Never really looked at them before, but it looks like dealers are knocking used bikes out starting around £15k. Does this seem like a much better option than something like a 1299S or a 1198 SP?
Probably depends what you prefer. Price wise, the V4 is still ikely to be on the downward trend. The 1299S may be too (I don't know since I've not followed prices). The 1198SP on the other hand has done all its depreciating and they are now static or increasing. The SP is a limited numbers bike like the Rs, and therefore (for me anyway) more desirable from a collectors point of view. I've been looking at SP prices for a few years now. There are not many for sale at any one time, and a few of these are either over priced (imo) or have dubious history. Thats why they remain for sale or at low price. As for how they ride and performance, I've not ridden a V4 so others will have to answer that for you.
knocking out the pre 2020 versions (flat side fairings rather than sharks fin,).....after this the base bike benefits from a lot of the R technology and construction like the frame for eg.
Base model V4's probably at the price I'm guessing, probably the PCP bikes coming back into stock. I'm still to be convinced on the V4, I've ridden one and the engine was amazing but I'm struggling with the styling and the daft wings.
don't take this the wrong way but you are quite 'all over the place' with the choices there, unless you have done lots of research already in which case fair enough. The 1198SP, a modern classic now, but fundamentally it's a different 'concept' to anything Panigale, it's probably now classed as having a slightly more forgiving flexible frame which a slower steering 'flat' geometry and an engine that works best all through the mid range... That's the perception based on comments, I haven't ridden one but I am confident know one has described them as rev monsters... Then you get into Panigale's which there is no argument, they are easier to ride, slightly more 'traditional' in how they steer and handle out the box, but definitely have their own quirks and very stiff 'frame'. The V4 seems to follow that but with more flexibility, if a little unfinished being the first of a new platform. Personally, as a Panigale V2 owner I'd hitch my trailer to a first gen V4 because I prefer the looks rather than stupid wings and bloated face, it's just my view but I do think the pricing from dealers have generally taken into account it's status as the 'old' model V4 so likely they will be more keen to move it on. As an all round do everything bike I'd wager that the V4 is your best bet.
Shit loads of research . Fancied a 1198, couldn't find one with Ohlins and an alloy tank, unless I spent 1299 money. 1299S and V4 base aren't far apart money wise. Plus I fancy a twin now, and something with all the power under 11k revs.
