So I went on a test ride of the new 2020 V4S today. I've been looking to upgrade my "fun bike" and only have the V4S and S1000RR in the running still. I really enjoyed the V4. Much more grunt low down than track bikes I'm used to, and relatively comfortable. It was a bit on the tall side for me so if I went for it, I'd need the lowered seat or a custom seat, but otherwise I seemed to get on with it (same story when I tested the BMW, except it felt a little more familiar in it's handling and power delivery). One thing that I did struggle with was the kick stand. I had a really hard time locating it to knock it up and set it down. I'm assuming the kickstand is not new in 2020 - do any V4 owners have any tips or tricks regarding the sidestand? Not being that tall doesn't help, but this was unlike any other bike I've ridden. In case anyone is interested in what I found compared to the BMW: the BMW seemed easier and faster to turn, with a really huge and easy to read screen, and some nice touches like heated grips and cruise control. The V4 sounds better, has a lot more lower down grunt, and of course is quite a looker. I also found the bars closer to the rider on the V4 (could be because the BMW is more splayed out - apparently for comfort but I found the V4 angled clip-ons more comfy). The V4 is certainly the more characterful too. Both are amazing and it's very hard to choose between them; which has to be the mother of all first world problems
Panigale side stands - designed to make new Ducati owner look stupid until they figure out that you use your toe on the end to flip it down! I was so programmed to use the side of my heel that initially I gave up and reached down with my hand! This is the character you get with a Ducati! Buy one - they are prettier! They are all owned by the germans now anyway so they are just as reliable!
You can buy a modified pin, similar to this 1 in the link. It gives you a slightly better grip with your left heel. https://vulturbike.com/en/1556-25744-colored-peg-for-side-stand-ducati-panigale-v4-v4s-v4r.html
I took the original pin off the stand and replaced it with a longer stainless Alan capped bolt and nut to lock it. Very easy now.
That makes SO much more sense. I was flailing my heel all over the place and it just wasn't catching, but it's much further forward so the toe makes a lot more sense. Explains the reason for the way it springs down too! Thanks for the extended stud pic @samieb - that would be a must for me and a relief that such a thing exists.
Got used to the side stand pretty quick and with just one bike it stays easy to find, problem is when you borrow a bike for a few days and fall back into looking in "normal position" What did you make of the wings? they look massive to me in the photos, does it just look silly on a road bike etc.
The wings aren't too bad. Looking from the front, the fairing "pulls in" which sort of makes room for the wings. Perhaps the thing that bothered me most about the wings were what they were made of. They didn't look like particularly nice plastic - and the optional carbon ones are £600 which seems nuts to me. And of course, there's no way I can talk about their effectiveness on a March test ride on British roads! From the side, I liked the "gills" from the V4R - I didn't think I would. I liked the cleaner lines of the old fairing but actually, the gills really grew on me. One thing I liked a lot compared to the BMW was the tank shape. I found it pretty easy to get a good grip on it with my legs. I never once felt "wristy" because of that tank and the way I could support myself (not sure if the tank shape changed for 2020).
If you can, hold off on the wings as I’ve a feeling RSR and the like will bring out their own versions at a third of the price.
Whilst I think the BMW is probably the best bike available, and considerably cheaper, it's not one that would make me go out to the garage just to look at it! The new V4 looks much better with the new gills from the R, the black frame keeps the shape simple, and the wings are growing on me. Did the Bim vibrate a lot? My friend said after 30 mins the vibes were killing him, and he couldn't wait to give it back!
Your Ducati is in the Garage???? It’s cold out there - bring it inside - then you can look at it whenever you want!
That's very good advice! I agree, the V4 is a beautiful bike, especially with the black frame. I had an extended (over 2h) test on the S1K and I didn't feel vibes. Having said that, I was having fun in the twisties so not sitting at a constant pace on the motorway which is where I suspect it is noticeable. I've ridden the old XR and that was a different story. I actually tested 2, one had vibes and one didn't. But the one that did was horrid. But no, on the RR I didn't feel them.
i have just bought the 2020 v4 base model, I wanted the S but didn't want to px my multistrada and my Harley for one bike so went with the base model and then will make it look good with gold wheels and some graphics probably, I have not even ridden one yet as had surgery 6 weeks ago and wasn't fit enough to but I have a 3 to 4 week wait for mine to arrive if it does with this coronavirus rubbish .
