HP4 vs Panigale

bronch said:

I wish I could own both. They are both very different in looks, ergonomics, power delivery and handling. I think the pani is more tricky to ride well, fast and at above 10K. I think you need more skill to be smooth on it. The BMW may be a different bike above 10K, but it's delivery is still manageable in my opinion as a less than expert rider. Fast, no doubt. But, the pani above 10K is a handful. It's twitchy, sensitive to every subtle input and I think really just wants to wants to kill you.

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Stw said:

So the Hp4 actually comes with a lower rev limiter during the break in period??

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VAST said:

that's prob bc you were "puttering around" relative to the 10k+ beemer zone; in fact, anyone crossing 10k on the street are being irresponsible. on the track, you would prefer the beemer every time and your senses would be on overload if you were truly trying to push the beemer...

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gnance said:

Otherwise they break...lol

just kidding.....

although they did have a few engine failures on them when the 2010 model came out and before they imposed the mandatory limiter. I still wonder why they enforce a limiter when no other manufacturer does that (they suggest, but not enforce). I don't have hard facts or proof, but it makes me think the beemer engine is a bit on the fragile side having to spit out that much power has to come at a cost.

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Kuroshio said:

... Basically you just described the psycho ex everyone's had: was a great lay but way too much drama to be a keeper.

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Kuroshio said:

Then why only impose it for 600 miles? I think what happened was when it was first released too many people rode it "like they stole it" and fuggered the break in. Or BMW found a good number of warranty claims could be attributed to bad break in. So they covered their ... with kevlar diapers.

It is interesting that for the HP4 BMW returned to the lighter crank that the early 2010s came with and were subsequently replaced with a heavier one in later models. Anyways I'm confident the engine isn't fragile. There are still guys who take it straight from the dealer to the track with only a pitstop to hit it with the gs tool to remove the limiter. Even during the 2012 conrod recall there were many who refused to give up their track days and take it easy till recalled. With no ill effects

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oalvarez said:

congrats, Wafatboy, that's quite a bike. did you opt for the standard or Competition package HP4? how would you characterize the ergonomics of the HP4 in relation to the Pani? does it feel as flickable as the Pani?

thanks in advance, and enjoy!

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WAfatboy said:

Sorry for the tardy reply, i tuned out. I wrote the short review below but didn't post it...so here it is!

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So I thought that given the amount of stick the Pani got when tested against the S1000RR I'd post a quick snapshot for anyone considering the choice between the HP4 and Panigale. If you've test ridden an S1kRR this will probably sound familiar.

First the caveats:

1. I'm half Italian
2. I've always ridden Italian sports bikes (albeit classics)
3. The HP4 is still being run-in

Compared to the Pani:

Riding position: You sit more 'in' the bike than 'on'. The tank wide so easier to grip.

Seat: comfortable, not slippy, can't see myself changing it.

Screen & Instruments: Actually like the dial better for revs but Pani digital display much easier to read. Mode change easier than Pani with one clear switch. Love the shift light (will love it more if its programmable)

Sound: under hard acceleration the bike sounds great but like any IL4 but the Pani sounds unique, the BM can't match the emotive sound/vibe of a high revving twin. The 'pop' on up shift can't be beat! The BM sounds a bit monotonous, droning, when cruising. [NB. I've since tuned my ear to the sound and actually its a sweet sound (no db killers), and once its de-restricted I suspect I'll enjoy it even more]

Gear shift: quick shift is better than Pani at low speed but the Pani seems better at high speed but there not much in it. The downshift feels clunky but I'm still working on my blipping! [after 1000km I'm much happier with the gearbox and the downshifting which isn't clunky - was my incompetence]

Engine: Spins up like a jet engine, torque seems good, very tractable. The speed you have to get through the gears in is unbelievable. Engine sounds like its running a gear too low. Feels a little tight but when the rev limit is lifted I'm sure it will be insane. Will judge once I can access 9k+

Fit & finish: the finish on the BM is mostly good but the black plastic looks cheap so be prepared for another $2k of carbon fibre to sort it out. Paintwork is great, very vivid blue.

Handling: the bike tips in more slowly than the Pani but feels like its on rails - its more forgiving. Haven't really tested it well at very high speed but on fast country roads nothing fazed it, much more stable on straight or bends. The DDC (dynamic damping control) lives up to the hype. I have spent a lot of time setting up the Pani and I don't think there's a lot in it at high speed straight line but love the smooth turn in - wish I could replicate on the Pani.

Overall: This bike is a great package, and its handling is exceptional, the speed and acceleration is spectacular and it looks good. It maybe doesn't feel as special as the Pani but I suspect I haven't scratched the surface of the BM whereas I have 15k on the Pani but if I was faced with a choice I would still choose the Panigale. Luckily I didn't have to choose can't wait to take it to the track.

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Trauma said:

I so want a bike that you have to ride above 9000 to make better than a Panigale, because we all spend soooo much time up there.

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WAfatboy said:

I guess it's all relative. The Pani tops out at 11,500, the BM 15,000, I ride the Pani a fair bit through the rev range at 7-8 and even at normal spirited riding I found myself backing off on the BM - so I'd expect to be running to 10+ as standard.

It's a great bike no two ways about it - I'm not one to 'justify' my purchases, I really do like it. It hasn't dampened my ire for the Panigale though, can't wait to get the bloody thing out of the shop.

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VAST said:

that's prob bc you were "puttering around" relative to the 10k+ beemer zone; in fact, anyone crossing 10k on the street are being irresponsible. on the track, you would prefer the beemer every time and your senses would be on overload if you were truly trying to push the beemer...

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DUCPAN said:

Nike vs. Puma...as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so is sound and character. All boils down to personal preference as both bikes are amazing in their own right. If you decide to use someone else's opinion, you may end up spending a lot of money in the hunt. Bottom line, ride both, make a decision and enjoy the ride. Congrats oh whichever direction you decide to go.

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mark419ny said:

or get both like i am in the process of doing

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Capt CF said:

-1. I'd pick one superbike and then use the additional funds for a Husaberg and a Monster or a KTM and a Hyper or SF. Man, all the choices out there and you want two of the same bike! What about a nice Harley? I could totally see you on a Goldwing too.

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Kuroshio said:

Basically you just described the psycho ex everyone's had: was a great lay but way too much drama to be a keeper.

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