Ducati Panigale V4 916 25 Anniversario Build Thread

[WyldCFH]

I understand making a bike your own and all, and the parts being used are good quality and look good, but why start with a semi-exclusive model and replace parts.
Could save $20k from the outset and end up at pretty much the same appearance.

 

[DucatiKev]

I understand making a bike your own and all, and the parts being used are good quality and look good, but why start with a semi-exclusive model and replace parts.
Could save $20k from the outset and end up at pretty much the same appearance.

I was curious “why this bike” in the very beginning. There is a story but you’ll have to wait for BMW’s book deal to go through

Don’t think he’s worried abt “saving $20k” lol

 

[WyldCFH]

I was curious “why this bike” in the very beginning. There is a story but you’ll have to wait for BMW’s book deal to go through

Don’t think he’s worried abt “saving $20k” lol

Hell, I'm not judging, maybe envious that I can't afford to tear down a 916 and rebuild it with other parts.

 

[DucatiKev]

Hell, I'm not judging, maybe envious that I can't afford to tear down a 916 and rebuild it with other parts.

Haha heck yeah. It’s just nice to see ppl working with their hands and creating something. I’m kinda on the other side “I’m just the pilot” but I will carry out typical maintenance.
I was kinda shocked to see the bike totally stripped apart. Pretty sweet

 

[youpaiyou]

I’m grateful he is taking us on this journey with him. I am just lurking this thread but I feel like I’m part of the process/involved.

 

[BMW Alpina]

Hmmm, I thought this thing was supposed to be the Flagship of Italian motorcycles. Between Aella and ProTi, it’s going to be half Asian by the time it’s done.

endodoc,
What is wrong of being half Asian? Isn't that would make you even RARER?
By the way, I am Asian, Chinese by race, (but cannot speak Chinese anymore) born and raised in some third world country in South East Asia,
Educated in the USA, and now want to call USA my home (for me and for my sons/future grandchildren), live the American Value (the truly noble value) and try to make My American Dream came true.

Many of the components (that you can't really see) in this bike is made in Asia. I bet you, most of the electronics (in components level like resistor, capacitor, LCD display) were made in Asia.

For example, further below is the picture from a forum member: Topolino
The Throttle body assembly of the Ducati Panigale V4 is made in Japan by Mikuni, and this is quite important part that enable all this performance.
Why? Because Ducati (like me) do not care about race or nationality. As long as they are the best parts (either aesthetics or quality or performance), I (or Ducati) will use them.

Oh by the way, Ducati (and MV Agusta) saw Asia as a very important market that they decide to have an assembly line in Asia:
Ducati expands Asian market presence - Motorbike Writer
https://www.roadracingworld.com/news/mv-agusta-partners-with-chinas-loncin-to-produce-new-line-of-350-500cc-motorcycles/

endodoc,
I really feel sympathy to you. It is clear that you really like to wrote a post that make people seemed inferior compare to you. I mean people can just do a search of your post here and about half of them is talking down other people.
Why is that? Why all this insecurity?

You might have more experience than many others here with working on your bike, but you are not the only person that can provide those knowledge. I mean, even when you are praising someone, it still will be followed by some talking down or to show off that you could do better than them. Do you know that it is normal that not everyone is like you? that is called diversity. Anyway, I am sure you will be upset again after this, but think about it endodoc, seriously think about it...
I know you never like to get criticize, this is just your personality, but if you like to modified your bike to the max, maybe you should start modifying your personality to the max, you know make it better.

Feel free to defend yourself and get upset as usual if you like, that is ok , I will let you vent your anger, and I will only address this issue one time and will not be wasting my time further, debating for something that is petty and distracting.
I am here to share my experience modifying my bike. I cannot controls thing beyond my control, but I can focus on things that matter and what I can control. Also, I understand it is hard to teach an old dog a new trick, right...

 

[endodoc]

Uh, it was a joke man. Did you seriously just write that? Where am I criticizing what your doing that begged you to sit down and write a novel. You take things very literally which is quite evident in how you write. The anal retention meter is clearly pegged. Relax a bit.

 

[BMW Alpina]

I understand making a bike your own and all, and the parts being used are good quality and look good, but why start with a semi-exclusive model and replace parts.
Could save $20k from the outset and end up at pretty much the same appearance.

Hell, I'm not judging, maybe envious that I can't afford to tear down a 916 and rebuild it with other parts.

Hi WyldCFH,
There is a lot of things that make me wonder when it come to people, but most likely there is a logical (or non logical explanation) about it.
For me, to be honest, I think the most logical explanation is, I am having my midlife crisis (I am near half a century old), and I want to feel the sweetness of my youth (again) when I owned the original 916 and when I own an Aprilia distributorship (along with Arrow exhaust, Italjet scooter, Ferodo, Goodrich, DelOrto, Valter Moto distributorship as well) in my country of origin. I fully realized, modifying this bike is a waste of time and money, but when I sit on my living room, looking at my personalized bike, , that feeling, it's worth it, it's really worth it.

I’m grateful he is taking us on this journey with him. I am just lurking this thread but I feel like I’m part of the process/involved.

Thank You so much youpaiyou,
I truly appreciate your kind word.

 

[endodoc]

And doing the same thing over and over again that hundreds of people have done doesn’t exactly peg the diversity meter my good man. You’re like the Mr Rogers of the chat board. It’s a little brisk.

 

[DucatiKev]

I fully realized, modifying this bike is a waste of time and money

I disagree that it’s a waste of time. I’d argue it’s actually a very good use of time. This project brings meaning and purpose instead of sitting here watching hateful, toxic “news”

Sure it’s costing lots of $$$ but it’s hardly a waste!

 

[BMW Alpina]

Uh, it was a joke man. Did you seriously just write that? Where am I criticizing what your doing that begged you to sit down and write a novel. You take things very literally which is quite evident in how you write. The anal retention meter is clearly pegged. Relax a bit.

Hello endodoc,

I just edit my post to add a little bit of my background (my race and where I originally came from). (hint: Asian )

I was a businessman all my life, endodoc, it's just that at one point in my life, I get so cocky, feel invincible, don't want to listen to others and think I am the only person that is smart and right in this world, and it cost me everything (financially).
I never understand (before) why people kill themselves, but at the lowest point in my life, I finally understand.

Since then, I am a change man (well I try to change as best as I could), despite all of that, I am still building my life (financially) and at this moment were forced to work for someone else, and take everything (negative) that came with it.
But that is ok, I will accept my punishment and carry on until I fully redeemed myself.

Back to my experience, I am now very careful, in things that I said and what I will not say, because I had many experience, where business (or larger more important issue) fail just because I say the wrong word. I learned a lot from my mistake in life and still need so much to learn.

If only I could turn back time...

 

[BMW Alpina]

Turn out UPS drop by very late this evening and deliver all the bolts I needed to install the rear suspension bracket and link back:


I noticed the bolts that came with the AELLA lowering links is grade 10.9, so I decided I want to upgrade all the bolts to grade 12.9, plus purchase the better dimension in length, head diameter, washer diameter so it will fit and distribute the tightening torque better (oh and have better clearance in tight spaces)

I tried to purchase bolts with Zinc coating just so it won't rust easily if I wash the bike someday, but some of them came only in Black Oxide, so I think I will get them "special" coating
I had been refreshing my memory this past few days on the Material Engineering, it was my favorite class during my college day, but after 25 years, I forgot most of it already

I also have to wait for my MotoCorse steering hub cover to arrive anyway because I plan to anodize the MotoCorse together with the lower link, so no rush. Which also means, my bike will looks like this for the next months or so since...
MotoCorse think it is fashionable to be late (in delivery) all the time

 

[bradp51]

Hey BMW Alpina,
I never knew that about the throttle bodies being made by Mikuni that is really interesting. I am going to have a careful look on my 1199 next time I have the tank off to see if 1199 throttle bodies are made by Mikuni. My old 1976 Kawasaki A4 (the first one with twin front discs) had 26mm Mikuni carbs. The Z1B model that came before it had 28mm Mikuni and made a couple more hp. That Z900 was my first super bike.

You sure are doing a lot of work there and as DucatiKev says great to see you getting your bike apart and learning about it. I always admire people who get in and have a go themselves. Keep the post coming many of us here enjoy reading them.

[/QUOTE]

 

[BMW Alpina]

Hey BMW Alpina,
I never knew that about the throttle bodies being made by Mikuni that is really interesting. I am going to have a careful look on my 1199 next time I have the tank off to see if 1199 throttle bodies are made by Mikuni. My old 1976 Kawasaki A4 (the first one with twin front discs) had 26mm Mikuni carbs. The Z1B model that came before it had 28mm Mikuni and made a couple more hp. That Z900 was my first super bike.

You sure are doing a lot of work there and as DucatiKev says great to see you getting your bike apart and learning about it. I always admire people who get in and have a go themselves. Keep the post coming many of us here enjoy reading them.

Hi Bradp51,
Thank You so much for your kind words and encouragement.
When I was selling Aprilia, I choose the RS250 (2 stroke) to compete in the 4 stroke 400cc class at my country of origin national race. My team dominate the entire season and then we got banned.
Most people thought it was an Italian thorough (and pure) bred, but not many people realize it is basically a Suzuki RGV250.
The Bimotas of the 90's era mostly powered by Japanese bike engine and now they are own by Kawasaki
I just realized, the Panigale V4 model actually use a SHOWA front shocks,
and even Ohlins can grow to it is today, simply because in certain period of time, Yamaha invest heavily and owned Ohlins.

The good and admirable thing for Ohlins is that Ohlins still grateful to Yamaha that it mention about this Yamaha owned era in its current webpage (link below) regarding its history
The Company - Öhlins DTC
more story here: Ohlins Buys Back Company From Yamaha | Motocross Action Magazine

Even the Italian Bicycle Industry, the biggest name like Bianchi, Pinarello etc,.. majority of their model with carbon fiber frame, all source from Taiwan.

I tell you one story,
When I just arrived back in USA (with my family), and despite my Chemical Engineering degree from University of Southern California in Los Angeles, nobody wants to hire me because I never have working experience in the USA, plus most of my previous working experience in my country of origin was businessman (not worker). The only places that want to hire me were car dealerships (INFINITI) and I am only working as a lowly car salesman.
I like to work very hard, so I can make more money and end up being the#1 salesperson (both in car volume and CSI/Customer Satisfaction Index) since the day I start until the day I finally find a better job (2.5 years).
But my fellow co-worker initially were not happy because I am willing to work all shift and never take a day off.

At one point, one of them complain to my manager, and saying in front of my face that this dealership is NOT a CHINESE SWEATSHOP !
referring to my non stop work ethic from the moment dealer open in the morning until the dealer close at night (all shift).
My answer to my fellow salesman was, this is America and this suppose to be a Capitalist Country. If I am willing to work harder then you, then you should not complain.
What you should do is try to work as hard as I can and not trying to make me lower my hard working effort just so I can be at the same (lower) level of hard work like you.
That explanation shut down this issue.

At another larger Infiniti dealer, the similar thing happened, and the team B from another shift claim that I belong to Team A which have certain shift time so I cannot work during other's team hours.
Well, we are working on commission only (not hourly paid) so I told the General Manager that when they recruit me (because they know I am the best sales person at the other Infiniti dealer), the General Manager promised me that I can work any hours.
So in order to make it "LEGAL" I demand that I will have my own new Team with different working hours. And coincidentally, there is no Team C, yet, so I told him, let me be the sole member of Team C which I always tell people, C in this case means
Team CHINESE. My General Manager granted my wish because he wants to keep me there and I become number 1 sales person again and make enough money for my family to have a better life (and for the dealership too of course).

Oh, another funny story, another salesman, once yell (mocking) at me because I was running on the dealership lot to get a car in a hurry because I don't want my customer to wait to test drive it. That salesman yell, something like YOU ASIAN...
and I yell back at him. HEY, DO YOU FORGET that YOU ARE WORKING FOR INFINITI, (Nissan) an ASIAN COMPANY? That person never bothers me again

Luckily, I found several better jobs more related to my engineering degree for the past 5 years, but I will never forget the hard lesson as a lowly car salesman to survive

 

[BMW Alpina]

If anyone here interested in LOWERING rear suspension height of your bike for any reason,

I noticed this picture on Instagram a few days ago, so I contacted Brocks Performance.
The adjustable link on this picture is a slightly modified (material removal) of the Brock's Performance lowering kit for Hayabusa: https://brocksperformance.com/window-link-kit-adjustable-hayabusa-99-20/
This kit will also need longer bolts.
However, Brock's Performance just told me that they will have a solution specific for our Panigale V4 available in about 2 weeks from today.
I was excited because my current AELLA lowering link is NOT adjustable. However, then I realized, that the Instagram picture below shows a Panigale V4 with the optional Akrapovic full race/slip on system.
That is why it is easy to reach the adjustment bolts.
On my bike with the type approved Akrapovic (shape like stock silencer), the link would be half covered by the silencer, meaning if I want to adjust the right height, I will have to remove the silencer (and we all know that is not the easiest thing to do with our bike). So I think I will just have to be happy with my NON Adjustable AELLA lowering link, but I thought I should share about this product in case anyone here interested in lowering their bike.

Brock's Performance also informed me that they are also working on possible solution to RAISED the bike. Just contact them directly, they are very fast in responding to your inquiry.

 

[BMW Alpina]

My painter just emailed me the pictures of my Peter Lieb Lower Tank Carbon Fiber Cover/Protector with the Akrapovic Sticker covered by layers of Matte Clear Coat so you can feel the sticker edges anymore and it is smooth.
I also asked my painter to adjust the shade a bit more matte and hopefully it will be ready along with my modified tail fairing (correct the number 1 with the right font style) in a few weeks.
If anyone in the bay area would like to do a custom paint work, feel free to contact me and I can introduce you to my painter.

 

[able duc]

I was enjoying your modifications at first but then it all became about yourself and not so much the bike, that was a shame for me. And then I read "I am only working as a lowly car salesman" interesting comment I hope sales people reading this are not offended by that but then I assume you won't be concerned in your pursuit for self promotion.
In your working environment when you speak about legal I assume you mean Unions or workers working conditions and rights which have been fought for by many and over a long period of time and which I am sure you are enjoying some of the benefits now (my only experience is Australia) and which you are trying to circumvent with your dealership principle. I work in public health and have just had the unions fight for us to be supplied with adequate personal protection from covid19.
Shame I noticed all this when trying to relax and enjoy motorcycles, anyway I'm off to work on the front line with many others. Boring when it gets personal and way from bikes isn't it?

 

[BMW Alpina]

I was enjoying your modifications at first but then it all became about yourself and not so much the bike, that was a shame for me. And then I read "I am only working as a lowly car salesman" interesting comment I hope sales people reading this are not offended by that but then I assume you won't be concerned in your pursuit for self promotion.
In your working environment when you speak about legal I assume you mean Unions or workers working conditions and rights which have been fought for by many and over a long period of time and which I am sure you are enjoying some of the benefits now (my only experience is Australia) and which you are trying to circumvent with your dealership principle. I work in public health and have just had the unions fight for us to be supplied with adequate personal protection from covid19.
Shame I noticed all this when trying to relax and enjoy motorcycles, anyway I'm off to work on the front line with many others. Boring when it gets personal and way from bikes isn't it?

Hello Able Duc,
I had been a sales person all my life even when I owned my own business, and what I mean by "lowly" car salesman is, it is really the lowest position in sales at a car dealership (with all the baggage, insult you received everyday).
However, I am PROUD to experience being a lowly car salesman. If I am ashamed of it, why do I mention it here? It is by far the most mentally exhausting job I ever did in my life.

There is no union with car salesman job, you only make money if you sell a car from your commission. With the internet making it hard to make gross profit margin, I only make $250 per car that I sold because it's always a mini deal (not much gross profit, and sometimes selling car at loss).
If, I don't sell a car, I will only got paid minimum salary , I believe around $12 per hour at that time and if you don't sell enough car each month, you will be fired within 2 months max.
This is not a cushy union job. I wish car salesman have union so we can defend our rights.
Only the salesman who is willing to work hard and know how to sell a car can survive. I could go on and on about this, but unless you work as a car salesman in the USA, you will never understand, plus you will accuse me of talking more about self promotion of me.

You see,
Just like you, I was enjoying posting about my bike, and I want to focus more on my bike modification posts but when I saw a post in my thread that mention "ASIAN" in an unfavorable tone, I will address it (at least one time).
I won't address it too much because I know it is not easy to change a person view on race.

Asian people here in the USA, have the highest average income. Why, well because we are very adaptable. But there is one thing that we simply cannot adapt, which is our DNA. We willing to work hard beyond what is required.
However, we cannot modify our DNA, we will always have either Yellow skin like me or darker skin like some other Asian. Beside, why we want to change our DNA anyway? I am PROUD to be ASIAN.

Now, I understand that I can't change your view and I cannot make everyone who read my post happy, so this is my last response on this subject to you.

 

[endodoc]

Really, why don’t you go ahead and re-post my ASIAN comment and tell me how you single handily formulated that into a derogatory racial slur and maybe we could get the short version

 

[DucatiKev]

I flipped my Aella tie downs to the opposite side so I could hide that god forsaken Japanese logo (I really just don’t like logos, I have a disease/disorder)



on a serious note, @BMW Alpina will you be having the printed pieces clear coated? Would it be matte or gloss? Your printer does some very handy work