Discussion
Weather forecast didn’t look too bad yesterday - grey and overcast but only 10% chance of rain (why do I still believe the lying b
ds?!) I had ordered the V4 without testing it. Was a bit nervous. First few miles I thought it didn’t feel that comfortable and my right leg in particular was protesting. 230 miles later I could still walk so turned out to be not that bad once I got used to it.
Weather was rubbish. Looking at the weather map Norfolk seemed to be clear so headed for Norwich. However almost all the way there was light drizzle. Couldn’t see squat. It was bloody freezing too. Hands and feet were numb.
The good news: bike performed flawlessly. I enjoyed the ride despite the weather. If a bike shines in the worst conditions it must be good.
Being restricted to 6000 revs was a bit of a pain but actually there is so much low down thump it didn’t really restrict me too much. Overtakes were surprising easy - I suppose no substitute for cubic inches.
It finally stopped raining, although still cold, and I got a few decent miles around Braintree / Finchingfield before getting home.
Handling is really good. Turns very easily and feels lighter than it is.
Roll on the summer!
TonyF said:
Looks great, I have a speciale coming in June hopefully and can’t wait to get it out on track somewhere.
Enjoy yours, looks like this bank holiday could be good weather !!
Yes weather is looking good for Saturday. Have already informed the wife that I will be disappearing for the day. I should have booked the first service before it arrived as I have found that the wait is currently three weeks. Don't think it will take me that long to do the 600 miles! Want to run it in properly before taking it on track so want to get the first 1000 miles out the way asap. Enjoy yours, looks like this bank holiday could be good weather !!
Esceptico said:
Weather forecast didn’t look too bad yesterday - grey and overcast but only 10% chance of rain (why do I still believe the lying b
ds?!) I had ordered the V4 without testing it. Was a bit nervous. First few miles I thought it didn’t feel that comfortable and my right leg in particular was protesting. 230 miles later I could still walk so turned out to be not that bad once I got used to it.
Weather was rubbish. Looking at the weather map Norfolk seemed to be clear so headed for Norwich. However almost all the way there was light drizzle. Couldn’t see squat. It was bloody freezing too. Hands and feet were numb.
The good news: bike performed flawlessly. I enjoyed the ride despite the weather. If a bike shines in the worst conditions it must be good.
Being restricted to 6000 revs was a bit of a pain but actually there is so much low down thump it didn’t really restrict me too much. Overtakes were surprising easy - I suppose no substitute for cubic inches.
It finally stopped raining, although still cold, and I got a few decent miles around Braintree / Finchingfield before getting home.
Handling is really good. Turns very easily and feels lighter than it is.
Roll on the summer!
Did you have a panigale before to tell us how it compares ?
I'm surprised they did not doe the exhaust black ceramic coated or something, unless it is a heat management issue?
Same for the upper frame spar? Black.
It looks ace, and clearly they had to restyle it to repackage it, for the different motor, but I'd agree, the twin was achingly beautiful!
Same for the upper frame spar? Black.
It looks ace, and clearly they had to restyle it to repackage it, for the different motor, but I'd agree, the twin was achingly beautiful!
Esceptico said:
Got it from Peterborough.
I had an 899 Panigale a couple of bikes back.
Got to ride it more but this feels in a different league.
A lot of chatter on the Ducati Forum about it being a step back in looks. Not sure myself. I think the frame would look a lot better black.
I've got an 899 currently and in terms of outright performance I would expect it to be in a different league. I had an 899 Panigale a couple of bikes back.
Got to ride it more but this feels in a different league.
A lot of chatter on the Ducati Forum about it being a step back in looks. Not sure myself. I think the frame would look a lot better black.
But more interested whether it is a more usable/easy to live with bike.
Motorsport3 said:
I've got an 899 currently and in terms of outright performance I would expect it to be in a different league.
But more interested whether it is a more usable/easy to live with bike.
Will have to do a lot more miles. But more interested whether it is a more usable/easy to live with bike.
Personally I never really jelled with the 899. Not sure why. V4 already feels better. More grunt, sweeter handling, sounds nicer to my ears (I found the exhausts on the 899 too loud even with ear plugs).
Not sure either is very practical. I only ride for fun at the weekends but if I had to use it as a method of transport or was planning to tour there are better options.
Esceptico said:
....
Personally I never really jelled with the 899. Not sure why. V4 already feels better. More grunt, sweeter handling, sounds nicer to my ears (I found the exhausts on the 899 too loud even with ear plugs). ....
I thought it was just me getting old... It's a lovely looking thing but it's too bloody loud even with the standard exhausts and I find my ears ringing for a while afterwards even with ensuring my earplugs are fully in. Might book a test ride on one, after the circus I went through at the last service and fix at Ducati Glasgow they owe me a favour (even they admitted that).Personally I never really jelled with the 899. Not sure why. V4 already feels better. More grunt, sweeter handling, sounds nicer to my ears (I found the exhausts on the 899 too loud even with ear plugs). ....
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