[Huy Nguyen]

Hi All,

It's been a week of ownership coming from a 2014 S1000RR to the V4. This thing is a beast and I am very happy with the bike after 450 miles of riding. The bike does get very hot but it's manageable with the right gear on. Really only behind my left thigh gets cooked.

Here are a few things in contrast between the two bikes.

1. The Duc is definitely not as smooth as the BMW, in terms of low speed driveability, or vibrations. I feel a constant pulse throughout the bike when cruising on the highway below 6k RPM(still breaking her in). The hydraulic clutch takes some time to get use and gives me weird feedback - I prefer the old cable pull clutches still

2. The bike is an all out performance beast! The weight savings of ~ 20lbs is definitely felt. The Pirelli SP V3's paired with the geometry of this bike makes turn ins, and switchback feel like I am on a 600. I felt like on the S1000RR I had to muscle it a bit to get the bike change directions and it still felt like it wanted to plow through a corner. On this bike, I feel less exhausted after a long day in the mountains. I hear the newer 2015 S1000RR's have better turn in but I've yet to be able to ride one to feel the difference.

3. The DQS is not as aggressive and punchy as the S1000RR, which I don't mind - it's buttery smooth actually. It took some time to get use to the DQS for downshifts as I normally downshift myself and can do all it fairly quickly but it's nice to have. I just have to remind myself to close the throttle on downshifts.

4. The headlights and DRL system is awesome! The bike is gorgeous and everyone I ride with is jelly Overall- If I had to choose between the two again, I would go Ducati again. Let's see how the bike holds up as I plan to daily ride and track it as I did with my S1000RR(25k miles/ 4years without issue)

Looking forward to the Ducati Camaraderie

 

[DarR]

@Huy Nguyen
Congrats on the new bike.
When I chose the Panigale 959 it was marginally over the S1000RR.
The BMW is an outstanding bike but felt big relative to the Panigale.
Buying the Ducati turned out to be a good decisions. No regrets.
About your #3: the DQS having to close the throttle.
I noticed exactly the same thing when I demo'd the 2017 Monster 1200S which for me defeats the purpose.
I didn't like that and felt it slower than using the clutch where I normally stay on throttle with a slight blip to down-shift.
I was told thereafter that the bike may not have been broken-in yet.

 

[SixShock]

@Huy Nguyen
Congrats on the new bike.
When I chose the Panigale 959 it was marginally over the S1000RR.
The BMW is an outstanding bike but felt big relative to the Panigale.
Buying the Ducati turned out to be a good decisions. No regrets.
About your #3: the DQS having to close the throttle.
I noticed exactly the same thing when I demo'd the 2017 Monster 1200S which for me defeats the purpose.
I didn't like that and felt it slower than using the clutch where I normally stay on throttle with a slight blip to down-shift.
I was told thereafter that the bike may not have been broken-in yet.

You really need to get a V4, it is THAT MUCH BETTER. I'm never going back to the midigales as the V4 is a straight better bike in everyway.

 

[DarR]

You really need to get a V4, it is THAT MUCH BETTER. I'm never going back to the midigales as the V4 is a straight better bike in everyway.

I'm on this forum of course because I'm considering it. I was discussing this very topic on the 959Panigale forum.
I really don't need the extra power of a 1299 which is why I preferred spending the extra cash to buy a Monster 1200R.
However, it's the V4 engine configuration and characteristics that's intriguing.

 

[playersnoopy]

I can only compare to the 2017 BMW S1000RR and only on track vs V4S only on street

But the DQS 10x smoother especially on the downshifts than the BMW; but both work the same and need to be on the throttle for up and off the throttle for down. Just don't try to quickshift under 5k rpm... cuz you ain't quick if you're in that range lol

Definitely agree with you on the feel of the bike; comparing to my CBR600RR this bike feels as light (since it's basically the same crub weight) and easier to steer into turns than the BMW. The BMW is an awesome machine but it feels like a 1000cc and you can tell it's a big bike. This looks slim from a distance... long when you see it from the side; and then bigger than expected when sitting on it. But when you ride it it's like riding a 600 with ridiculous power.

The power is just ridiculous... just 1 setting above lowest and it gets a little scary... at full power you better be locked in because you will get thrown back and hanging on to dear life.

I'm trying to get my bike in today for my initial service; the oil light just came on last night and got home with 640miles on it. I've had the bike for 11 days now and crummy weather right now... but guess good time for it to go into the shop.

Just hate the most expensive oil change (initial service) and checking to make sure the bike isn't falling apart.

 

[V4Dream]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[spinkick]

Its funny when people on other bikes say this bike doesnt feel smooth. Coming from a twin, I thought the v4 was a Japanese bike!

 

[Bikeman]

Congrats on the new V4 and welcome to the community. Since you've already put 450miles on it in a week, I think that speaks volumes to how it rides.

 

[VPS]

Yes, congrats on the V4.
I have a ‘16 S1000RR that I have used on the street, but primarily track. It’s a confidence inspiring bike that makes track riding fast seem ‘easy’. I have the BST carbon fibre wheels on the BMW and it seems telepathic for turn in; much lighter feeling after the wheels install.
The V4 has a similar feel to the BMW for confident and reasonably (super bike considerations) comfortable street riding, however seems much more like a track weapon. Sadly, the expense of the V4 likely means I’ll never ride it at the track. But I bet it would be “awesome” and more sensational compared to the BMW.

 

[V4Dream]

Its funny when people on other bikes say this bike doesnt feel smooth. Coming from a twin, I thought the v4 was a Japanese bike!

I heard similar feedback and it goes with the rest of the bike which with track test reviews you'll notice "smoothness" remains a consistent theme.