First time Ducati Owner

Bgroupracing said:

Hi all,

Over the years I have had 16 bikes... 13 in the last 5 years. Its about time I got around to getting a Ducati. Last month I picked up a used 2018 V4 Panigale base model. As I live in Wisconsin, I get to wait 4 more months to ride it. I am a slow track day rider, and have started to do a bit of (easy) trail riding with my daughter. I get out on the streets once in a while, but as most streets here go in a straight line... I find I quickly get board of risking my license... because of that, my plan for the Panigale is likely track only. I'm excited to finally own one of these beautiful machines. Other than motorcycles... I enjoy spending time with my wonderful wife and 2 kids.

-BGroup

Click to expand...

Bgroupracing said:

Hi all,

Over the years I have had 16 bikes... 13 in the last 5 years. Its about time I got around to getting a Ducati. Last month I picked up a used 2018 V4 Panigale base model. As I live in Wisconsin, I get to wait 4 more months to ride it. I am a slow track day rider, and have started to do a bit of (easy) trail riding with my daughter. I get out on the streets once in a while, but as most streets here go in a straight line... I find I quickly get board of risking my license... because of that, my plan for the Panigale is likely track only. I'm excited to finally own one of these beautiful machines. Other than motorcycles... I enjoy spending time with my wonderful wife and 2 kids.

-BGroup

Click to expand...

Welcome! Since you have a base I would upgrade the steering damper, find a good used set of Marchesini forged wheels and install a lithium ion battery. That will drop several pounds and give you some added stability. I would also consider a 520 Superlite chain and sprockets conversion. That alone drops 3 pounds of unsprung rotating mass from the drivetrain. Cheers!

You-Uh said:

Welcome! Since you have a base I would upgrade the steering damper, find a good used set of Marchesini forged wheels and install a lithium ion battery. That will drop several pounds and give you some added stability. I would also consider a 520 Superlite chain and sprockets conversion. That alone drops 3 pounds of unsprung rotating mass from the drivetrain. Cheers!

Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. To start I'm going to swap out the rear shock with a TTX-GP and re-spring the front. other than that and some stomp grip... I'll ride it a few track days to see if I like it. I'm interested in the reason for an upgraded steering damper? Is there an issue with people having tank slappers on them? I usually like to ride with an aggressive geometry, but figured I was going to stay close to stock to start with. Do you have a recommendation on a better damper?

As for the wheels & chain... I don't think I need to worry about weight from a power standpoint, I'm used to riding much smaller bikes. the advantage of the forged wheels for easier turn in would be nice, but not worth the cost to me.

Cheers,
Steve