So about a 50% increase in six months. World plastic shortage... The wheels are surprisingly not badly priced.
Remember- you’re paying for an engine. A naturally aspirated 1100cc that pumps ~200hp to the back wheel. And on top of that relatively huge service intervals. It’s quite impressive. Enzo Ferrari said I’m selling you an engine the rest of the car comes free. Or something like that…
A bit outdated these days though as you're also paying for the electronics and everything that went into developing them. That doesn't excuse the excessive pricing of things like the exhaust. Akrapovic can make a full titanium system for the Honda SP for well under £3K...
Whilst I was at MR yesterday, I was given the opportunity to move a new V4 Panigale and 2022 V4 Panigale around in the showroom. The weight difference (or the weight distribution difference) between the two was astonishing. The new V4 feels much lighter. Andy
It's immediately noticeable isn't it. When I sat on one and rocked it from side to side it felt much lighter (must be the weight distribution, maybe to do with the tank or swingarm). It's very noticeable.
However, one thing to note is that the previous fairings did not come with wings. The new ones do. By the time you add wings the prices are equivalent.
The stark difference between my 2020 S1000RR and 2022 V4 was how heavy the V4 feels moving it about, despite both bikes essentially being about the same weight. I am due to ride the new V4 some time in the next week (weather and diary dependant) so it will be interesting to see if I notice the difference.
That's a fair point - I hadn't noticed that. Also a much larger rear subframe cover rather than just the tail cover with the previous fairings. It looks like there is quite a bit more to this than with the previous track fairings. Ok, I take it back about the fairings...
And, IMO, the new wings look a lot more aesthetically pleasing ….. if you like that sort of thing Andy
Stockholm syndrome is strong in here. Oh look, huge price increases. Thanks Ducati, thats really great. Love you. Meanwhile, on track. 50yr olds on V4s getting rinsed by a 20yr old on a 2007 R6.
Well that's always happened... The confidence of youth is a wonderful thing, along with all the other physical benefits of youth. Personally, I'd like to get the new V4 for track but the potential cost has made me look at other options (maybe GYTR or Fireblade with HRC kit). If I do go for the new V4 then I wouldn't be getting my preferred dry clutch and I certainly wouldn't be getting the full Akrapovic (not at those prices at least). The base with TPMS, DDL, forged wheels, the low exhaust to save some weight a couple of other bits and suspension would end up somewhere in the low 40K Euros. About what I paid for my R at the end of last year with the full Akrapovic... Or I could just continue with my R, which I love, and prepare myself for the big service bill that would probably be due at the end of next year... I'd want the RADE Garage tank for it though - a narrower tank (pretty much the same shape as on the new V4) is much better.
Actually, last time it was a 14 yr old red bull rookie on a fuckin 250 going round the outside of the 'fast guys' on R1's, Sthou's, Ninjas etc. I'm as guilty as everyone else. More power? Great, I'll maybe shave a tenth. When in reality what I need is fitness. The amount of 20stoners running around and looking to shave 1/2kg of their bike is amusing. Eat less pies mate, its cheaper all round. No pun intended. I'm 59. I will never be fast. I just want something cheaper and easier to run and maintain. I am however, 12 st with my kit on. Mainly because I dont eat kebabs or drink 15 pints. Thankfully I was diet drugs without knowing most of my yoof. Whizz and E. Try eating a kebab on LSD or getting a round in at a pub. All the new electronics are about stopping fat bastards falling off their bikes rather than being quicker. Of course, the above is tongue in cheek. I'm a piss taking bastard. Theres exceptions to every rule.
I posted this earlier in the other thread, so to save me repeating myself I will just quote it below. The cost of everything has gone up astronomically over the past 5 years, and actually, the price increase of Ducati has been no worse than anything else. I am actually surprised the cost of the bike and some of the accessories has not gone up more.
I rode one today and it feels like a completely different bike. Much more nimble and connected. Also much better manners at lower speed. It was a joy to ride compared to my ‘22.
I’m trying to talk myself into getting one but when a base Fireblade with a full Akrapovic system is €14,000 less than a base V4 with a full Akrapovic system…
I had the same dilemma 4 years ago and moved away from Ducati for the first time in my biking life and went to BMW (for an even bigger saving). My current decision might be different if I thought I could get on any trackdays with the Akrapovic on a V4, however I cannot, so the cost of that leaves the equation. I also wouldn't buy the base now that the ohlins are so good on the 2022+ bikes. It all depends on what you use the bike for, the upgrades you think you'll have, and if you are bothered what brand you ride.
