Ive a 1299S and an old 916, before that an 1198...etc All the while the v2 or v4 pani has been around, it won 1 national championship. You think thats acceptable for a heritage like Ducati's? I dont. Thus, I think, in racing terms that its been a failure. Ducati must know this. Hence I wonder if a new model is due. Esp now an SP2 has been released. Its their MO. Has the pani, in either v2 or v4 trim won anything in superstock trim? I actually dont know. Now Vin, if you want to rose tint your outlook, thats fine with me. I think Ducati are underachieving across the board in racing terms. This year in GP, they outnumber the grid. Is this how they plan to win? By making every bike a Ducati? If Marquez was about they wouldnt get a look in and even now, the Yamaha is still my fave for the title. In SBK, the Kwak and the Yam are the bikes to beat. Not the V4, altho the new season may be better. If you think thats success and wish to defend it, thats up to you. I expect more from them. No, I demand more from them.
Kind of a weird way to look at it, the Panigale is not a race bike and I dont race so what do I know.
The panigale IS a race bike in SBK trim. The Pani R (V2) did naff all and the V4R isnt setting the world alight either. It may be getting hamstrung by regulations, but tbh Ducati have stretched regulations a bit themselves in the past. Road wise, my 1299 is great. When it doesnt cook my crackers. Or make me slide up the tank to sit on the bars under breaking, or when the speedo doesnt crack, or when fairing screws dont rattle off, or when the mag clutch cover bolts dont thread the casings under recommended torque. Etc. Or when they charge you £10 fucking quid for a fucking o-ring. I guess I still miss my old 1198.
Win on Sunday sell on Monday doesnt apply because Ducatisti. A twin is always going to rely on concessions and the 4 is based on the GP13 so its racyish, but I dont think anyone really cares anymore. If it looks good (it does) and it sounds good (it does) and it rides well (it does) then all is well
Yes, thats road Porky. I want the blighters to win races and championships. I'm still not 100% on looks of V4, the newer shark fin looks better side on. Front on they all look good, I hate the side, even on my 1299 its not that great. Bit blobby. Gen 1 look like VRF hondas. Yuk. Look awesome from front though and I like the new ones from side mucho better. I like the SP2. Looks nice.
Yet here you are on a 1299 despite it all so its the best of the lot so far. My new V4 is beautiful to me, the 1299 was beautiful until I decided to sell then it was last weeks fish and chip wrapper.
I bought the 1299 coz Im a sucker. Like all the rest of us. Its great in spring autumn. Keeps me warm. But I much prefer the newer V4's now. They look a whole lot nicer. I hated that side profile with the crappy side panels and grey frame bit. But thats just me. Beauty is eye of beholder. 916 and 999 are still, in my mind, the best looking Ducks ever and indeed bikes ever. I'd like the 1299 if it had the same torque as my 1198 did and where it was. I'm selling 1299 and putting it up for sale this weekend. Ive been eyeing 1098R's but will prob buy a R1M, but I was supposed to do that before and bought the 1299 instead. Its whatever catches your eye when you have the money in yer pocket. I'm as much of a sheep as anyone else is.
I could be wrong but I don't think the V4R is eligable for superstock, there's a price cap, and I think it's just under that or maybe it's not and that's why it's not eligable. Either way the 1500 mile piston changes (or something daft like that) when racing probably put people off, even the superstock bikes which have a few engines through the year are probably doing more than that between changes
Hi @bootsam - interested to read that you've been considering a 1098R. Do you really think they're worth the current asking prices - at the end of the day they're 14+ years old? Genuine question, I think about changing my 1198S for one...
I agree, we are all suckers for the marketing. The main reason I am staying with the brand is the wow factor and that it fits me. All the Jap bikes are too small, as is the Aprilia. I dont like naked otherwise I'd go KTM. The V4 is the best bike Ive owned, but its very very expensive to keep fed and watered.
Ridden both back to back, a Bayliss is a very nice bike, well built but the 1299 is better all round IMHO.
Maybe, because Ducati has placed "too much trust" in the superior power in lieu of corner speed? Low and long seems to be the path they follow in motogp. Cannot comment on the WSBK, but assume they aren't the quickest or the most stable in turns? (if anyone can have some input on this) One thing is certain, older models 9xx & 1098(compared to the same era) where as good in turns as the japanese bikes(if not better) Casey Stoner & Carlos Checa were the last riders that won anything important (on global level) on a Ducati bike...and this was many moons ago, although Dovi was very near securing a title.
Its the last 'proper' Ducati. It was a successful race bike too. The 1198 is an awesome package, imagine something more awesome than the 1198! Look at prices of 996R and 998R. The 1098R is the last analogue big v-twin. I think they're still attainable, the other R's are way out of reach now.
I get that. Which is why I keep a sly eye on V4s too. But, they're overpriced. I can get a R1M for a lot less and shouldn't have to worry about the fairing screws falling off. Ducati's build quality is what puts me off these days. But I agree, it is a difficult switch to make.
I actually preferred my 1198 prior to the CJS tune up and the full 70. On the road. It moved the torque up a wee bit. I liked the 170 rwbhp and 107ft/lbs, but it was more 'aggressive'. I preferred it with just slash cuts on the road. It felt more rideable. But, and its an big but, when you could find the road (France) to stretch the legs, it went like the proverbial.
Controversial, but like Lamborghini, there's less 'crazy Italian' in Ducati's these days. Both could be easily argued to be better bikes or cars. But I like the crazy italian bit. Could modern Lambo come up with something as plainly daft as a Countach? Could Ducati come up with the 999 or the 916? The V4 is not the least attractive bike, but it is not striking. Its not as Italian as I'd like, although the fins give me some comfort that there are still mad italians involved. I think the R1M (change to brembos) is better looking.
