You guys are making me think on my plan. Bought a 22 V4S to ride from now until Nov23 when they said the V4R would be in. I'm 11th on the list, so would expect it to be a while. Use case is 25% Street 75% track (6-10 track days/yr, medium pace, not a racer). Thought about exhaust & dry clutch (sound does it for me), call it a day instead of the R. The idea of the torque band being bigger and then there's also the talk of mechanical suspension vs electronic. But the R is the R right? Same draw OP has to the R sounds like. $ wise is 30+6+4 vs 45+6+5(V4S loss). Really enjoying the S so far, hadn't had it on track yet though. Set the ego aside and keep the S and more $ for rider improvements/enjoy more power?
The only real advantage the R has over the other Panigale V4 range, is, you can say it's the R.
I dynoed my V4R and 22 base model, on the same day, on the same dyno, using the same wheel. Less than 1hp difference in peak hp, and power curve was almost identical.
Back to back, the R engine is amazing, the way the engine makes its power is bonkers. But, you have to stay on top of it, and work it, all the time, to make good progress.
In isolation, the 1103 engine is the same, bonkers. But, you just don't have to work it as hard to really get shifting. And the visceral thrill is the same, it's immensely enjoyable, more tractable, and, faster.
Both weapons, but the R is 100% not worth £16k more than the base bike, as an experience.
