PB had one of the Ducati fleet bikes for a few days to test and JM came over to north wales to conduct the test and get some nice pictures, also get some laps in of Anglesey. We met the guys up at the Ponderosa and were all over the bike. The bikes details are something else, quality is superb, and it looks better in the flesh than the pictures IMO. As for its performance - its sodding fast as you would expect. I was on my RC30 and as we headed off into wales he buzzed me as a significant speed like i was stood still and it astounded me just how fast it was - and loud too. Its a 35k bike though, and if you read last months PS / PB it certainly made an impression for sure. Do i want one ? i can think of other bikes i would buy for 35k, however a V4S would be a wise purchase to squirrel away for 20 years if you fancy an alternative pension idea. Incidentally MCN rode the V4R and compared to the RC30 the other week too. (if not already seen it)
One of the guys who joins us on trackdays has a H2 and its hilarious. It comes past at significant speed and chirps away like a budgie on the over run. Certainly pretty capable of winning the novice group for sure.
You were there ! - with an RC30 as well ! - flippin 'eck Interesting to hear your comments. I bought a copy of practical Sportsbikes (which includes the PB section) - read the review; watched the MCN vid as well. Thanks for all that. So what do you think of it - do you like it ? would you ride one/own one ? Personally, it is a bit flash for me - people coming over and taking pictures and expecting you to ride it like Dovizioso Don't get me wrong it is gorgeous - I get that - fully understand that. But I like this better, or the Fireblade SP for a splash of colour, but this probably given a choice:
i would love any of the above mentioned (r1m,v4 or even a 1299 panigale or the 2016 sp) but would just ruin them with too many miles or commuting)
JM and SL had pre warned me they were heading to my neck of the woods with the V4R so myself and another couple of PB guys who have lent them bikes over the years and got to know the guys met them up there for a nosey and catchup. It was a good laugh even between the mundane photoshoot stuff, and nice to catch up with JM and SL once again. The V4R attracted lots of attn for sure to the few that knew what it was and just how special it was (and the first time one had been seen in the wild) JM loved it and tested all the 3 pre programmed launch control "go's" lol I showed them a couple of local knowledge roads to take advantage of smooth plod free great view apex corners which helped with the good photo's they got. Sadly because of the paper used in the PB bit now, PB only gets X number of pages per month and as such each feature gets a slot as the paper is purchased in prior to writing so some articles are cut short and truncated resulting in a less than prime and flexible PB section This however has been done away with from next months allowing greater flexibility. As for the 30 - its my day to day bike and has been for the last 18 years or so, if you see a 30 around north wales - its a good chance its me / mine and can be often seen at Oulton / Anglesey earning its keep.
It's Jersey mate I think they can still shoot thieves there and you'd need a boat to get if off as well lol
I must admit if I was a millionaire i'd have one in the garage Even if the cambelts need changed after like 10 miles
The new, but limited edtion, 916 Anniversary looks rather tasty https://www.ducati.com/gb/en/bikes/panigale/panigale-v4-25-anniversario-916
How much are they? Someone I know test rode the BMW m sport and hit a mother of all pot holes and wheel cracked now 2k out of pocket has put a claim into the council...I didn't even think of that when I rode it...suppose I can happen anywhere roads are shocking
Thanks for the link.....want one very badly....love the graphics this is why I got into bikes back then the 916 with Carl on it at brands 100k plus crowd at brands all going mental bikes then we're our life out every night after work not enough money for fuel mates would lend you a fiver so you could turn up for the nightly race now I struggle to even get the thing out the garage...
Today at the caff someone rocks up on a Ducati Desmosidici RR - the thing looked brand new. Maybe harder work as a road bike compared to the current V4 models ? Not an everyday sight for most of us.....
Remember when they 1st came out my 848 had just been serviced and a guy was in the shop leaving the same time as me I asked hilm which way he was going and I left my ear plugs out told him I would move over and for him to pin it by...they sound awesome on full chat...,ever increasing in value as well
