GSXR 750 v Panigale V4
Discussion
V4 went to the dealer yesterday for the first service. So had to go out on the GSXR today.
Taking it out of the garage, clearly in the looks department it loses against the V4. My friend rather cruelly reckoned it was Thora Hird against Monica Bellucci but I think that is going to far. Still, 1-0 to Italy. However, in some ways I quite like the understated appeal of the GSXR. Ultimately I don't care what people think but sometimes I do get a bit conscious that the Ducati is a bit flashy (and as a brand probably disproportionately ridden by the ATGBNFI crowd).
Turned it on. Then almost checked if it was running. Even with an aftermarket exhaust it is so much quieter. Doesn't sound as good at idle either. 2-0 to Italy.
But as soon as I sat on the bike and rode off the Japanese scored some points back. Firstly - a normal side stand that doesn't need you to swing your leg forward to release nor faff around trying to put it down. GSXR also smaller, more comfortable (for me) and lower. Once on the move another revelation - mirrors I can see into that don't go blurry above 2000 rpm. A small thing but when moving on over A and B roads I do want to be able to check what is behind me. And indicators that are simple to use.
Clearly the V4 wins when it comes to power. You can cruise in 6th but still overtake anything with a twist of the wrist. The GSXR has more than enough power, but not as immediately accessible.
The bikes are on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to electronics and toys. The V4 has them all (apart from the electronic suspension as I have the base bike) compared to nothing for the GSXR (I think it has one pointless "rain" mode that will never get used by me). Although without ABS the GSXR brakes are still really good. The gearbox seems sweeter to me, I can clutchless upshift very smoothly (at road speed) and it is a joy, not a pain, to click down the box, blipping the throttle on the way. I quite like the fact that it is me doing everything, not the bike. On the other hand, having the ABS and electronic controls does provide a safety net. Maybe I will never need them but if I do, they wouldn't be there with the Suzuki. I am conscious that on the bike it is too easy to run out of talent. Having the electronics is a definite plus in that respect.
Cornering and handling on both is brilliant.
My grand plan was to get down to one bike. I assumed that would be the V4. I even called the Suzuki dealer this week to get a price for selling it (which was lower than even what I thought was a pessimistic estimate). After the ride today I am not so sure. Have I been sucked in by the V4's newness?
A proper comparison will have to wait until the V4 is run in properly. However, not the forgone conclusion I thought it was last week.
Taking it out of the garage, clearly in the looks department it loses against the V4. My friend rather cruelly reckoned it was Thora Hird against Monica Bellucci but I think that is going to far. Still, 1-0 to Italy. However, in some ways I quite like the understated appeal of the GSXR. Ultimately I don't care what people think but sometimes I do get a bit conscious that the Ducati is a bit flashy (and as a brand probably disproportionately ridden by the ATGBNFI crowd).
Turned it on. Then almost checked if it was running. Even with an aftermarket exhaust it is so much quieter. Doesn't sound as good at idle either. 2-0 to Italy.
But as soon as I sat on the bike and rode off the Japanese scored some points back. Firstly - a normal side stand that doesn't need you to swing your leg forward to release nor faff around trying to put it down. GSXR also smaller, more comfortable (for me) and lower. Once on the move another revelation - mirrors I can see into that don't go blurry above 2000 rpm. A small thing but when moving on over A and B roads I do want to be able to check what is behind me. And indicators that are simple to use.
Clearly the V4 wins when it comes to power. You can cruise in 6th but still overtake anything with a twist of the wrist. The GSXR has more than enough power, but not as immediately accessible.
The bikes are on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to electronics and toys. The V4 has them all (apart from the electronic suspension as I have the base bike) compared to nothing for the GSXR (I think it has one pointless "rain" mode that will never get used by me). Although without ABS the GSXR brakes are still really good. The gearbox seems sweeter to me, I can clutchless upshift very smoothly (at road speed) and it is a joy, not a pain, to click down the box, blipping the throttle on the way. I quite like the fact that it is me doing everything, not the bike. On the other hand, having the ABS and electronic controls does provide a safety net. Maybe I will never need them but if I do, they wouldn't be there with the Suzuki. I am conscious that on the bike it is too easy to run out of talent. Having the electronics is a definite plus in that respect.
Cornering and handling on both is brilliant.
My grand plan was to get down to one bike. I assumed that would be the V4. I even called the Suzuki dealer this week to get a price for selling it (which was lower than even what I thought was a pessimistic estimate). After the ride today I am not so sure. Have I been sucked in by the V4's newness?
A proper comparison will have to wait until the V4 is run in properly. However, not the forgone conclusion I thought it was last week.
It will be once it’s run in!. To be fair though the GSXR 750 is a nice, very capable, still very fast bike.
Of course the V4 is objectively better in every department (aside from stupid side stands and rubbish mirrors) but it’s the newest,latest and greatest. I still like older analogue bikes too, they’re just as fun to ride, I’ve been giving serious thought to getting an RS250 to join the Ducati.
If you enjoy riding the GSXR as well as the V4, and can afford to keep it, why not?.
I went for a nice ride on mine today, had a few chances to open it up and I got through some twisty roads without getting held up too much, really love this bike through the bends.
Of course the V4 is objectively better in every department (aside from stupid side stands and rubbish mirrors) but it’s the newest,latest and greatest. I still like older analogue bikes too, they’re just as fun to ride, I’ve been giving serious thought to getting an RS250 to join the Ducati.
If you enjoy riding the GSXR as well as the V4, and can afford to keep it, why not?.
I went for a nice ride on mine today, had a few chances to open it up and I got through some twisty roads without getting held up too much, really love this bike through the bends.
knitware said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I'm not sure. On my test ride I got off and on a few times and the side stand was perhaps the most unmemorable part of the ride.To be fair, the engine on the GSXR is going to be a lot smoother and less rattley, both the RSV4 and the Panigale V4 sound louder and less refined at idle.
The RSV4 wasn’t too bad around town to ride but the Panigale isn’t the nicest bike to ride slowly, but that’s not what it’s for!.
The RSV4 wasn’t too bad around town to ride but the Panigale isn’t the nicest bike to ride slowly, but that’s not what it’s for!.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I should've elaborated more. Basically the last bit. The build and finish is actually really good in the majority of places its more the mapping and engine feel/vibes. Wouldnt change it though but its alot more course maybe is the better word compared to my gsxrAlso the ergo's on aprilia I typically find take a bit more time to get used to. The gsxr just all fits well but the tuono you sort of learn to ride but once comfy is a weapon of a bike at times
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