Electronic fuel cap - should have been fitted when I picked the bike up in September 2014, several repromises not now available until end of March. Is it the same unit as on the new one? Is it sorted? Fuel gauge reliability, mine reads zero and low warning light flashes all the time, before that it was replaced because it read either half full or full irrespective of how much fuel is in it. Seat - will the material fitted around the mounting points be "stuck" on properly on the new bike? Will the new engine show milky white in the oil sight glass if it is used in colder months? Apparently normal for a Ducati? What warranty will be offered? Is the price of the new bike inflated by anticipated warranty claims? Will the hydraulic fluid in the clutch and rear brake master cylinder turn black on the new bike? Great dealer, shame about the quality of the product. It is ironic it has a premium brand status and lousy quality. Is the new model going to be in the same vein? Lovely bike though!
Hi Andy, Well at least you know the 2013 bike very well. There are many items that you won't be able to check but my interest would be for you to explore/investigate: 1) Weight Increase? Why is it now quoted at a hefty 209/212kgs dry (Base/S models) against my 2010ABS at 189kgs? A change in the way they report "dry weight"? Or..... 2) DVT - How good at pottering through congestion at low revs (the worst aspect of the earlier engines). Is the change as revs rise seamless? 3) Top End - The 2013 Twin spark is actually down on power from the earlier engine (despite claims) when dyno'd. How strong is the new one? 4) Cubby hole - Why did they have to drop it? It was very useful for earplugs, card for tolls, etc. 5) Quality of Fixings - Why don't they listen to existing owners who suffer with early corrosion and engine paint failures; Especially if ridden all year. This surely is a basic specification requirement that they could demand from their supply chain at minimal cost increase. This is a premium product after all. 6) Sound - Any improvement from the earlier exhaust? Everyone has to change pipes to bring out the character and yet on the Diavel the stock exhaust sounds great. I think it's going to be a great bike.
I would like to know if or when they are going to map the engine map instant change, from touring to sport, etc. and not this mess around waiting so long and backing off throttle.
Hi Andy I agree with Kirky above I have a 2014 Pikes Peek for 8 months (6000km total) and only recently went on a decent tour of 1600km to Cape Town from Port Elizabeth. So only now "getting into" the bike Things I would like to see improved 1. The front end does not turn in readily. Once its in a corner its fine, keeps there. but is vague as you commit to a corner I wonder was the non Shy Hook, Ohlins version better!! 2. Throttle response at low revs or from standstill is vague, in any ECU setting 3. The motor does seem down on power for a modern 1200 twin, (I will be fitting the Termi exhaust upgrade) 4. Build quality in areas is poor for premium sector bike, eg Under the saddle has come undone NB the service and support from Ducati South Africa is excellent, Zoki in the service department is top.
This is the feature I am most interested in. Given that the timing can be varied over the available range there is no reason to assume there will be a step such as on a Honda. I am sure it will be
Ian SA I am not sure what you mean by Front End does not turn in readily, I have a 2013/14 Touring S, and I can point and chuck it around no problem, change direction so easily and quick. I think the MS is really maneuverable at any speed. What tyres you have on there now?
Everything covered already - except maybe one point and that is have they improved its stability at speed with luggage fitted? It is fast bike and when you are 3 figures plus it can get a wobble on.
MadProF, tyres are Pirelli Scorpion. About to change the rear now to an Angle. What pressures do you use? I only use it on tar and one up. I am no way a suspension guru, what suggestion do you have for setting up the the Sky Hook. By comparison to lets say a BMW 1000RR or KTM 990, I find it sluggish (if thats the word) chuck into a corner..my opinion!!
Hi Andy, I've read a lot of what people have said but my question will be, has the engine really improved low down to make this a bike for all seasons and for me a good commuting tool. I have tried all previous versions, and although the last version was good, I've yet to be 100% convinced that the "Urban" Mode does what it says on the tin, as on the previous one it was better to have it in "Touring" Mode for smoother running in town rather than "Urban" which shouldnt be the case. I will be watching your comments and waiting for the ride report of all involved with a great deal of interest, as will others no doubt. Regards John Roberts
Ian, both of my mts would out pace a 990 sMt. What mode are you in ? Also turn in, you might need to set up your suspension, a friend of mine had the same experience and 30 minutes with the dealer doing a proper setup cured it. Something about the bike having odd settings from factory. Agreed with most if the questions above. I would like to know if or when they will offer central locking for the top box especially, but ideally panniers too. And heated seats would be nice. That then addresses questions from the wife ☺
I have heard one thing I am not happy about, Side panniers are a different fit to a 2013, and only come in White, Top box should be a straight swap but new Top Box White also, so red bike white side and top , or get a white bike and pay more for it. That is a little crap tbh
My skyhook quick steers no problem, standard settings on sport-touring, although urban struggles when you start cracking on as it wallows too much for direction changes. On track tho, the bike doesnt change direction as quick as I'd like, but then its not a panigale
I would agree on the low speed harshness of the front Skyhook, the poor rear brake, rusting chain and screen buffeting / noise. Also I have a bit of vibration at low speeds in second and third gears when doing repeated low speed corners. Rear spring is better on my 2013 model compared to my 2011 one, but still a little weak. But... a great bike and comfortable all day for myself and pillion. The seat on the new one at the London show, seemed to push me forward quite a bit. Will be interested in your comments!
Hi. I would like to know if the knee angle has suffered because of better ground clearence and lower seat. I have long legs and would like to keep the current knee angle. P.s my dealer said that panniers will be red on red bikes and white on white bikes.
