Thanks for the quick reply! I'm currently stalking most of the new owners to compare different points of view and so far, most share your thoughts. I'll book a test ride for in a couple of weeks once the weather will be 20°+ to check it myself
Hey Phill, thanks for it! That concerns me quite a bit. As you say, I guess the SF will be a bit cooler but not dramatically as was naively hoping for. I thought that naked bike + a better heat shield + the thicker seat would do the trick, at least partially. I guess I'll just have to wait a bit more for warmer temps and force my mind over my heart in the meantime to not do impulsive purchases...
As @Jimmy the hat confirmed, no it isn't. However, for reference, I'm short at 5' 6", and had dismissed the SF V2 when they said it was 5mm higher seat than the V2 Panigale - which I felt was already at maximum I could cope with. The SF V4 is a no go because it's high but also wider for engine, and I couldn't get stand down. However, when I tried the SF V2 I was happy to find it was quite manageable - definitely at top end of the range I can cope with, but OK. As @Jimmy the hat also said, there is a lowered seat available, but I'd researched that and someone who had tried one on a Panigale V2 (maybe a SF V4?) had said it made no actual difference.
Has anyone moved on from a 1098/848 streetfighter to the v2? I’m interested to hear what you thought of the new streetfighter. I had a very short test ride yesterday (due to the cold weather) and felt the riding position was very upright and it felt like I was sitting in the bike instead of on top of it. It felt completely alien compared to my current 848SF.
Hi Snips, I presume the bike has been serviced and now you can open it up?? Be interested to know how it feels above 6k rpm. Hey, did the bike shop give you any info on what that damper issue was re the indicators?
Hi, The earliest I could get a slot for 1st service is 3rd May, so I’m pacing my running in towards that date. Currently just over 300 miles on clock. We had some nice weather here the week I collected, but it’s gone back to cold (with gritted roads), so that has slowed progress - if I get running in done sooner I’ll ask for a cancellation. I’ll ask about the damper when I next go in - but I think all they’ll say is what they already said - switching to LED front indicators requires a damper for headlight unit. I can try and get a part number.
My dealer hasn’t mentioned anything about a damper being needed with the DP indicators, I’ll ask when I next speak to them.
I moved from an 848SF. I did 13k on mine over 5 years. You are right, the bars are a lot more upright, there is a lot less weight on your wrists. I think the weight on my wrists on 848SF was further compounded by the comfort seat which was higher. You soon get used to it though. The new V2 is really comfy, although the seat is harder. I miss my old seat. I also find I don't end up shagging the tank like I did the 848SF. You can ride the V2 all day without any pains. The feeling from the front end is very similar, I thought that the different seating position would take that away but it hasn't. There is more mechanical grip on the V2, I have not got it to move yet. I was running the Rosso Corsas on my 848 and they are a softer tyre compared to the Diablo Rosso but it feels like there is more grip. It turns great and is more accurate. The V2 is much more stable. I used to get the bars waggling a lot on the 848SF. I was quite quick on the V2 straight away. I could leave my mate behind in the twisty bits even running it in. When it rained I had to pull over and wait for him. The V2 is really confidence inspiring. Suspension on the V2 is firmer. You could argue the 848SF was too soft but I liked it. Perhaps the stiffer suspension is actually the reason the V2 is more stable/accurate. There is certainly a lot less weight transfer. The V2 engine is smoother, you can pull 3rd gear at 30mph. It can be snatchy in sport more at 30mph, not sure its any worse than the 848 though. If you are riding through town then Road mode is much better. The throttle is lighter because it is fly by wire but it still feels ok. There are a lot less vibrations through the bars/mirrors. Gearbox on the V2 is a huge improvement, the 848SF was crap in comparison. The clutch on the V2 is also lighter and nicer to use. The V2 feels slightly heavier and the weight is at the top. you can notice it when pushing the bike around but not so much on the road. Random things that annoy me. The fuel cap keeps closing itself. You open the cap, grab the fuel pump, turn around and its closed itself. Then you have to piss about trying to keep it open while getting the nozzle in. This issue may be caused by the key ring, although the key ring is the same as my 848SF. When you turn the bike off/on the display reverts to total mileage. The 848SF did that as well. I really don't care about total mileage, I want the trip miles because there is no fuel gauge! It is easier to clean the V2 because you can't see the engine, I used to spend ages cleaning the 848SF because you could get into the nooks and crannies of the engine but its all covered on the V2. In some ways that is a disadvantage because I bet there is loads of crap under the fairings. I have not managed to ride the bike since my 1st service. I actually rode the bike home from the service in the snow, crying in my helmet. Will have to come back for a part 2 review now that I can start using the power/brakes.
That’s great info. I really enjoy my 848sf especially with its Maxton 25mm fork internals and ohlins rear shock plus I also have the comfort seat. The engine and electronics are a huge improvement over the 848sf and it does feel agricultural in comparison. It’s just the upright riding position I don’t like but I could maybe get used to. I sat on a v4sf the other day and that felt slightly less upright but I’ve never ridden one so can’t be totally sure it is different.
Anyone that’s got a V2 ordered how long are they quoting for delivery ? A mate ordered one in January and was told it would be here early April. He got a message today to say they are ‘expecting’ it to be built sometime in May and delivered before the end of June. Naturally he’s not impressed as they took his bike in January so he has no bike.
There are delays at the factory. I ordered mine in November, and it’s been built this week, being invoiced to the dealer next week, and should be ready to collect at the end of the month. I’d say end of June is pretty accurate.
Are you hesitant to adjust the seating position to your own preference and needs? I'm sure Renthal could supply you with a lower bar more similar to your old bike
I’m not really sure what options are available yet which will make the riding position more familiar but I haven’t given up looking at options.
It’s arrived….. Accessories are being fitted next week at the PDI, then it’s off for PPF, ready for delivery after the bank holiday.
Anyone know their Streetfighter well enough yet to have noticed where I will be able to find a power source for my radar detector? It needs to be activated by the key. I don't want it going straight to the battery, cause I'll just forget to turn it off and flatten the battery.
Yeah probably, but I know with my Supersport there was a power source somewhere which was easier to connect to.
Anyone had issues removing the rear pegs? I saw a video online of some guys in the US struggling to get the front part of the bracket out from behind the heatshield on a V2 Panigale. Didn't look right to me! With the Streetfighter having the same rear end, I was wondering if anyone's come across this issue.
