He was basically just saying the front and rear suspension were unbalanced, which is the same thing others have noticed. Sure, it would have been nice if it came set up better out of the box, but the thing is highly adjustable, both in suspension and electronics. Flip the link and set the sag at least, maybe put a different spring on back for running the flat rate (or in the front if the rear is right for you), find the happy spot in the damping adjustment, and you're good to go. Keep in mind, that's his first impression climbing on it cold and not set up for him, and he obviously wasn't up to speed on the bike's features or adjustability. Actually sounded a bit like some of Hodgson's (another former WSBK champion)first impressions. Wasn't sure about it at first, was surprised at how different it felt from the former generations, then got it dialed and grew a big smile.
Hmmmmm, Mixed review and feelings about the Panigale in MCN against the others
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He was basically just saying the front and rear suspension were unbalanced, which is the same thing others have noticed. Sure, it would have been nice if it came set up better out of the box, but the thing is highly adjustable, both in suspension and electronics. Flip the link and set the sag at least, maybe put a different spring on back for running the flat rate (or in the front if the rear is right for you), find the happy spot in the damping adjustment, and you're good to go. Keep in mind, that's his first impression climbing on it cold and not set up for him, and he obviously wasn't up to speed on the bike's features or adjustability. Actually sounded a bit like some of Hodgson's (another former WSBK champion)first impressions. Wasn't sure about it at first, was surprised at how different it felt from the former generations, then got it dialed and grew a big smile.
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today, even when buying a full suspension (or just front suspended) mountainbike, the first thing you do (or the dealer does), is to adjust the settings to your weight and your riding preferences...
why do people forget about that when buying a high performance motorcycle?
why do people forget about that when buying a high performance motorcycle?
Well for one thing, the rider doesn't weigh ten times what the bike does, but yeah - ditto. I say the same thing about ergo adjustability; heck, you drop $10K on a swank carbon road bike and the first thing you do is get fitted for proper position, right down to the mm, because it'll ride like a POS if it doesn't fit. With motos, everyone's always talking about how we should just get used to sportbikes being uncomfortable, having too much weight on your wrists, do core workouts, etc. As a long-time cyclist, I've gotta call BS on that one; motorcycle manufacturers are still way behind the curve on offering adjustable ergos stock. KTM are probably leading the way on that at the moment in sportbikes with the RC8R, and even that's pretty limited. I think the idea of having to drop another $500-$1000 to get adjustable rearsets on a $20K+ bike is (or should be) just nuts.
/Rant off
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Well for one thing, the rider doesn't weigh ten times what the bike does, but yeah - ditto. I say the same thing about ergo adjustability; heck, you drop $10K on a swank carbon road bike and the first thing you do is get fitted for proper position, right down to the mm, because it'll ride like a POS if it doesn't fit. With motos, everyone's always talking about how we should just get used to sportbikes being uncomfortable, having too much weight on your wrists, do core workouts, etc. As a long-time cyclist, I've gotta call BS on that one; motorcycle manufacturers are still way behind the curve on offering adjustable ergos stock. KTM are probably leading the way on that at the moment in sportbikes with the RC8R, and even that's pretty limited. I think the idea of having to drop another $500-$1000 to get adjustable rearsets on a $20K+ bike is (or should be) just nuts.
/Rant off
Well if they gave you everything to make the bike comfortable - how would they sell all their comfy seats and other gear
Well if they gave you everything to make the bike comfortable - how would they sell all their comfy seats and other gear
Exactly! Their gain = our loss. And they even have us crowing about the cool parts we bought for no other reason than to make up for their omissions, when we should be demanding better for our money as consumers. Can't blame 'em I guess, so long as we keep queuing up with ca$h in hand.
Imagine buying a nice Audi with a fixed-position, non-adjustable seat and steering wheel and then dropping a couple of $k on aftermarket bits just so it's not uncomfortable/awkward to drive. Don't think so...
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Well for one thing, the rider doesn't weigh ten times what the bike does, but yeah - ditto. I say the same thing about ergo adjustability; heck, you drop $10K on a swank carbon road bike and the first thing you do is get fitted for proper position, right down to the mm, because it'll ride like a POS if it doesn't fit. With motos, everyone's always talking about how we should just get used to sportbikes being uncomfortable, having too much weight on your wrists, do core workouts, etc. As a long-time cyclist, I've gotta call BS on that one; motorcycle manufacturers are still way behind the curve on offering adjustable ergos stock. KTM are probably leading the way on that at the moment in sportbikes with the RC8R, and even that's pretty limited. I think the idea of having to drop another $500-$1000 to get adjustable rearsets on a $20K+ bike is (or should be) just nuts.
/Rant off
I agree with your last statement...a bike of this caliber should have adjustable rear sets....I liked that about the 999.
But come on now, it's a superbike for crying out loud...I don't want it too comfy, that takes away from "Man and Machine"
. Just like too many electronics, I like where Ducati has gone with the Pani but any more than that it just a damn luxury bike lol
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I agree with your last statement...a bike of this caliber should have adjustable rear sets....I liked that about the 999.
But come on now, it's a superbike for crying out loud...I don't want it too comfy, that takes away from "Man and Machine"
It's not so much about "comfort" really as about being properly positioned for optimum handling. People talk about bikes' CG's and weight distribution all the time, but what they forget it that people have personal CG's and natural balance points too. Stand sideways next to a mirror and bend over. You'll see your butt move back without even thinking about it, since you're conditioned to automatically balance yourself. Try doing it with standing with your back against a wall and you'll feel off-balance and awkward, and will feel your core muscles being worked hard to compensate. Sound familiar? that's what happens when you introduce fixed contact points that don't allow you to stay balanced. So the real point is being balanced on the bike and spreading your weight evenly between hands, butt and feet. I've spent 5-6hr, 200K+ days on a road bicycle with far more reach and drop to the bars than any sportbike, and felt balanced and "comfortable" the whole time. And I guarantee you'll feel better in the corners on a bike that's dialed in to your personal anatomy than an off-the floor model.
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+1 , without the hours on the roadbike
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Link won't work for me - help?
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Here's another link to Scott Russell's interview after riding the 1199 for the first time
http://video.ak.fbcdn.net/cfs-ak-sn..._=1336711712_412b26630c6052fe5bc0f346fb882d4c
Pretty unusual for a racer to say a road bike is "an amazing motorcycle". He also says it has "great power, so strong"
http://video.ak.fbcdn.net/cfs-ak-sn..._=1336711712_412b26630c6052fe5bc0f346fb882d4c
Pretty unusual for a racer to say a road bike is "an amazing motorcycle". He also says it has "great power, so strong"
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Now that was cool. The interview sounded like what I imagine happens when a racer comes in and talks with his crew chief in the big leagues.
And Scott Russell obviously has some credibility when it comes to riding bikes.
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Race results seem to get bikes on my radar, and the ZX-10 is making a good sized splash this year. That's probably why I rarely give the BMW much thought, other than, "WTF, why can't that bike win a race."
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thats exactly how i feel BUUUT the kwak was definitely born a ugly duckling LOL
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It's about time! :roll eyes:
I'm in S.A., so I don't get to watch these things unfortunately.
I'm in S.A., so I don't get to watch these things unfortunately.
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Up till now the zx10r has proberbly been the best bike ive ever owned, awesome power just seemed to pull and pull, never ever gets the credit it deserved then or proberbly with the new bike now.
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