For me it was the power and electronics package. I really fancy a dabble with a ‘digital’ bike. I always admired the Panigale V2 but was put off by its over square configuration leading to a fluffy bottom end. Roll on V4 time!!
That rsv4 does have some awesome tech on it to be honest. One observation though is that in my opinion it isn’t ‘finished’ as well as some other brands. Like brackets and fasteners looked a little cheap?
Definitely not on the same level as bmw in terms of fasteners, but nearer to ducati in some areas. On a lot of the Ducati I've had I've switched bolts and fasteners out, they're hardly leading the way in the quality department themselves, either way it's a piss take when you're buying a superbike and need to do it
One of the most notable areas was the brackets on the handle bars that hold on switch gear and the cyclinder etc, they looked properly shite on the ones at the show at least Wouldn’t put me off though, I really want to ride one
Went to the NEC to view the new V4 yesterday. I have no doubt the engine will be great along with the ride. Underwhelmed by the looks though. My 1299s looks a lot better. And before anyone says anything i am not being biased. From the front it looks like two big holes where the headlights are. The rear does not look as sexy. Side view, what's the silver frame about. Should at least be black or at least covered. Had a 2004 R1 some time ago. One of the best looking bikes ever. Yamaha never seemed to recreate that look with next generation R1's and looks like Ducati could be going down the same route. Come on Ducati up your game. Looks and detail are important. Especially on something that costs a lot of money. Only my opinion.
Just had a phone call from Moto Rapido to confirm Ducati are allocating additional V4 Speciales to the UK and mine is scheduled to be built in November 2018. At the moment I'm just too elated to give a stuff about having to wait a year to get it. On the positive side it gives me plenty of time to get the garage organised and clear the decks of all the 748 stuff currently living in the dining room, front bedroom and utility room. Andy
Had a chat at the NEC and the majority of the delay is the manufacture of the major bought out components like the new Brembo calipers, the Ohlins electronic suspension and strangely the magnesium alloy wheels. I believe the first (non SP) bikes are due probably February depending on where you are on the list. Given the divide in opinions there might be less V4 forum owners than 1098R forum owners. Now there's a thing . Andy
Crikey Andy, I thought you were amongst one of the first in the queue at MR. November 2018 seems an even longer lead time than they slated for the 1299SL. I'd wager someone drops out of an existing order before then to trade their place on, though at what price. My local dealer has sold / taken orders for 5 apparently. I am surprised by the timescale and I know it's not necessarily down to Ducati but third party suppliers but they have had almost three years to sort this out (2015 was when development and design began for the V4). Having seen the bare bones exhibit at the NEC, it actually looks as though it will be a lot easier to tear down than the 1199 and 1299 were, so you could be forgiven for thinking it's not that difficult to build (engine aside)
Of the 2 initially allocated to MR, the first build date was July followed by the second in October. I'm trying to remember how many bikes they made last year to try and put the manufacturing schedule in perspective. I think that the new Multistrada is going to be popular as will the 1100 Scrambler so it's very probable that Ducati are going to be making a record number of bikes in a facility that was stretched last year. I'm patient and it gives me a year to find new homes for the 748R and all the R/RS bits I've been accumulating over the last 10 years. Andy
I have a feb delivery for a normal s. Told dealer to allocate me a speciale and even used the ducati online to enquire abt it but never received any calls. Only found out what I got when I checked at the nec show. Anyway, while the speciale is nicer, its not quite worth the sum of its premium of the additional parts over an s so not gonna push for a change. I am using it purely for track so not that bothered about the side stand but if I was a road user-Iwould be quite annoyed. My oh has a 899and with rear sets just abt is able to kick the side stand. The v4 blocks it. With just trainers I couldn't kick it so no chance with a proper boot. BTW, I.m not sure if it I missed it but there was no oil glass-hoe does one check engine oil?
Hmm, I didn’t notice that. My car has an ‘electronic’ dip stick and it’s a PITA to be honest. I hope Ducati haven’t gone that route. I’ve ordered an S too btw.
I had a conversation after the dealer day back in October and I suspect that the oil level will be an engine management monitored check and if I remember correctly, service interval is an engine management monitored function as well although not sure which model/s. Given my memory it could also be a load of bollocks and the transfer of the car style monitoring is a thing for the future. Andy
Not in the same way but yes, there’s loads of drive. The ex-spannerman of a we’ll know ‘90’s racer advised me to go from 41 to a 39 rear sprocket, having gone down 1 on the front already, which he said would put me right in the torque. Guess what? With the ECU mapped, it’s a different bike. A lot more low down drive. Just lovely. I fully respect your love of the 1098R but from memory it’s about 180bhp & 100lbft at the crank. On a well respected dyno mine’s 192bhp & 94lbft....at the wheel. So I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t be disappointed
