Help me decide 60th bday gift

My 60th birthday is coming and I’m trying to decide if I want to upgrade (I have 18 Speciale) to a 23 V4. The other option I am looking at is adding a 23 S1KRR. I have been looking at them for a while and always wondered.

If upgrade I will sell the Speciale and either builds a base or S. If I go with the BMW I will keep the V4 and use both for street & track. The BMW I am working the deal on is the M package with carbon wheels (would be the first time running with carbon wheels). I think that and their updates is what is drawing me to the BMW. The deal on that bike with carbon wheels and bilit package (rear sets, levers & brake guard). I had several Aprilia’s and a 2015 R1 prior to the Speciale but the true inline 4 was a 2005 ZX10.

Either one is a good present to oneself. Panigale V4 has more character. BMW is probably more technologically advanced and easier to ride on the track.

Maybe test ride a 23 V4 and see if the change is significant enough to make the switch?

If i had a v4 trim already, no way possible I'd buy a newer version of the same bike. I'd keep the speciale. If I'm changing bikes or cars, it has to be completely different.
Bmw all the way.

I don't quite agree but I see double's logic. The 18 V4 is pretty different from a 2022. I'm not sure what differences there are between 2022 and 2023. The later V4 are very much 1299 to then earlier 1199 and then some.

I'd get a base 23 and build it. You're already familiar with the platform and likely have tools and some parts/accessories which will carry over.

@SuperDomestique I was able to take a 22 V4S on one of my favorite canyon loops. It is definitely a step forward from the 18. The power delivery was smoother and the electronics are improved.

@double0 That is kind of the direction I am leaning as I will never know unless I try one. I do think that the BMW may be easier to ride fast consistently.

@bp_SFV4 You are correct I do have everything I need as far as extras for the V4. I hate to say it but I have been researching and BMW parts are much less expensive. Even though the BMW is a new 23 my dealer is really stepping out to make me a deal.

Thank you guys for your input. I am definitely blessed to be able to even have a decision like this one. If anyone else has any additional input or has ridden the newer BMW let me know what you think.

Economy is not in good shape and supply is plentiful. If it’s a good deal and no financing go for it

Desmolvr said:

Even though the BMW is a new 23 my dealer is really stepping out to make me a deal.

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Your BWM dealer? If they are hungry for a sale that definitely helps. I'd check some BWM forums and see if there are any common issues. A dude at my last track day was on a BWM and told a story about how the engine let go and dumped oil on the track and wiped out other riders. Apparently it was a recall item. He said it was an awkward ride back to the garage. Not that a Ducati couldn't do the same, just make sure whatever you get it pretty ironed out. It doesn't pay to be an early adopter of technology.

I've just swapped over to a new V4S from 2x current generation S1000RR's (2019 and 2020) both M packages with the carbon wheels etc. Never tracked or raced these K67s only earlier models. Excellent road bikes and in some ways better equipped for road use than the panigale. A quick run down on my take between the two bikes:
S1000 is very light and agile. Initial corner entry is fast as is corner transition but front end feel and feedback is missing when compared to how good the V4 is. The V4 handles just as well if not better is my eyes but needs a little more input to get there. Corner exit electronics are excellent on both bikes and the 23 model K67 also has slide control like the ducati.
I thought the bmw carbon wheels were great until I started cracking them on the type of roads I like to ride regularly. May not be an issue if you only track the bike or ride roads that are surfaced like one. I enjoy riding the mixed conditions that B roads can bring but these wheels just didn't seem to match. Currently have a bike that's been off the road for 2.5 months waiting for new front and rear. Have cracked 2 more fronts previously also granted 1 was in a crash but still.
The V4 appears to lack a little of the low - mid throttle response that the bmw shift cam engine produces. In saying that my panigale is still stock engine wise so maybe a full system will wake this up a bit.
S1000 very well appointed. Dash is excellent. Ergonomically comfy. Cruise control, heated grips etc. I had to fit the taller M seat to mine to gain more leg room and a nicer riding position (for me) but the V4 was the comfiest sport bike I've ridden in stock form. Love it. Just did a 3000km / 7 day trip on it with sfa freeway riding and it was brilliant.
New to me but not you guys is the fact the ducati feels exciting to ride. The bmw was so good at everything that it almost became boring. My partner bought a 2021 RVS4 factory and this thing along with the fact my s1000 was off the road waiting for wheels to arrive made me bite the bullet on the new V4S.
If you could own both bikes it would be a perfect world. Can't comment properly on either bike for track use. My track bikes are 2010 and 2015 model S1000's.

Davies stayed…

Upgrade to an SP2 or an R obviously, but the Beemer is a nice bike. Cant go wrong with either but I chose Ducati over BMW because of better ergos for tall people plus the fact that Ducatis make you feel special.

Paul G said:

Ducatis make you feel special.

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Obviously not true. He already has a special and is not feeling so special, so much so that he wants to replace it

double0 said:

Obviously not true. He already has a special and is not feeling so special, so much so that he wants to replace it

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Come on now I ride and track motorcycles so doesn’t that make special lol. Actually I have Speciale which turns out isn’t so special. The BMW may just be swaying me with hype. My thoughts on adding is that I have both bikes.
@Paul G - The SP2 is nice but not sure if I invested that much I would track it although I have on the 18 and it was similar priced. It is amazing what can change in 5 years.

Great write up Mcv4. I personally think the Bim might be the best bike (of them all) on the road and track, at the mo, but would likely never buy one. I don't like the vibes on the Beemer, but the riding experience of the Duc is something else. My previous stable of 04 ZX10R, 2x Ape's and Pani (1299) is a little similar to yours, with many miles on my mates cross plane R1. How fortunate we are to ride these golden age of motorcycles.

Desmolvr said:

Actually I have Speciale which turns out isn’t so special.

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I think that’s what doubleO meant

I had the BMW 2022 and the 2021 at trackdays in standard shape, very nice bikes. Simple to ride and fast. Did not like the vibrations and they are a bit boring I must say. Also did not like that you have to do the electronic setting every time you turn it on/off. Summary why I went for Ducati is more character, better electronics, nicer design and the V4 engine. The straight four is only fun at top rpm, the V4 I like all the time...Why not an R?!

Desmolvr said:

Come on now I ride and track motorcycles so doesn’t that make special lol. Actually I have Speciale which turns out isn’t so special. The BMW may just be swaying me with hype. My thoughts on adding is that I have both bikes.
@Paul G - The SP2 is nice but not sure if I invested that much I would track it although I have on the 18 and it was similar priced. It is amazing what can change in 5 years.

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The SP is built for the track, your Speciale is probably a lovely bike but as you say, electronics have moved on and they make a significant difference! I am smitten with my SP.

The 23 bike has 1 litre more fuel capacity and extra venting in the fairing lowers, the S/SP has gas charged electronic forks, i've not ridden one in comparison to my 21 bike but wow, mine is very good, especially with the full Akro.

The BMW? meh, inline 4, sounds like a Honda, or Suzuki etc. probably as reliable and dull as well, I've had my fill of dealers in general but BMW dealers here are worse than Ducati dealers, and that's saying something......

Loony888 said:

The SP is built for the track, your Speciale is probably a lovely bike but as you say, electronics have moved on and they make a significant difference! I am smitten with my SP.

The 23 bike has 1 litre more fuel capacity and extra venting in the fairing lowers, the S/SP has gas charged electronic forks, i've not ridden one in comparison to my 21 bike but wow, mine is very good, especially with the full Akro.

The BMW? meh, inline 4, sounds like a Honda, or Suzuki etc. probably as reliable and dull as well, I've had my fill of dealers in general but BMW dealers here are worse than Ducati dealers, and that's saying something......

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Tbf, the current BMW S1000RR is, probably, the least reliable of the current bikes.
Coil packs and shiftcam sensors are worse than gear position sensors on Ducatis...

Well I’ll be 60 soon and put a deposit down on a 2023 V4S, I think the next shipload of bikes hits the US in March. I sold my 1299S last October thinking thst I was done with bikes and got a 911C4S. But I’ve got the bike itch again. I’m hoping the revised gas tank and other changes makes for a better fit for me at 6’4” and 220.

same dimensions as me, you'll love it

Thanks. I didn’t like the shape and feel of the V4S tank and side when they came out. I can tell visually from pictures that it’s different shape now in 2023, looks like they narrowed the tank a bit and made it taller. Sort of squeezed it some.