I wouldn’t doubt that with Nigels intelligence it would be written in Japanese so none of the points raised were lost in translation
Or you folks don't need to be cunts and pile on a bloke that's not even around to reply for himself... just a thought. But back on topic... How about this little tidbit. You pays a couple thousand extra for authentic accessories only to find they screw up the bike dynamics.. Honda really missed the boat on this bike it seems.
Flipping heck almost not fit for purpose you would be mental to but one of these .....race start system needs service after 3 uses ....ohlins 2yrs ...waiting for Ducati to offer better finance then v4s next but even then entering a whole world of possiable issues......could be new GSXR and zx10 next year next year ...r1 update late 2021
Apart from the delays, yeah I would be pissed if I had ordered, but not sure why so much negativity about the new bike. It looks flipping awesome if that's your bag. It doesnt state it affects it badly it just says it affects the performance, this could easily be a good thing. Carbon loses weight so the legal eagles will have insisted on something in there but you cant always say it increases performance as (in the uk anyway) glorifying performance isn't the done thing in marketing anymore Also as we know carbon doesnt always have the longevity of plastics as less flex and can crack or shatter etc easier, so yes performance affected but probably by making it marginally quicker as it's now lighter. Anyway.......its going to be a cracking bike for those more bendy than myself just a little patience needed.
That's my concern too. I'm spending time this month test riding some flagship bikes before the Honda demo arrives. Today is Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory and Ducati V4S, BMW S1000R Sport (don't fancy the M model's stiff seat and carbon wheels) in a couple of weeks. I've never owned an Italian bike but of course heard the Ducati stories - more time in the shop than on the road. From what I've heard, they're not as bad these days as they used to be but this could be completely wrong. I'll obviously be asking for rough prices on servicing too and will try to keep a good poker face when I hear the numbers
I think it's pretty common for race start programs to need fettling after 3 or 4 uses and that can go for cars too. A relatives nissan gtr would eat a clutch after a half dozen race starts a friends 911 did the same in its launch control I'm sure I've read race teams do it as a matter of course after 2 or 3 full on starts. If your going to hammer the clutch there is no getting away from it, electronics or not.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe my 2017 S1000R Sport only requires a cooldown period between launches and I can't recall any particular "service after x uses" in the manual. Unsure if this applies to the RR models as well. edit: just checked the manual, only states 3 used of launch control followed by advising "allow the clutch to cool" for 3 or 20mins (engine running/stopped). No info regarding service needed after this
That may be the case there are dozens and dozens of different systems on the market across cars n bikes and some are for more effective than others. My point though was that when I read about the 3 launches and some fettling might be required I didnt think anything of it as it's not that uncommon for full on launch systems to require attention whether it be to just cool down or to make physical or electronic adjustments to it after a few uses. Some of the race developed systems can use multi stage clutch engagement as well as electronics checking wheel speeds and IMU data. On a road bike I cant see it being that much of an issue unless totally abused
My old E60 M5 with a V10 5.0lt, had launch control, yep in a saloon car ! Owners manual stated if LC used 4 times in would invalidate drivetrain warranty, or similar words to that effect.
My old 1299s £11000 in warranty over 3 years covered 9000 miles. !! Although the servicing is 1st service 600miles as most, then every 7500 miles.
Jeez that's a bit steep, voiding some of the warranty is just a piss take. Bet it didnt stop you 'testing it' though
Interestingly the M2 manual just says it may cause premature wear and then details how to use it. It then states that it will become available again after a short distance. Saying that I wouldn't like to try arguing a warranty claim.
What was £11000? The bike or the amount of warranty work? I did about 6000 miles each year over the last 3 years on my current BMW
I'm sure there ARE some out there but I've never met a ducati owner who hadn't had to have at least some work done under warranty. While shopping for my blade I was looking at a V4 and the newly launched V2 when a bloke comes up to me to look at the V2 while I was sat on it. I'm going to buy one of them he said , I know it will break down as my last 3 have but I want one. If your of that mindset then fair play to you but it confirmed to me that I would go japanese with the BMW RR an outside bet. Funny things was Gary the salesman made absolutely no attempt to try and argue things at Ducati were better now , he just accepted that was the way it is. They do look good though
Rode the V4S today and what a bike! The sound and the handling/stability were great surprises! Power throughout the rev range too! Dash is a bit low down, side stand a bit naff but the quickshifter was great, ergonomics were great but started feeling it on my palms after 45 minutes (bearing in mind I'd already ridden 2 hours just before the test ride). Also rode the RSV4 1100 Factory and it was a bit disappointing to me, one reason was when opening the throttle, it was a slow power increase to 5-6000rpm and then it started going like a rocket. It did sound good though If the Honda is anything like the Aprilia, I'd be very disappointed as the lack of low end pull really put me off. I mentioned Ducati reliability to the dealer and obviously, he talked about how his friend has another brand which broke down and he's never had issues with reliability personally. I'm just going to ignore that as like you mentioned, the majority probably have had warranty work done, and probably big jobs and he needs to sell bikes. I think with Ducati, and any other brand, if you really love a bike for it's looks and how it makes you feel, you'll put up with the negatives and make it work. And yes, they look fantastic which doesn't help because it means more money spent! I can't get over how good a single sided swingarm looks in real life! So now, let's wait and see how the Honda feels. Ducati fit me nicely (I'm 5' 9" and 10 stone) but hearing how cramped the Honda is, plus the potential lack of low/midrange it might not happen. It's not like Honda is advertising it as a road bike anyway, to be honest. P.S. the V4S gets bloody hot! I know it was 26C today but the dealer warned me before I went out but I couldn't have imagined. Big outlet of heat at lower left side, up the inside of my left calf. Had to stick out my leg after riding about an hour to try and cool down! Would've definitely cooked if I hadn't!
You'd think, but it becomes wearing very quickly. Especially when you've stumped up the cash for a new bike and something like a 25mm nut takes 5 weeks to turn up from Italy.
I think your right there. The emotions can dictate your purchase but the novelty of the new emotive purchase wears off after about 3 months and then your head kicks in and your stuck with it. That said I fully understand why people still buy products which at face value or not as well developed as they should be. Harley Davidson anyone, 50 year old pig iron design and iffy build quality? People still buy them
