The V4 is quite ugly - infact - it is the ugliest bike i own. I wanted a V4 for a track bike and it is a very strong and sounds great. However - from the front it kind of looks ok but no other angle looks "proportioned". Always the first bike i think of selling when i need space...hoping the next generation looks a bit better.. Racing wise - Ducati is a race team and the panigale series from 1199 to V4 did not live up to expectations when compared to the 998-1098r years.
Definitely feel there is an Audi influence on the V4. It's a great product, but it is a product (if that makes sense)
Yes I would buy one if money no object. Looks great. Why is the V4 / V4s red only, when other pani's look fab in white !
The panigale should of won at least one WSB ,especially when Bautista was winning everything until the pressure got to him ,personally i think the bike was plenty good enough but the riders maybe let the side down a bit .
I think all the Pani haters should stay on the 916/1098 boards, we dont go into those cesspits and rubbish the old tractors with their rubber belts and 5 minute service intervals do we
To be fair, Ducati still use more engines than any other brand, Even in bsb. The engine bill for PBM is ridiculous ! They eat components. The last race bike before the v4 would get a new clutch every race whereas other brands could get half a season out of one in some instances even more.
Do it, there plenty of relatively cheap 18's around and by now all the quirks are known/sorted, chuck on some fibreglass R fairings with Dzus fasteners, add some gold suspenders and youre in! You could probably find one with the Akra as well. Much easier to ride than the bucking bronco 1299, youll miss the twin experience but theres no looking back in terms of all the other metrics.
TBH, I'd be more likely to buy a 1098R than a V4. Plus I think the RSV-F is better value if I wanted a V4.
Ive ridden a lot with a 1098R (1198) and the 1299 is superior, even with the 1098 using the right triples. If you want the best twin get an FE or an SL 1299 if your pocket allows.
The 1299 is nowhere near as much fun in low mid throttle as my 1198 was. I really like and enjoy torque. Im not a racer or a superfast guy. My needs are prob diff to yours Porky. SL1299? pmsl, i couldnt afford the fairing screws that would inevitably fall off.
interesting comments ref comparison, straying into what to buy for track use, I think most agree that this is never designed to be bought for trackday riders, just like I've only ever seen 1 m1000rr on track.
Torque might be nice on a Harley but an even curve spread over the powerband is much more desirable when riding quickly. As I said Ive ridden both back to back on a fast road ride and I much preferred the 1299's handling, brakes, power etc. The 1098R did have a higher build quality or at least an aura of it, but they are very temperamental and finicky with a constant headache of electrical issues. OTOH the 1299 is japanese like in its reliability and 25k desmo service. I know the 1098r had traction control, not sure about the 1198 models but the electronics on the 1299 are miles ahead especially on the road. But each to their own, the 1198 is a beautiful classic and still an awesome motorcycle. This thread is about the SP2 and clearly you are not a fan of post 2012 Ducatis because of their race performance and other factors- nothing else really needs to be said except the SP2 needs better colours!
Does the v4 run hot? Tbh your right porky, for a bike to go on track the 1098r might not be the bike for me. Im migrating to track days and stopping road riding snd what i enjoy on road, lazy power (1198) , isnt what id enjoy on track. But the 1299 is unbearably hot and ive put de gold everywhere and other assorted thing to lessen it. Puts me off riding it. At least the 11 only cooked my calf. The 12 boils yer bawbag.
TBH, I only ride in leathers so the heat has never been an issue for me. There has to be some tradeoff with 205hp and a vertical cylinder aimed at your nutsack vs the heat! I had the full underslung Akra but some say that the undertail exhausts are the way to go for heat reduction.
No. Its too loud. Ffs. Ill be at almeria in june and no way taking the lava there. My first away day track day. I also want to do uk ones. Im leaning towards a yam. I still have my 916.
