1299 FE or V4 Speciale

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SOULRIDER

SOULRIDER

Joined
Apr 30, 2012
Messages
875
Location
Washington, NC
This has been a hellish 12 months. Last year at this time I had 5 bikes in the garage when I got the news I needed knee replacement. Major complications and 5 surgeries later I'm back on my feet. However my therapist told me after the first 2 surgeries I'd never ride again. The issue is with flexion in my knee. Since the last surgery I've really progressed. I'm at 125 degrees of flexion, so I'm close to where I need to be to be able to ride again. I'm 6'4" so even if I'm able to get to 135 degrees I won't be but so comfortable. That aside I'm going to ride again. All of my bikes were sold because for 8 months I couldn't bend the knee more than 85 degrees.

Now I'm looking again. I know the V4 and V2 are totally different. I won't be doing track anymore so I don't need the latest and greatest. I've seen a few V4 Speciale's for sale, and a couple of 1299 FE's. Obviously I can save a few bucks on the 1299. Those the have ridden both I'd be curious on your thoughts especially if your fairly tall. I've seen a video on Youtube that compares both bikes. Is the V4 just that much better? Thank you.

 
I haven't ridden either of those bikes, but certainly glad you're able to bet back in the saddle!
 
Yes shame you won't be tracking anymore, you seem to be giving that Pani a rite spanking.
 
I am only new to Ducati's and have not ridden a 1299 but from my dealer friend of some 30 years the 1299 are quiet the handfull.
For you as an experienced track rider you will handle the power the 1299 produces as from what my friend said you need your A game.

I have an 848 thats had mods and been dyno'ed at 136.5RWHP it is a fun bike but not a candle to my V4 "S".
Don't be fooled the V4 is an angry bike in Sport or Race with Dynamic power delivery selected it has got serious grunt although down some 20Nm torque from the 1299.
V4 in standard trim 124Nm 1299 144Nm it would be a close run thing but the power delivery on the V4 is very linear.
With the V4 after about 8 grand on the tacho is really rocks on and your better to change at 13,500 rather than 14,500 as max power is at 13,000 for the V4.
Yes others bang on about recalls and all the other guff but I think the V4 is a good effort as a first real full on 4 cyl from Ducati (Not withstanding the special Desmosidici.)
I have no plans to update my V4 for a later version as somewhere along the lines they seem to castrate them from the first model. Go the "S" model as there are so many settings for the electronic suspension you will never run out of options.

So I can only comment from the V4 side others that have had both may better assist you but based on what my friend said I would go V4 2019 model.
I think the riding position on the V4 is not as cramped as the 1299 which in your case a better option ergonomically if your going on long hauls.
I am glad your on the mend and looking into joining the fray on two wheels again.
Cinders....
 
Cinders said:
I have no plans to update my V4 for a later version as somewhere along the lines they seem to castrate them from the first model.
Click to expand...

Expound on that, will you? I understand every superbike revision Ducati has released has been somewhat docile compared to its predecessors, but most of that has to do with torque and torque delivery. The 1198 was violent at best, 1199 was a clear upgrade in every way, albeit less mean. The 1299 brought with it more torque, but some have said it's more composed. The V4 sould be another clear evolution despite lower torque numbers.
 
Should have clarified that sentence sorry I meant I wont be trading my 2018 V4 "S" on a 2019 V4 model. As for the updates it will go in when I see the recalls come up after checking the Ducati recall page.

This Euro 4 thing seems to be creating havoc on the manufacturers getting the horses out whilst maintaining emission standards.
Goodness me some of those exhaust cans look like they robbed them of a Kenworth cab over prime mover! Like is on the 2019 Jixer 1000R & Honda's 2019 Fireblade
 
If exhaust sound is important, I know the 1299FE under tail exhaust is noticeably quieter than a standard underbody exhaust. Heard one the other day, looks different, sounded too quiet for a ducati.
 
Glad you're back!

Cant say which one since I havent ridden V4. Cant go wrong with whichever. As much as I like V2, V4 may easier to ride around? I guess you just have to sit on the new V4 to see how your knee responds.
 
@youngR has the idea. If you are not going full tilt the power and amenities may be irrelevant, do a test ride and see how much stress is on your knee from the riding position, and adjustable rear sets of course on your final decision.

Bad knees here from too much hard skiing in my youth and I find being static on the bike the most painful thing since my knee will "lock". If I am moving around the bike it is a lot better, so tracking at 7/10 of how you used to ride may still be in the cards.
 
Coleman’s over in Va had two V4s brand new and we’re knocking 4K off the price. Unless you really want the Speciale I’d suggest getting the S with that low price.
 
I have ridden both bikes to their near maximum on the race track, I have been racing for several years now... My friend owns the 1299 FE and it’s a very well setup bike, definitely need to work harder to get the most out of it..Corner entry is fine, it’s on the exit where it always wanted to push wide, the bike tires you out a lot more to run the same pace as the V4.. I actually liked the stability on the brakes better on the 1299.. The 1299 was a great bike up to 80%, it’s that late 10-20% that really makes you work for it . The V4 was just easier for me to go fast on, like I did not have to put the same effort into riding it to maintain a fast lap time, I could actually rest on the straights if that makes sense to you. Hands down the V4 was the better bike for ME.. I don’t ride on the street so I cannot give you any feedback on this area...I also like the look of the 1299 FE if you go bye that.. Both bikes are very good up to 80%, It’s the last 20% where the V4 wins for me, less effort.. If you would like anymore specific information on either bike just ask... Glad you Are recovering... I broke my back and now have a L5 S1 fusion, also had my entire right ankle and heal put back together, I was told I should never ride again... LOL...
 
I wouldn't think you could go wrong with either bike. Hey if you want to see what the Speciale \V4 looks like with FE paint scheme I can help. I ordered that bodywork from a vendor and will post some pictures when ready.
 
having had both ill weigh in. The 1299R FE is a handful, definitely get the exhaust if you go that route. It completes the bike, its riding position is comfortable. But you don't care about that, the engine is aggressive. it revs up fast and still has a mound of torque in the midrange that makes it useable. It just feels raw, like you're jumping on the back of a pissed off bull, get it right and it will reward you. But, you've got to ride to the way the bike wants to be ridden.

The V4 on the other hand is a different beast. Id definitely recommend demo riding one. Its seating position definitely bent my knees more and made my lower body feel more compacted compared to the L2 Panigale. Still comfortable but your lower body is more scrunched up. As for the riding experience, the electronic suspension is awesome, brakes are superb, everything you would expect. Compared to the 1299R FE its different, it doesn't punch you in the face with torque and try to rip your arms off, but.... Its fast, the firing order does a good job giving you the twin feel and producing good torque. Once you get it into the revs the engine is incredibly smooth and just pulls. The top end is wicked. It'll pull up the front wheel in 4th gear by rolling on the power. Its planted in the corners but doesn't nt tip in as fast as the L2.

I could go on all day, but lets put it this way. V4 bends your knees more, could be an issue. L2 is like jumping on a bull, its angry, fast and you've got to play its game. The V4 is like a trained race horse, it knows what to do and how to get you there.
 
I ended up buying a Speciale. The bike is waiting for the oil cooler recall before being shipped. I needed it for my sanity after a hellish year full of complications due to the knee replacement. Thanks for the welcome back. I'm working on setting up another rally. Details to come. Again, thanks for the advice and welcome back.
 
I had the Panigale R which is a poor man's Superleggera 1199. The Pani R was blazingly fast but the V4 is quite a bit quicker yet more composed! Like, all the magazines have said, it is an easier bike to ride.
 
There coming to the end of production soon, havnt heard of anyone having anything over 1230 or so, so far
 

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