Much better looking/prettier but I do appreciate that technology has come a long way since (im not someone who needs the latest gizmo though).
I think you have to go and test ride a V4 to see how you get along with it. My experience has been to go in the other direction - after 2 Fireblades and a Gen 4 S1000RR I’ve whittled the collection down to a 996S for classic fun and the 899 fills the ‘big bike’ hole. You really don’t need any more power on the road (although easy torque is nice) and arguably unless you’re the sharp end of the fast group you don’t on track either. Hence my ‘downgrade’ and I’m very happy about it
similar story for me, I’ve had R1 etc and gone ‘back’ to 899, at the same time I borrowed a mates 1998 Aprilia RSV Mille which only has about 100hp in reality and did a trackday and still ran top of inters, only 9 seconds off my best R1 time, I realised the laptime didn’t matter, I was riding the bike so much closer to the limits and it felt faster in a way.
It's not that I don't think the latest Panigales look nice, but I prefer the slightly softer, rounded edges look of the 899 / 1199 / 1299.
I have gone from 748R through 749 R to 1199R and now have a 2023 V4. I only ride on Euro tracks and have broken all my PBs so far on the V4. Some by quite a large margin like Aragon 2:16 to 2:09. It’s the amazing electronics that allow me to attempt what I don’t have the talent for on the older bikes.
So, I’m no further forward in obtaining a V4S but I’ve just picked up a set of OZ wheels to keep me entertained in the mean time
Will do, the general consensus is that a decent rear shock and light weight wheels are the best upgrades for the 899 so I’d image a significant difference in how it rides.
MCT say rear 899 shock pretty good as standard; just needs a re valve. It’s on my list for this year.
My old V4S forsale here: Motorcycles: 21 DUCATI PANIGALE V4S (lincolnshiremotorcycles.co.uk) Impending house move forced me to revert to one bike for now.
