After 3 years, and 10k miles on the Pikes Peak, a decision had to be made whether to keep the PP for another year, or trade it in for another one. I’ve said on here many times that the V4 Pikes Peak was the best bike I’ve ever had, so it was a tough decision to make. That bike took me all over Europe several times, and didn’t skip a beat. Not one single issue. The performance was mind blowing with the full system, it was all you’d ever need in a bike. Chuck a bag on the back, and disappear for a week, two weeks, a month, it was built to munch up the miles. A chat with my dealer, and he offered me exactly the same trade in as he did this time last year, so that put the wheels in motion. The natural replacement would have been another Pikes Peak, as it was so good, but there was always a voice inside my head saying to get an RS. I’d said on here that it was pointless, not worth the extra money, blah blah blah, but those that know me knew that I’d end up with one. So, the negotiations were underway, and I was offered a discount on an RS, coupled with a bit of jiggery pokery on the trade in, a generous discount on new accessories, and the transfer of several parts from the ‘old’ bike to the new one at no charge. And the deal was done. The bike arrived last week, I spent a few hours fitting some PPF, then took it out for the first time last weekend. The sound on tickover is very different. The dry clutch sound takes some getting used to. The way it delivers the power is different. I was concerned about the “lack” of torque compared to the the Pikes Peak, but on the first ride, realised that in the real world, there is certainly no lack of torque. Compared to the PP, you need to keep the revs higher at low speeds, which I’m still getting used to. But, once you get going, fuck me, the way this thing goes is like nothing I’ve ever ridden. It is ballistic. I knew it would be impressive, but didn’t realise quite how crazy it would be. An overtake on the PP at around 70/80mph it would just pull like a train, and would get to ban territory in seconds. This thing, on the same road, with the same throttle response takes you into prison territory. It is utterly bonkers. It hits 7/8k rpm, then it just comes alive. It gets into silly speeds, and is rock solid, with no waggle or concept of how fast you’re going. Without digging a hole for myself, working out the revs and speeds that it does, this could hit not far off 200mph, on the right roads. I’ve gone from worrying about the postman coming, to worrying about being dragged off and waterboarded before being thrown into a dark cell! And it’s not even run in yet. It handles as good as the Pikes Peak did, but you’re just going so much faster. I will genuinely say, and this might upset a few people, but in the real world, point to point, nothing will touch this, and it will get from A to B on a mixture of roads faster than any superbike. I had an S1000XR, but on white roads, it was like a jackhammer, so unless they’ve done something to the suspension on the M1000XR, feel that will suffer on the sort of roads I ride on. Whoever at Ducati decided to put a Panigale engine into a Multistrada is a lunatic/ genius. I’m pleased with my decision, but need to learn some self restraint. Today was a good day, I was mostly good, with the odd moment of crazy. I wasn’t going to get a full system, but just want to see how much crazier it can get, so will check with my insurance company on Monday if it attracts a higher premium (Ducati insurance to all you boring anoraks, and YES, they will have the part number and full description of the system before I go ahead), so that may go on at the first service. If I don’t post for a while, then I’ve probably been locked up, and will do my best not to drop the soap.
Thanks for the comparison between the two bikes. RS sounds like a proper weapon. Enjoy, but not too much.
As an aside, the M1000XR has the same suspension as my previous bike, S1000RR Gen 4, it was awful. That was one of the main reasons I moved from BMW to Ducati.
Yup that just about sums it up. Just couldn't be arsed to write it all down so poetically. Cheers Rich
If you get some soap on a rope and keep it around your wrist at least you won't have to bend down! Glad you're enjoying it. Completely agree that these (PP for me) are quicker than super bikes in the real world, I can get from A-B quicker, and easier than I could on my 1299. I assume the system is actually already ordered
Glad you are enjoying the bike. Sounds epic. Problem you have now is there is no where ‘more’ to go. One of my reasons for trading my V4 was the ease with which it did silly speeds. A quick overtake past a couple of cars and the speedo showed way into 3 numbers.
Yeah, agreed, there’s nowhere to go from here. Even if they did a new version with more power, it would be pointless.
Just remember with the full system that you have to show the Insurance the NOT for road use waiver you sign as its not for roads use , closed circuit only , so technically you will be running a non road legal bike with no insurance in case of a big crash . You could loose a lot more than the gains . PS Great to see you happy with this one , great choice . Happy Days
Do you have to lean into it - that is consciously lean forward - when giving the thing a handful of throttle ? Does it throw you backwards away from the handlebars ? With my old KTM 1290 Superadventure S it could catch you out if you sat upright (normal riding position) and gave it a handful of throttle - it would throw you backwards, even more so if you gave it another (quickshifted) gear. I would consciously always lean forward before engaging big throttle ! My old CBR Fireblade had about the same power as the Superadventure, but of course you are always leaning forward on a sportsbike anyway. I thought there to be a bit of a design flaw in putting massive power into bikes that you ride essentially sitting upright.
Maybe subconsciously I do, but haven’t noticed. I’ve had a few of this style of bike with similar power, and it just feels natural to me now.
Ssssssssssssssshhhhhh ! For Christ’s sake don’t start mentioning that one ! Some people get rather prickly when the truth is spoken
As tempted as I am, I think I’ll keep mine for another year or two and see what appears. Nice bike @Multirider75 consider me jealous!
I went panniers this time. As much as I hate them, I can't be arsed to keep changing the tail over whenever I go away on a trip.
I can confirm, the spacers supplied with the metal box pannier frame fitting kit, does fit the PP/RS and stops the stupid side to side movement of the rear pannier mount. They can be bought separately and weren’t an arm and a leg. Andy
