So I've just watched the launch of the 2022 Pani... new wings, couple of extra vents on the side fairings for more oil cooling, different gear ratios for track, updated electronics, slightly different tank, slightly longer fork, swingarm pivot moved and seat unit comes in a two-tone colour scheme (S model), plus the new wheelbarrow akra's... Since it's launch I've been on the fence with the V4, I know it's a stonking bike but personally it doesn't give me that fuzzy feeling downstairs if you know what I mean. With time the original 2018 bike I'm warming too, but the winged versions just leave me cold frankly. I'm sure all of the above will be a step forward over the 2021 model, I'm not sure how many would chop in their 2021 bike for a 2022, I guess a lot of the Tri-options bikes will help move these, but I'm still on the fence unfortunately. Although the new Akra exhaust looks hideous, I wonder of the "old" akra fits?
I'm not sure there is enough there to tempt 2020-21 owners to chop theirs in anytime soon, however if you had a 2018-19 model then perhaps, but even so it's an evolution not a revolution and any new model will always encompass improvements, some good and some bad. The trick is to be content with what you have, not always easy when Bologna keeps dangling seemingly ever more desireable carrots in front of your eyes. They must pay their marketing department staff an extra few Euros each month.
I like the resculpted tank and blacked out footpegs, levers et al. Black logos reminiscent of the 749R/999R. I can take or leave the two tone (Foggy V4 916 Anniversario parts bin) seat and pad, and I am not keen on the underside/belly gills, which whilst designed to aid cooling will also allow all the UK roads can throw at the bike to be artistically splattered over the underside of the engine. Let the corrosion commence.
BTW the new Akra full system retails for the eye watering sum of US$7,100.00 (approx £5,300.00). which is clearly insane.
Guessing it’s moving even more towards GP bike in styling. Which isn’t exactly the prettiest bike in the paddock…
Agreed. But when I ordered mine back in 2018, the dealership wanted £5k for fitted Akrapovic system. A figure that stuck in my throat so I went for the termignoni uscite instead…
And…. The V4 Panigale has had a lot of stick for it’s looks. Which I kind of get. I don’t like the wanky shaped side fairings. But I would encourage anyone that hasn’t had a go on one…. to have a go on one. Bloody capable and FAST bikes… neeeeyowwwmmm….
I quite like it! Well I like em all to be honest but I’m super happy with the V4r especially when he’s barking at me at 16000 ! Only thing I’d sack him off for would be a superleggera thingy!
I couldn’t give a shit about the looks. Is it rapid - yes. Does it handle like a 16 year old choir boy - yes….. Is the bike cheap as chips on PCP finance? Yes
I actually quite like it, the side Fairing decals reminds me a little of the 998. I'm sure it's an absolute track weapon but totally out of place on the roads. That said it would be nice to see a Pani or two running at the pointy end of the TT. The Akra looks absolutely wank.
I wonder how many they'll shift when we all know there's a new bike in 2023? I guess many won't know that either and a lot will be bought on Ducati Tri-options so they either buy their 3 year old bike or roll into one of these. Maybe I was being too harsh, I'm just not sold on the V4 looks, first gen especially the Speciale had my wallet quivering, heck I ordered one after I rode a Speciale at Brno... but changed my mind, I'd still have a Speciale or an SP for that matter, but it would only be for trackdays so it would seem crazy to spend that amount of cash over say a base model with better suspension, lighter wheels for solely that purpose.
I like it... I'd be interested tbh just in a standard one but it's unlikely there will be enough standard one's sold to make it onto the used market for a long time. I'm still really put off the V4 by the fact that it seems to sound so much like a V2. Again I'm sure that's just me. I like a V twin sound, I LOVE the testastretta twin sound, less so the panigale, but the V4 seems to not quite be either and I'm not sure. Compared to an R1 CrossPlane or Aprilia V4 it just seems a little characterless. Before anyone comments, I'm sure at 15k revs it sounds amazing but for 90% of road riding in that 3-9k rev range, I'm not convinced. Overall though that's just one aspect, I'm sure it rides great, and actually was looking at the new V2 Streetfighter but on balance would still probably get a used V4 Streetfighter for similar money
Its still 5k overpriced tho. Its not 5k better than its rivals. The R1M is better value imo and more likely better built. I like the new V4, but my moneys going to nippon in spring. I think I'll be better suited to R1M than V4, esp trackdays which is what I will be concentrating on as I begin to retire from the road. Going to 1st oversees one in august. Almeria. Covid permitting...
