Discussion
This is probably a very similar thread to the other on Tuonos.
I’m toying with the idea of a Ducati v4.
I’ve got a mental limit of 20k.
That will either put me in:
- An ex-demo 2019 v4S
- A new 2020 non-s
- A street fighter (S or regular).
I don’t think I want a street fighter, mainly due to looks though I do fancy the idea of a bit more of a comfortable riding position.
I do like the sound of the Panigale 2020 improvements, prefer the look, ease of riding and lack of heat in areas you’d rather not have it.
However, the active suspension on the S appeals too.
Anyone ridden them? I’m going to go and try next weekend with any luck.
I’m toying with the idea of a Ducati v4.
I’ve got a mental limit of 20k.
That will either put me in:
- An ex-demo 2019 v4S
- A new 2020 non-s
- A street fighter (S or regular).
I don’t think I want a street fighter, mainly due to looks though I do fancy the idea of a bit more of a comfortable riding position.
I do like the sound of the Panigale 2020 improvements, prefer the look, ease of riding and lack of heat in areas you’d rather not have it.
However, the active suspension on the S appeals too.
Anyone ridden them? I’m going to go and try next weekend with any luck.
Edited by yajeed on Sunday 28th June 14:43
I'm yet to try one, but I've heard from Racing/Journo friends that the new V4/V4S is a much easier bike to ride fast than the previous V4/V4S
I rode the last V4S at Silverstone and although it was bloody quick, it felt like it was going to spit you off at any moment, and you had to work properly hard to go quick on it. It was a lot of fun through
I rode the last V4S at Silverstone and although it was bloody quick, it felt like it was going to spit you off at any moment, and you had to work properly hard to go quick on it. It was a lot of fun through
Re: ease of riding - that’s the thing.
I’ll never track it (have a track bike for that and would be worried about binning it).
So, at 5 tenths on the road, would the 19 model with ohlins be a better ride than a 20 on static suspension.
Ideally I’d have a 20 on ohlins, but I’m too tight, and instance gets tricky.
I’ll never track it (have a track bike for that and would be worried about binning it).
So, at 5 tenths on the road, would the 19 model with ohlins be a better ride than a 20 on static suspension.
Ideally I’d have a 20 on ohlins, but I’m too tight, and instance gets tricky.
I bought a Panigale V4S two years ago as a road bike but have ended up using it over the last 18 months exclusively on track. On the road it’s an utter ball-ache in stop start traffic, uncomfortable on the wrists when ridden for more than 30 minutes, incredibly hot at low speed without lots of airflow (I’ve blistered my thighs bumbling about on it in jeans), and way too fast and capable to have any fun on at less than 6/10ths - at which point you’re taking risks. On track - the environment it was designed for - it comes to life and suffers from none of the above.
I’m not sure how my 2018 model differs from the 2020 model (other than the obvious cosmetic / fairing changes) but I can’t believe that the newer version is such a different beast as to make it a much more reasonable proposition for use on the road.
As far as the suspension is concerned, I found it way too stiff for road use (mines an S but I think the stock spring rates are the same). I used to dread certain bumps and depressions on the A3 heading in or out of London as I’d invariably either bruise my knackers, bite my tongue, or chip a tooth. Ended up having a softer rear shock fitted, which made it much more comfortable. I’m 60kg soaking wet so your experience may vary.
I’m not sure how my 2018 model differs from the 2020 model (other than the obvious cosmetic / fairing changes) but I can’t believe that the newer version is such a different beast as to make it a much more reasonable proposition for use on the road.
As far as the suspension is concerned, I found it way too stiff for road use (mines an S but I think the stock spring rates are the same). I used to dread certain bumps and depressions on the A3 heading in or out of London as I’d invariably either bruise my knackers, bite my tongue, or chip a tooth. Ended up having a softer rear shock fitted, which made it much more comfortable. I’m 60kg soaking wet so your experience may vary.
Jamessd said:
I’m not sure how my 2018 model differs from the 2020 model (other than the obvious cosmetic / fairing changes) but I can’t believe that the newer version is such a different beast as to make it a much more reasonable proposition for use on the road.
2020 model uses the R frame and winglets.....Original frame had issues with flex vs feel so the R frame became the standard fitment.
Jamessd said:
Thanks for the explanation, makes sense and sounds like a positive improvement for both road and track.
Not sure for road but definitely for track. Quite a few guys who were early adopters for the first V4S's are fitting the R frame rather than buy the new bike. Can be had at a reasonable price based on racer support
If you're not tracking it you'll be fine with a 2019 or earlier.
I'd not go Streetfighter or 2020 purely because you'll be taking the brunt of the depreciation – also I'm not sure if you can get a Streetfighter before 2021 now?
If you're interested, I did a quick write-up from a layman's point of view. I ride purely on the road (I've done a few CSS courses, but haven't done a UK normal trackday in 10 years), so I'm not coming at this from a 10/10ths hero's point of view.
I'd not go Streetfighter or 2020 purely because you'll be taking the brunt of the depreciation – also I'm not sure if you can get a Streetfighter before 2021 now?
If you're interested, I did a quick write-up from a layman's point of view. I ride purely on the road (I've done a few CSS courses, but haven't done a UK normal trackday in 10 years), so I'm not coming at this from a 10/10ths hero's point of view.
Absolutely love mine, ex demo and yes it does get hot but the performance is outstanding. I’m so glad I checked my insurance before buying as a bike £20000 and over added £1000 to my policy. That’s why I went for one just under £20000. The handling is a dream and fingers crossed it will not give me any problems. It’s been ridden by better riders than me who were shocked at how good it is.
Edited by mjw7 on Monday 29th June 09:08
HughiusMaximus said:
Just to throw a wild card in the mix... have you considered the V2?
Its not the beast that the V4 is but is more reasonable for the road.
I test rode and bought one and I love it.
I’ve seen the glowing reviews they get and I’m sure I wouldn’t be any quicker on the v4.Its not the beast that the V4 is but is more reasonable for the road.
I test rode and bought one and I love it.
However, I’ve already got an RC8 and 1198 in the garage so am really attracted by the v4 (as well as fond memories of riding a Honda v4 back in the day).
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