800 km done : first rider impression

Well, did 400 km today and now have clocked her up to 800kms!
Perhaps time for a first short riders impression.
The synopsis : even though temp did not get above 3°C ( the ice sign was on for all of the time yesterday and today) and the grin might have looked like frozen, I just was unable to wipe it off my face.
There was quit a difference between yesterday and today for two reasons. Having opted for some bulky wintergear yesterday and being unable to move , I braved it and donned the leathers today. This allowing to move on the bike as you normally would. It allowed to get some true feel for ridingposition also. It is to be said that the pani does bring everything to the front that will get some heavy loading under braking. Sitting ‘on top’ also increases the effect of a weight shift. I only needs a 5cm move or repositioning of the torso for the bike to fall into the corner if you want or tell it to with the least of input. Talk blink of an eye.
it was way to cold to do some decent leaning but handling roundabouts truly is a doddle. Braking deep into the roundabout, letting go, flipflopping and exiting on the gas effortlessly.
Again, I can’t really compare as the R is the only pani I’ve had, but as it seems the base is still lighter, the weight of all pani’s ifference with the 999 (lightend) may not look that big but the effect really is. Manhandling his pani is like moving a bcycle.. this is the most noticeable when having to back off. The Pani truly makes all other bikes feel like trucks..
Secondly as of 600 km it was like the engine really loosened up and revved happier. Only to have this enforced by switching to Race mode. and this difference between modes also is very noticable
It is hard to compare as this is my first but form the short stints I enjoyed doing at aragon, it is clear that the lighter parts in the engine are noticeable. Fort those wanting to respect the 6K limit , I stoingly advise to do so in sport mode as in race it is almost impossible to keep the revs to that level.
On roll – on , there is a slight hesitation at 4 k but once hitting 4,5 the engine reacts instantly on every bit of throttle, flying through the gears and hitting indecent speeds immediately and everywhere. Funny thing is that on the bike, it does not feel that way. Speed on this thing is very deceptive as it just does it. And once you’re at speed, the bike reacts so directly and with such ease that it feel you’re going much and much slower.. it just goes were you look without requiring any effort or input whatsoever.
the couple of pull throughs I did in 6 from 6K to 7,5K bode well for the other 4k revs on top of those.. and this is with the stock exhaust and map. Thinking of the evo or pro Termi and map now is intimidating J
I can’t understand the comments as though the pani would not sound like a ducati. Well, the pitch may be a bit different, but the smackings of those huge pistons are undeniably ducati. The best place for this concerto still is a series of downshifts in a tunnel.. and with the engine revving so happily, there is more staccato to be enjoyed..
If there was/is a bit of a disappointment then it was the mushy initial feel of the brakes. They are very powerful but the early feel is a bit of mush you have to get through before they then truly dig in. on the other hand, it may be wise thing for roadriding that they do not have that instant bite machined masters bring. It may be a bit too much for daily use.
As to package, I cannot but think that they hit it on the nail almost perfectly. Light and powerful. Or make that very light and very powerful. Because the 172KG fully filled up and 200whp is now a certain possibility. And still manageable. Now isn’t that the holy grail of motorbikes?
Some things that seem to have been improved: Mine does not smoke one iota but the girl still likes her liquer
Can’t wait for some decent weather, the build and the first trackday!
As Freddy sang: these are the best days off our lives .. J

 

the weiging is planned!
the rings do their job!

 

oh dear, am i disappointing you? that s what you get with expectations

 

It might if some parts coming late may put of the rebuild but if all is well, the technical side of the build should be done by 21 of april..and the painted fairings by mid may latest...


i'm not of a good enough driver to really feel the diff between 5 pounds more or less anyway.

 

i think for the brakes it will be a clear cut case of initial bite, very stable and direct feel and no fading. i changed the brakes almost to same spec on the 999R and the difference is just that. it bites directer an with better feel.. and it's the same from lap 1 to the last..
and i use my ringfinger to do all that braking

the forks i'll be able to compare to the rekitted ones on the 999 ...

To the weave i noticed a definate sensibility to buffeting. No doubt but as to weave, i really was on the look out for that but even though topping 200km for a moment, she felt steady as a rock.. no wallowing neither under acceleration nor when 'cruising' .

She is lively but not unstable to me.. but perhaps i haven't pushed her hard enough yet... if i ever will ...

 

well Brads, i can concur : if you don't want to want one, don't ride it more than 10 miles!

 

just topped 1018 and saw the dash change...
she kept looking for the orange line but that was now at 11K and boy , was she willing!
it's a fantastic palyground between 7 and 10K. with a strong pull as of 6K..

this is no street bike. Loosing your license is just a matter of days..
and from what i hear it's going to take another 1500 km for her to really come into her own..

for those looking to Multi - ise your Pani, i'd say KISS! some duct-tape wil work miracles

 

1018 km in this wheather!

pritty happy with myself!