks… It’s a Ducati, what more can I say? It’s a head-turner, and it’s a blast to ride.
  • The Not-So-Good: It can be a bit of a handful in traffic. It gets hot. Real hot. And the maintenance… well, let’s just say it’s not cheap. You gotta pay to play, right?

Overall, I’m loving this 2014 Ducati Panigale 899. It’s not the most practical bike, but it’s an experience. Every time I ride it, it puts a smile on my face. If you’re thinking about getting one, just be prepared to put in the time to find a good one, and be ready to open your wallet for the upkeep. But trust me, it’s worth it.

2014 Ducati Panigale 899 Review: Is This Superbike Still Worth Buying?

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