Took the R for a first ride, impressions: Stiff, feels like a race bike, so direct, no slop anywhere. Engine is bonkers at top end, too fast for road use! Steering is fast and light but feels planted with it. Gearbox better using the QS than with clutch both up and down, impressed. Lovely noise, not too loud Beautiful Brakes seem a bit weak, not sure why. Pads have a lot of meat on them, probably original. So slim, that's why I love the V-twins Can't see me really stretching it's legs until Cadwell in June. Insane heat from the exhaust on my right leg Each part of it seems so well designed and integrated, lovely attention to detail. Happy with it so far!
Re brakes. I found the initial pull quite soft thereafter it stops really well. I’ve noticed this on other Panigale’s I have owned.
Prefer it over your 1299s? Still looking at getting one of these Panigale R just need to decide which one… I just need to work on my persuasion techniques…
On the road the 1299 feels easier to go quickly on, the torque difference is obvious. Base model doesn't feel anything like as special though which was the reasoning behind the R purchase. Front wheel now having a SP V4 fitted, current tyre is from new i suspect. Harris front stand is nice, 28mm pin supplied after the 28.9mm was a smidgen too big. Happy days
To be honest I’ve never ridden the V4. It’s probably better but I don’t like it because it’s not as good looking or as slim.
Strange one today. Noticed an occasional momentary ignition cut as i left the village (thought ah it's been stood 6 weeks maybe it's the fuel) On the open road it was still there, didn't seem to matter what revs or throttle load. Infrequent, maybe twice in a mile. Also noticed the QS was not responding up or down. No dash lights Re-fuelled and as time went on it seemed to get a lot better and the QS function returned. Maybe QS issue but i can't find anything obvious. I noticed on service paperwork there was a "micro-switch" replaced but could be anything. I'll give it another run tomorrow. Doubt the plugs have ever been changed, 4200 miles but could need doing? My a##e was cooking too
This morning, disabled DQS, no symptoms. Enabled DQS, still no symptoms. Strange. Absolutely love it, just pushing it around it’s special. Makes no sense as a road bike tho Intoxicating top end is at jail speeds. Safely away and will see if symptoms return next weekend, I’ll use it more. Honest.
NGK race spark plugs, £98.82 x two = £200 per shot. Piston rings £125 each. Head gasket £344 each. Mine is not strictly an R
I changed the sparklers on my recently acquired 749r the other week. The Champion surface discharge plugs are quite expensive but NGK Iridium jobs are good value. I think your bike is in a different league - which bike is it?
