I think it meant that at the time (don’t know now) that Bridgestone did not make an S22 in the recommended size/profile for the Pani. But they chucked one on anyway. And then were surprised that the bike did not perform as they expected. I have not watched the ‘review’ for years but at the time I had a V4s and immediately discounted what they said as journo bollocks.
It’s not difficult to unstick a 200bhp bike on road tyres, especially the likes of Panigales with big torque.
I dont go for the very familiar matey matey review bollocks that 44 teeth put out. In the past it has been fun and better quality, but when the focus seems to be on the personalities as if they are besties giving the inside info on a bike then nah... In the end these guys are in it for the coin and good on them, its a great work if you can create it for yourself but when sponsorship enters the picture, I cant trust the info on face value. Bikes are incredibly personal so if you connect and gel with a certain reviewer, trust builds and you tend to take what they say a bit more seriously but still, given that last year Bike X was the ultimate and there weren't enough superlative to describe it, but roll on 2022 and THIS years model, well it is Soooo much better (basically relegating anything older than 5 minutes to the scrap heap) I just dont buy the whole journo review model. I like Michael Neeves, and a few others that I have read over the years and there is a certain consistency with my taste which gives me a bit of confidence to buy on their recommendation. Tires however, thats another thing altogether, when you are flown in to some junket and get to ride exotic bikes on an amazing closed circuit- are you really going to bite the hand that feeds you? Some journos try to be a bit salty to give the impression of impartiality but again I dont buy it. The best place apart from personal experience is to talk to other riders, the guy at the bike shop who knows you and your style or the forums if there are people you know and trust. Otherwise its all too subjective Rant over.
I bought a new GSXR1000 Suzuki in 2006, because all the mags raved about the K5. Out of the crate, the ferkin thing ran wide, and I nearly lost the front several times. Dumped the original tyres, put a spacer on top of the shock and dropped the yokes and it was much better. Those journos must have been better riders than me.
Been reading bike mags since Motorcycle Sport Quarterly was a thing and Gene Romero was ripping on BSA's. The Phil Irvings and Kevin Camerons of this world are few and far between but there are still good bike journo's out there and the quality of the info is incredible when people like Guintoli are producing amazing content on the youtube. We are very lucky but the problem now is too much info!
I think it comes as standard on the newer stuff. I've got a MY2018 V4S and had to pay for the upgrade. It's money well spent though, it's excellent.
You raise a good point in there about THIS years model..... So the 2020 was better than the 2018 (from what I can gather, made easier to ride for the less experienced, thus widening the market) and the 2021 is lauded as a significant upgrade tot he 2020. It would be really interesting to hear some real world stories on here from either this who have any of those 3 models but also any that have had more than one of them. Yes, opinions will still be subjective to a degree, but opinions not influenced by sponsors or hyperbole ring truer to my ears.
I get it all totally. But part of the charm and attraction to panigales has always been that they’re a bit Ferrell
Am thinking about a Pani V4 purchase and more inclined towards used vs new. It would be interesting to work out how much of the ‘improvement’ relates to software vs hardware. I have had numerous bmw m3’s and you find that there are often significant improvements made during each models lifecycle and reported by the journos / on forums - however, when you get into the detail, the hardware doesn’t change much if at all - the biggest changes are actually the software, which you can get updated, even at BMW. There were some quite significant engine and gearbox mapping changes through the life of the e92 and F80. Even with competition pack cars, a lot of the changes (suspension etc) are just coding. Would be interesting to know the deal with the V4. I like the price of the earlier bikes but do like the side gills of the 2020 on… hmmm
You make a good point. Let’s hear what owners say hopefully. I’m agnostic about looks. I think all Panis look the tits. So if I can get a 1Gen and pay ‘x’ for a software upgrade, I’d be happier than spending the bigger money on that same upgrade and different fairings on a 3 year newer bike.
In very simplified terms, the first update raised the ride height, revised the software and put wings on the base and S models. The second update changed the geometry, the wheel base, the software and the bodywork. The 2nd generation software update, EVO2, is available for the 1st generation. The 2nd generation winged bodywork (same as the R) will fit the first generation bike with a couple of extra brackets. The 3rd generation software update is NOT available for the 1st generation bike. As a 1st generation bike owner, it is supposed to be more engaging to ride than the 2nd generation bike and you can play with the ride height as I did, +5mm on the rear. The 2022MY bike is supposed to be the mutts nuts but IMO, an average gagge isn’t going to ride the bike at the pace where the changes make most of the difference. The variable inlet geometry doesn’t kick in until 11,000rpm on the 1st gen and at 11,000rpm, you are flying. Just my thoughts. Andy
Basically if you are not chasing 1/10s then its irrelevant, especially on the street; setting sag, getting the spring rates right and clickers dialed in, tire selection and pressure will make far more difference to the average rider. Most people are not exploring the limits of their very expensive motorcycles on either track or street where the generational differences matter.
Yep. It’s all bollocks really. people just want the newest, flashest most shiny dick with wheels on it.
That was my thinking. I don't think someone as (very very or even below) average as me will notice the difference. HP aside, I'm used to riding a 1098s with eff all in respect of gizmos so it'll likely be very different and take getting used to anyways.....regardless of whether its a 2018, 20 or 22 model.
I went from a 1098R to my V4S and was instantly at home on it. What I needed to get my head around was that you can brake later, turn it later and get on the throttle earlier. Bloody awesome bike, shame an old thoracic spine injury has forced me to stop riding it. Andy
Assume the v4 riding position not exactly relaxing but easier than the 1098? I need to get into my dealer and swing a leg over.
I jumped on 2 V4's for extended test rides, incredible bikes. Instant connection, you would really have to be in the top few % of riders to critically appreciate the differences once they are setup. The twin to the 4 is night and day, that said the quality of an 1198R to the modern bikes leaves the new bikes lacking a certain aura but in terms of rideability light years ahead.
I honestly think it can be. i don’t meet many people who buy from genuine adoration or passion for the thing. Most seem more bothered about pub bragging rights and wanting the fastest thing they can possibly get Until the next thing comes along the following week and often not because it is what THEY actually like. All seems a bit empty to me. Call me old fashioned… it’s probably why most modern stuff leaves me a bit numb.
