I havent ridden either, but have been told that while the Pani has extra top end power it also lacks the low end grunt and mid range of the 1198. Is this the case. What were your thoughts?
I believe 1199 owners have said to just twist the throttle a little bit more to get the same effect, the 1299 I rode felt way more powerful and a totally different feeling engine than my 1198. It felt smoother accelerating and pulled hard until I let off the throttle. My 1198 feels kind of like my monster 1100, kinda jerky, loud, until around 6000 rpm and the power comes on strong, reves fast till redline but not at all like the 1299 and still manageable. The quick shifter on the 1198/1299 bikes are an awesome device and is something that you cannot go without once you experience it. Except for the first year 1199 with the new bike flaws, they are great bikes.
I think the talk of the grunt of the 1198/1098, in my opinion, is from those who are new to big twins or use to Japanese four cylinder bikes. The 1299 and the 959 I rode felt smooth and refined too me.
