Rode a v4s yesterday and was blown away. Makes my 1299 feel crap now. Just better everywhere. Two questions. 1. Are the brakes on the v4 different. Looked the same caliper and MC as the 1299 but felt sharper. 2. Is sport mode on the v4 full power ? On the 1299 sport is full power but softer throttle delivery where on the v4 it felt like less power than full rave mode.
The Brembo caliper is new for the V4 and is called the Stylema. Lighter and better cooled according to the advertising blurb. Power output will have been what the dealer had set. Race mode is usually the aggressive full power and with the race exhaust, more aggressive again. I stayed in slug, sorry, street mode on my test ride because I was riding with Carole testing the 803cc Scrambler and even that blew me away. Andy
I believe as standard, the 'Sport' mode has a more "relaxed" delivery to the power... I've since changed it so the throttle response is now in performance mode across the 3 settings. To me, it makes such a difference!
I played with the modes on the v4 a little and sport mode from memory said medium power where as on my 1299 it's full power with a softer throttle response. Once the roads dries I Stuck it in race and it stayed there for the next 200 miles of fun.
theres always someone moaning about something but it is a forum haha. The v4 bikes are much better to ride than the 1299 in every way. cant fault mine 2000 miles in.
I wouldn't say I cooked them but they were going a bit soft and I wasn't going banana's. A quick bleed at the servo and they were great! All in all the brakes on the V4 are superb. Very strong
I rode the V4 yesterday. It is a different beast entirely to my 15 R. I like it, but I still don't like the looks 100% But the brakes to me really don't have anything over what I already have. The thing what I like the most and probably the biggest change, to me at least, is the riding position. I really wanted to dislike this bike, but I don't, I loved it. I actually found the lack of engine braking nice, I preferred carrying the extra speed. I love my R but after riding the V4 you realise how manic the v-twin is. ..........I've ordered one
Yes it is. If I had my way I would have both, but I can't. Sadly it's the price of progress and, for me at least, keeping in newer machinery with a warranty and no MOT's etc. is the better option. I think realistically, with both of these machines in the garage, I'd pick the V4 to go out on and the R would be an expensive ornament, albeit a very nice one. I just really didn't think the V4 would blow me away as it did....
Its one of those things you either like or you don't. Personally, it's not bad, but its not as good as the outgoing bike. Perhaps if it had lost the Panigale moniker people would of been less inclined to compare it. But looking at the bigger picture it's still prettier than some of the competition. Plus a few touches work wonders. I have already contacted a guy who does graphics/wraps. It'll be my first mod.
Took one out today. What a machine, they’ve absolutely smashed it out of the park! It’s the best performance bike I’ve ever ridden, there are too many superlatives to describe the V4, it’s from another planet. Getting back on my SuperDuke I was reminded that I really don’t need a V4 for road riding, but I don’t half want one. You don’t leave second gear if you’re pushing on the road. Would love one as a second bike, track riding and the odd weekend blast.
I just wish I could have some track time with one. You barely scratch the surface on the road but you can feel it’s prowess itching to demonstrate itself.
So when are you picking it up Mutt? I ordered mine last year but have delayed delivery until October as I had too much else going on in my life to devote to it, as I plan on a full strip and rebuild when I get my hands on it and did not want to waste the summer with a bike off the road. I got a load of sunny miles and smiles on the 1299S this year so once I have returned it back to stock, I'll be handing it back to Seastar and swap it out for the V4S. Like you I was sceptical after years on V-Twins, wondering whether it would be as soulful in it's noise and nature but whilst it may lack the ferocity of the 1299 in terms of how it delivers its power, this thing is sublime as instead of a hammer it simply fires you down the road in a buttery smooth wave of acceleration. Plus it is actually quite comfortable. Never thought I hear myself say that about a superbike, least of all something coming out of Bologna.
I just turned 1000 miles on mine and I have to agree with you guys. I biggest issue I have with it is keeping my license, it allows you to push so much based on how stable it is and the grip available. You look down at the dash between corners and go OH S**T, thankfully the brakes are awesome.
I could of had it this week but I have work commitments, that means I can also wait for the new reg. on Sept 1st. Looking forward to it to be honest now I've got my head round it and even though the R is going I am pretty certain I've made the right choice
Probably a sound move rather than wait until 2019 as Tony said there is going to be another price hike once he's sold all his current year allocation. I would rather buy mine and insure it on the VIN and register it next spring as I won't be riding it until then anyway but that's becoming nigh on impossible to do now. Am hoping to get all the mods done over the winter months ready for next year. Already got a shopping list which is always a dangerous thing when Ducatis are concerned.
