Inherent problems or just ‘Ducati’ character

Ive just done the same been on jap 4s for 15 years now on a panni s totally different ride had rough running from new which was found out a breather pipe had not been connected from new and was doubled over causing a massive vacume in tank couldn't get fuel cap off at filling stations till it lost pressure, new clutch slave cylinder fitted , couldn,t adjust gear lever as it had that much locktight on it ,it had seized even mechanic couldn't turn it in vice, suspension is a nightmare to set up ,to stiff on flat to soft on progressive, BUT when the roads are smooth and your on it a bit ,if feels great and its defo the best looking bike out there but they do nothing a jap 4 doesn't do , if it doesn't get any better for me it will be something like an s1000 hp4 ,gonna give it a bit more time tho, as they are different to the 4 cylinders ive been used to ,hope I don't take the shine off it for you ,im sure you will b buzzing tomorrow

 

The gearing is not an issue, it is an option Ducati give if you feel you want more low down oomph. The OEM gearing is fine for most people.

I too had CBR1000rrs and had to change the rear shock and fork internals to make the bike work for me on the track. I have not had to do that on the Panigale.

Stop worrying about the few people who post on a forum, there are many more who don't post who are happy. As a friend once said; JRTFT!

Enjoy the bike.

 

Had mine a couple of weeks now and I absolutely love it! 1st service Wednesday, then I can go give it some beans and I am really, really looking forward to that!

Take the bike as you find it and enjoy

 

I spent years riding Japanese IL4's including Fireblades and R1's. having gone "to the red side" several years ago, despite a few issues (riding position, rock hard suspension etc., but no reliability issues) I could never go back.

 

Biggest thing I noticed moving from Jap 600's to a Ducati, was the change in riding style in and out of corners.

The Jap bike was all about heavy braking and being in the right gear to come out the corner, or there was nothing there. On a Ducati I find you brake much less in to corners, let the engine do a lot of the braking.

Im sure you'll enjoy the new bike. As others have said, just ride it, and make up your own mind.

 

The problem with forums is it's where everybody's problems culminate. Many people will look on here for advice or solutions to problems from fellow owners first before contacting the dealer which can make things look worse than they are, this is the same whether it's a bike, car or washing machine forum. I think it's true to say that Ducati superbikes are more highly strung than many jap equivalents which are generally bullet proof, especially Honda bikes. Whether or not the Panigale turns out to be a bag of trouble remains to be seen, I personally haven't had any issues. Designers design these bikes, engineers build them but the initail testing is limited and controlled, it's only when the likes of us get our hands on them and use and abuse them does the real testing happen and the weaknesses are found. After all it's a brand new design and there are bound to be a few teething problems, it was the same when the 1098 came out and I'm sure it'll be same when the 1199's successor is built. The 2 or 3 year extended warranty will give you peace of mind. Don't worry pick your bike up, ride it and enjoy it, everyone one here will say the same, they are fantastic bikes. The Panigale will always put a bigger grin on your face than a blade and that's just when you open the garage door and lay eyes on it even before you get on it start it up and ride it!. Hope the weather for the pick up is better with you than it is here!

 

Had my 1199s since April, absolutely love it. Theres not many bikes you get the same enjoyment from whether riding or looking at it,
and the buzz from owning something like this is awsum. We should all feel extremely lucky that we can afford such a high spec bike, I now I do. Enjoy you wont regret it.

 

I have ridden a Panigale and I loved it, I personally thought it was a bit much for the road, but everyone has there own choice. I have a friend that works with Ducati's and they are getting better and better all the time, she says that when the Panigale first came out 'every' warranty claim was auto-authorised to quickly sort any issues and look after customers. They have had a fuel really odd issues but generally they are getting better all the time, and that's with the 1199 being a brand-new model.

Look how long it took them to get the 916 'perfect' some say that 2002 onwards was a big step, some say that the 998 is the absolutely best example of the early model; either way I think they are getting better and better. Some would say that this is loosing their character, that's a whole different argument.

I would say go with it, look after it yourself as best you can, ie battery charger and spotting any issues really early and hopefully you will be rewarded.

 

nothing lives and breathes and pulls and flicks like this apart from the 45K + exotics... like the 16 back in 94, it makes all the rest look like sh.te... rode the beemer and fell almost asleep...but yes: fastest sowing machine out there... and dead ugly... of the kind of ugly you can't fix... it's your brain that has to keep telling you did make the wisest choice.... smile? grin? not me...

 

Any update here on how your pick up went and how you found the bike?