TBF mate, the most unreliable bike on the recent Euro trip to Cartagena was a Triumph Speed Triple RR, couple of electircal meltdowns and a new Quickshifter required from a local dealer as it didn't just stop working, it put all the electronics into meltdown. I'm a Triumph fan, a massive Triumph fan but that bike isn't finished. Likewise I agree the build quality on the Ducati's peaked in 2010-11 IMHO and the Panigale has steadily been getting cheaper and cheaper made. Oh, and I had an MV Agusta recently, you know those horrible things that are constantly broken, and it was faultless, even used hard on track. So I think my point is that they are all using us as the final testers.
Isn't the whole review about the SP with its add-ons versus (in this case) the SF V4S? Sure, the sum of the parts may be greater than the whole, but then he should explain it. What a thorough review should have done is to explain the cost difference in the purchase price and the spec of the bike to help the viewer understand what they are getting for their dollar. I didn't hear any datapoints mentioned apart from the alleged "2 seconds a lap", nor any informed assumptions required because it was the launch etc. What I did hear was a lot of sensationalist talking about how "you can't buy one" and how exclusive the event was (which struck me as self aggrandisement) followed by a diatribe about naked bikes' handling which sounded a little odd to me (I don't have a naked bike, but have been on track with some of the European Tuono Cup riders and they were FAST!!). So, generally, I found it annoying along with his Diavel V4 review - each to his own etc and everyone is different - just my opinion which counts for nothing, even though I am sharing here I'm not disputing that either bike isn't brilliant, but the cynic in me thinks perhaps not quite as good as has been made out by all the "whooo - hooo! This is really special!!" verbage followed by giggling. Maybe I have the Monday blues and just need to vent . Apologies.
Possibly, but the diavel has moved from a cruiser to a bit of a beefy monster. Its hard to say its a cruiser really. More a muscley naked. I'm glad yours is ok, but my pani fastners lost their coatings and furred despite never being ridden in salt. The fairings dont fit properly and the plastics tangs all snap from looking at them. I just bemoan the lowering of build that seems at odds with the increase in cost. I dont see it and it coincides with Audi. Keep an eye on your caliper bolts and theyll tarnish in real time.
I wish my pani was as good as my 2011 1198. Theres always exceptions to the rule (triumph and MV), but I will not stop complaining in the hope they read this and give us the decent fixings we had on pre 2011 bikes. Even lots of em from my 916 are perfect and that saw salt, rain and all sorts. But the pani just sheds coatings, furr up and sometimes rattle loose and fall off.
Sorry to hear that you've had issues. I haven't heard many others saying these sorts of things and, as I mentioned, everything seems very well put together on mine (built in 2022). I've had the fairings off and on several times with no issues. Mine's never going to see a drop of rain unless it's unintentional though.
Great looking bike. For me I would buy one because it is no longer a cruiser - but a GT bike. They have panniers for it and throw overs can probably go over the pillion seat. There is a pillion grab rail available (or built in) That is now a useful bike. Seriously nice bike.
Terrible if true. I knew a guy with a Triumph Bonneville of the new variety whose engine mounting bolts rusted away. Going against history where triumph were always best made.
I’ve owned probably 7 triumphs, all have had amazing build quality, no issues at all. My current Thruxton is built really really well. I’d say a one off as my mates had 4 of them also and no issues
Had a test ride on the v4 Diavel and V4 Streetfighter a couple,of weeks ago and was seriously impressed with both. The streetfighter was a complete surprise and is an absolute hooligan machine but I’ve decided I’m going to order a V4 Diavel. Unfortunately I can’t get one until October so it’s going on order for April delivery
