Is Panigale the right bike for me?!

If you are looking for the best handling bike - 1199
If you are looking for power - I4's - i.e. BMW

I'm going faster on the track in terms of lap times compared to my R1 - although I'm about 10km/h slower on the straights

Just my2c

The Panigale is a new generation engine from Ducati, mainly to compete with the 4 cylinder bikes in WSBK, it won't suit everyone, but those that can utilise its engine will be very happy for sure.

I have a MV 1000 the earlier model, with a lot f work on it, and yes it is a stonking engine for a 4 cylinder, I think even more so on the road then the BMW.

I traded a BMW S1000 RR for the Pani, and my track bike is a CBR 1000. Although I just sold that too, the Pani is enough for me.

For me personally the Pani is just so stupidity incredibly outrageous I love everything about it. A manic Twin, masquerading as a V4, with every Italian quirk in one bike.

You won't be unhappy with any choices, just get what turns you on, only you can decide that. Good luck, but if your heart says Pani, go for it, them have fun playing with it.

The Pani has tremendous amount of torque everywhere, You hear people complain about the Flat Spot between 5-8K which is true there is a flat spot/dip but it still has tremendous amount of torque in that range. Only the KTM, Suzuki and Honda only has more torque in the 5-7K Range per the chart below. This chart reflects the original up map and before the fix for the mid range ECU update and before 41T Mod/ECU update. So if you like the feel of the 848 Evo, then the Pani will not disappoint you because it has way more torque everywhere compared to the 848 evo or the majority of bikes out there. It is also one of the quickest accelerating bikes you will find. It may not be the Top End king of the super bikes as I feel BMW may have that title due to its internal gearing and final gearing but its a close second. The Pani's handling, braking, power to weight ratio and sex appeal is second to none.

Everyone has given you great info and it is up to you. I had an MV Agusta F4RR 1078, loved the bike but had to many fuel tank issues with mine so I went back to Ducati which the 1199 is my 4th one. Yes, the MV does have the pull as well as the Duc. So, it is strictly up to you on what you want parked in your garage HA3AP.

Don't do it, you need to WANT it!

Go with your heart but be honest about how you will use the bike. A lot of the talk about the engine power characteristics really only applies on the race track, so if you only intend to ride on the road other factors are more important - handling, looks, comfort, looks, presence and drop-dead gorgeous.

Personally I would not have bought my 1199 on the basis of the demo ride alone. It was not set up for me, had the standard slippery seat, was limited to the local roads around the Dealership which did not allow exploration of it's abilities, and a £1k insurance excess if I dropped it! However, I got what I needed - appreciation of the beauty and presence of riding an exotic and unique brand of bike (my first Ducati). I wanted something different from the same old in-line four experience and boy did I get it.

Have I regretted it? Absolutely 100% not! Every time I look at it I smile, every time I ride it I laugh out loud while learning what it can do. I love cleaning it and modifying it, somehow treating it as more than just another bike. Roll on summer!

The only downside is the pressure of not screwing anything up when riding near groups of people - all eyes are on you because of what you are riding. Will you get that from the MV or BMW?

HA3AP said:

As much as I want to love the panigale, I have to say I was a bit disappointed...

I was about to buy the 2013 Panigale S, today went on a test ride of a 2012 Panigale S, and wasn't 100% satisfied, the power did move from down and midrange way up above 7k where it wakes up. I found myself downshifting on the highway to get some power... That is not what the twin engine represents!

I also hoped for a grin on my face, but pani did not deliver.

Now in contrast last year I demoed an F4 MvAugusta and loved almost everything about it! The engine is phenomenal everywhere in the power band! Had constant grin on my face, now considering the F4RR.

My question is, does the new Up Map/Fueling Map significantly change the power delivery?

I want to love the bike but as of now its not a 100% as it stands the decision to buy this bike over MV would be more a move with your head than your heart.

Please let me know if the new maps improve the situation? Thanks.

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The Up Map does significantly change the power delivery, along with the 41T rear sprocket. Not enough for you? Buy an R that lapped CotA within 1 second of MotoGP bikes during testing. If that's not fast enough for you your last name better be Doohan or Schwantz.

Also, keep in mind you're in Toronto, where bicycles regularly beat me and my S through town--and where doing 50km over the limit can cost one their license, bike and jail time. You want speed, move to Nevada!

HA3AP said:

Thanks for the replies, I did ride an s1000rr back in 2010 when they first came out, and was not impressed, also low on power down low and in the midrange, now I heard this was fixed as of recent.

I do love the panigale, the looks, technology behind it the flickability etc but was disapointed during the test ride, the bike was in Race mode. Everything apart the down low/ midrange power is amazing, the dealer should get 13' demos soon so I hope the new map will put the smile back on my face!

A few bikes were capable of putting true smile on my face, 848 evo, cbr1000rr, MV Augusta F4. Wished it would also be the pani, still have hopes as my 13 Panigale S should be here within the next few weeks, its either the up map will make me fall in love with it or the F4 will be my next bike.

Once again those who have the new maps installed without the sprocket (I assume thats the config of 13' Panigales) Please share your experiance.

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HA3AP,

I can confidently say that you were disappointed by the character of the bike which is absolutely fine if you have not ridden a Panigale before - this is how they are.

Now, here is my story. I got my Panigale with out even test riding one, this is before I had installed the Upmap. Imagine what was going through my head when I had come from an inline 4 back ground!

When I took it out for the first time, I was disappointed big time which was fine because this is what I was told would happen, its a Ducati after all! I even emailed a couple of guys here and asked them for their opinions and they all shared a similar story and encouraged me to hang in there! They were right, it did not take long and I got used to its character and boy what a bike it is after all. It loves to be reved and it behaves when ever you man handle it.

Then I installed the Upmap, which made the big a lot smoother which I found a bit weired initially but I am slowly getting used to it, the rough nature before was so much fun.

I would say you will get used to it after a few rides and you will be worrying about not losing your licence

HA3AP said:

As much as I want to love the panigale, I have to say I was a bit disappointed...

I was about to buy the 2013 Panigale S, today went on a test ride of a 2012 Panigale S, and wasn't 100% satisfied, the power did move from down and midrange way up above 7k where it wakes up. I found myself downshifting on the highway to get some power... That is not what the twin engine represents!

I also hoped for a grin on my face, but pani did not deliver.

Now in contrast last year I demoed an F4 MvAugusta and loved almost everything about it! The engine is phenomenal everywhere in the power band! Had constant grin on my face, now considering the F4RR.

My question is, does the new Up Map/Fueling Map significantly change the power delivery?

I want to love the bike but as of now its not a 100% as it stands the decision to buy this bike over MV would be more a move with your head than your heart.

Please let me know if the new maps improve the situation? Thanks.

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Not the bike for you mate. You don't sound like a Ducati kind of guy.

Buy the MV its a nice looking bike.

"Is Panigale the right bike for me?!"

If you have to ask that question then the bike is probably not the right one for you. Maybe the Panigale is not the right bike for me either but I have never had so much fun riding a bike.

Gulf Coast said:

When you're considering bikes at this level, unless you're going to be racing them at a high level, I believe you should be buying with you're heart not your head. You should be putting your head around the garage door just to look at it as you're going up to bed!! Not happy? Move on and get something else.

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+1

I went on TWO demo rides and hated this bike as I too was used to Jap i4's. But as emotions got the best of me I bought the bike a few months later!!!!
A great decision as the combination of a few mods, better roads, the bike getting better with more miles on it and me just getting used to it has created a magnificent machine that I adore and love riding.

Speaking as a casual rider and BMW HP4 owner, I agree with the Pani owners: go with your heart. If your heart truly wants a Panigale, get it. Unless you have a reason for a particular performance need.

I had a perfectly serviceable Honda 600F4i in mint condition 2 years ago which was perfect for my needs. But I saw the BMW s1000rr at the motorcycle show and had to haave one. Bought a leftover 2011 last year and loved owning my dream bike. Then BMW announce the HP4. Tried convincing myself I didn't need it, didn't need the extra cost, wasn't the right time... yadayadayada. And when on the phone with my dealer arranging my yearly service, found myself pulling out my credit card for a deposit.

There are things wrong with my HP4, like paying $27k for a bike and needing to get the suspension resprung for my weight (but nobody offering the springs yet). But as much as I hate the saying: YOLO. You Only Live Once (that we know of) so don't regret something you could have done.

Get the Pani. The BMW isn't a twin and won't have the feel you're looking for ever. All it has is the feel of your flesh trying to rip off your bones starting at 10k rpm

Texas Duc said:

+1

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+2

I had a similar dilemma. I was set on the pani, drawn in by the looks. i test rode both the pani and the s1000rr back to back. On first impression, the pani felt underpowered (sport mode) and the gears required more shifting. heat issue was felt on the demo bike and engine sounded raw compared to the beemer. what i did like was the slightly more relaxed sitting position of the pani, wider bars and knees not as cramped. The beemer engine was silky smooth, nimble handling, knees cramped up on the 15 min ride. I was really torn. logic said BMW, Heart said Pani. I also disliked the alien head & lights on the s1000rr.

After i got to know the pani a little better and read the engine, shift points, i am enjoying it a lot lot more. after the 610 mile breakin, bike feels like it has more power and after the upmap, its great with no more annoying flatspots. Mods are done on the bike and it feels good to ride every time i am on it. issues still exist, ie heat is still there, bike hates traffic and the rear oem suspension is still too hard, even after getting the bike set up for my weight.

s1000rr is a great bike, dont get me wrong, but for me personally, pani fills that spot in my heart. Like a hot italian woman, it has character, gets hot-headed, will complain and sometimes smack you, but then the amore is all there.

bmw, does everything with efficiency, no passion

it may be nice and good... but if it's ugly? .... here it is everything...

if you want to go fast, do what it takes... need to shift back, then shift back...
like many things, ridden well, it will kick you like nothing else...

i have no idea how anyone can say the Pani has a weak low end..I cannot keep the front down in 1st or 2nd....for all those that feel its bit weak try cracking the throttle wide open !lol

legion748 said:

i have no idea how anyone can say the pani has a weak low end..i cannot keep the front down in 1st or 2nd....for all those that feel its bit weak try cracking the throttle wide open !lol

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+1 :d

I think if you are buying a bike to race it, then hard data should be the criteria. But if you are buying it for a fun street bike, there are many bikes that have very similar capabilities give or take a little bit. For the street, passion for a bike is the best criteria for a bike of this type.

Hm,

If Pani and S1RR are low down on power in the lower rev range I don't see how the MVF4RR is going to be any better. Dyno charts are not that significantly different. If you want noticeable difference down low perhaps the last gen Duck is for you.