Trying to sort out all the dilema's in my head. So i thought id just pen it here. So I ride a 2017 R1 nicely tuned with 198bhp at the rear..... I was hell bent on getting rid as I didnt feel connected and was looking at 2019 V4S. Then I went to portimao earlier this month and we jelled and rode the best ive ever ridden. I doesnt genuinely take time and tinkering to get a bike to where I feel I like it. On the flip side now i'm thinking shall I stick to the R1 or just follow my lust for the red beauty. A 2018 V4S has popped up at a good price. My sensibilities are saying no !!! why spend another 5-6k. ontop of the R1, why pay more insurance, why get slatted for using all those electonics and why pay give it all the extra care and attention (so im told). I do more track than road, r1 is a dog on the road, but could be my tightly wound suspension. Someone convince me !!! lol is there much difference between the 2018 / 2019 models.
Ha, what to do. I’ve a 2018 track built V4S and absolutely love it. Whichever way you cut it, they’re all gorgeous money pits. You won’t find a bike that will suddenly make you a mega track God. Well I haven’t anyway…. Pays yer money and takes yer choice. And enjoy yourself along the way
Yeh i like to do all my thinking before a big purchase and if its worth it you set aside the money pit issues. It was concluded that my time with Yamaha's was done and it was time to move on.... but after the last trackday im left wondering if i should and roll with my new found form on this R1.
As I understand it the 2019’s basically had all the recall work done on the build line from all the faults found on 2018 bikes so would be my preference. My 2019 hasn’t put a foot wrong in 6.5k miles. I think I’ll be selling it soon for a 2021 model, 6.5k miles, over serviced as I use it on track, incredible condition 1 owner bike.
Dm with more info. Getting a good price on the 2018 hence I’m considering but the 2019 would make more sense.
What's the end game? Lap times or smiling? Or something in the middle? How much does it matter to your bank account if you send it down Craners?
No end game as such, pure refined enjoyment, smiles for days when you ride but this does come when riding closer to the edge and dots connect which should in theory lead to better times any way. Lets not think about sending it down craners, its a favourite corner wouldnt want gremlins through there !!! ... i feel ive got a good level of experience and maturity to avoid most accidents!!! but can never say never.
Since you say that you struggled with the R1 and now finally found the sweet spot, why not keep her another season/ half-season then move over to a V4S? There might be good deals on 19-20 models. The depreciation curve is very steep in the first 2 years then it gradually evens out.....the R1 won't depreciate much in the next 1/2 year....
Nice choice to have to make! I have an R1 and a V4 and to be honest when I got the v4 I thought it’s never gonna be as amazing as the R1 so I took em both to Portimao so I could ride em back to back and decide which one to keep! Well !! The Ducati blew my mind! It’s the V4r but I shouldn’t imagine there’s much difference in to the 1100 apart from the top speed ! Anyway I just couldn’t get rid of either so I didn’t!lol oh and I’m a fully paid up member of the craner club!!!
in so glad for the post as it confirms I’m not being a complete tit. The problem is real. Lol. But yes I’m humbled to in such a fortunate position to have such choices. I am gonna go red if the deal comes through and will, as you have decide later. To have both bikes at portimao is another level of having your cake and eating it. So good on ya lol. Glad that the v4r ticked all the boxes. Confirms all the reasons to get it
I spend quite a bit of time helping a mate that races an R1 with Bemsee, the guys who have tried Panigale V4’s generally have really struggled to match times comfortably, it seems that even the new ones seem to take very very good rider level of skill to get the best from them, and often feel like you are going as fast as you ever have when your 2 seconds slower. I think the above posts about what your end game is are absolutely spot on, if it’s enjoyment, then absolutely go for a Ducati, no question, but if it’s improving your riding at your limit and need a bike that helps, from what he and a load of the other guys say, the R1 is perfect for that. It’s really tractable power, can lay it down really really well and the bike loves corner speed
Yeh R1 definately is a formidable bike and proved its worth in portimao. Think id much faster next year on around uk tracks. Its so much more capable then I am. Im not rushing to sell it and waiting till early next year. Ridng generally and track has always been about the enjoyment and to some degree taming the beast which fits well the ducati profile. Im still not clear whether the 2019 is worth the extra £1k-£1.5k over the 2018 model.
I think as long as any recall work was done it would be fine, but a 2019 (late) bike might be just going out of warranty and also on a new plate, hence dealers wanting that bit more. I thought the big update was in 2020 with the wings and lots of electronics changes etc, but could be wrong. I'd stick R1 for track only riding, for road also, then yeah I'd probably get a V4 but I think you'll find it harder to get the most out of on track, those R1's are bloody good, especially if you've sorted out the dodgy brakes and got the suspension set up for you properly. I've had a similar dilemma, I've wanted an R1 for a few years, but I just think I'd hate it on the road, I've even test ridden one a few times on the road. So I've stayed in the middleweights like the MV F3/Panigale V2
I think the only way you’re really gonna know is to ride em both back to back! We’re all different! For me as I said I’ve a fully sorted R1 with everything on it and no doubt it’s an amazing bike but I jumped off that and on to the V4 completely std and went just as quick and still with massive potential! I have everything I need to fully convert it to track only but I’m hanging back for now as I very occasionally ride it on the road ( not much though as it could be jail time) though you could say that about any bike really!! I’ve raced an R1 but mostly on Kawasaki’s all great bikes but for me the Ducati tops them all, it’s the first Ducati I’ve had and I’m seriously thinking of fully tracking it, R1 or Ducati you’re in a win win situation buddy!
