Hi all, first time Ducati owner here (been riding for 20 odd years). Got a Panigale V2 track bike. Done a number of trackdays last season on it, had one big slide and decided now is the time to put some track fairings on. Did so this winter, and for the first in 20 years, dropped a stationary bike All good now (albeit £260 lighter after replacing some bent bits), almost ready for her first trackday of the season in a couple of weeks at Cadwell Park. Just need to get some new tyres fitted and off we go with the missus and her RS 660.
Welcome! Bit of a bugger dropping the bike in the garage, rest assured though that you're not alone doing that!
How does the V2 ride on track compared to what you had before? And with you there on the drop - thanks for sharing the pic. We’ve all been there, more than once!
Hi! For background, I've ridden quite a few sportsbikes on track over the years, i.e. GSXR 750/1000, S1000RR, RSV4, etc.. Experience wise, I ride somewhere in the top 1/3rd of the fast group generally. The V2 is absolutely sublime on track. I would put it level with the RSV4, perhaps a little ahead as it's not as powerful, so mere mortals can get more out of it, which I think is probably more rewarding. The handling is phenomenal. It really inspires confidence. It's very fronty/nosey, which is how I like it. There's a great amount of feedback from the suspension, which was the one thing I was on the fence with when buying it (would it be as good as previous experience of RSV4 Ohlins for example). I needn't have worried. The ergonomics feel perfect. I've not felt the need to modify the bike in any way, i.e. replacing rearsets for a better position, clip-ons for a more splayed angle to get better leverage, suspension upgrades for more feel etc, everything feels like it was made for the track and is good to go with the V2. I'm glad I went for the V2 over a V4. I do not need the extra power of the V4 (though I'm sure I would appreciate the engine, who doesn't love a V4?), I'm held back by my ability, not the bike. Everything is cheaper with it, so that's nice, i.e. the tyres are cheaper to buy and last longer (I did about five trackdays on the OEM tyres last year and am only just about to replace them). Looking forward to Cadwell Park in a couple of weeks. Got everything crossed for adequate weather
Awesome - I think you’ve got to be SUCH a good rider for the limiting factor to be the bike, that as you say you don’t need the V4. Only frustrating thing I imagine is passing people? In the fast group they’re all going to be WOT on the straights, and mostly on 1000s so does that mean you have to do all your passing on the corners?!
I do most of my passing in two situations: Under braking. A lot of people brake too early. I think this is universal, I know I brake too early compared to those faster than me, and that's where I'm trying to improve. It's fun though when you can just hold off braking a little longer and pass someone When there's a group of riders together and they're not confident enough to overtake the person in front. Given enough experience, this is a really fun situation, when you're able to confidently, and safely cut through the pack. Though the straight-line speed difference is not huge between a V2 and a V4. Where I've noticed it the most is coming on to the very long back straight of Snetterton, and even then it's normally crawl as they separate from you. Also, some people on very fast bikes just aren't experienced enough to either have the right line through a corner, or don't have the confidence to open the throttle early enough, so don't get the best drive onto the straight. I have overtaken fast bikes like this before. It's satisfying! Thank you! I'm down south, so Brands Hatch, Snetterton and Donington Park are common circuits. Cadwell Park next, then hope to do Silverstone and Oulton Park (bucket-list track, never been) this year. Also got a California Superbike School day gifted from my wife to do at Brands Hatch later this year. Looking forward to that. Hoping I can start to improve on my braking
Group of us in here often at Donny, Snett, Silverstone. This year already have Silverstone, Donny, Brands, Cadwell booked. In face I have already been out on 27 Feb at Donington. It was stupid cold.
Totally agree on the outbraking as being a safe place to overtake - end of that Snetterton back straight being a case in point, as well as into the LH hairpin a few corners before. Put yourself alongside them so they can see you, and just brake late as you dare. It all comes down to how much entry speed you’re comfortable with on tipping in - and that’s something that’s more in your head than the front tyre! Also agree on drive out of corners - I’m still a bit cautious on this as had a few near highsides on my old blade! CSS is really good - you may find you get less out of it with 20 years experience than I did a few months after passing my test, but I think no matter your level it’s good to go back to basics - might clean up some ingrained habits etc.
To make Jayvdz feel better - how about this… loading mishap onto trailer. Turns out it’s not a one man job, and once it starts to go, at that height you’re not catching it
Yep - had had a properly sketchy time getting the bike off the trailer the previous time I'd used it. Not a very well designed trailer unfortunately. Was very glad I threw the 'just in case' tyre on that side in case the worst happened. Getting the trailer out and the bike vertical again without incurring further damage was a whole other mission!
Good to know! So many ducs out, would be nice to be able to put faces to names Oh, my god! Good foresight, but man, that must have been a bitch to extricate without more damage. We don't have a trailer (yet), instead we hire vans and own ramps, tie-downs etc. It's my wife's duty to assist and tell me if I'm straight on the ramp or not
