My First Ride

Last week I had my first short ride (approx 100miles) on a Demo Panigale S, it only had 200miles on it when I set off. My first impression was how light and small it felt and that's from me who rides an Aprilia RSV4F SE APRC mainly on Track Days but sometimes on road.
It also felt very roomy and what little weight it has feels low down around the Crank Area. On the open road it turns into corners so quickly and just wills you to go faster and faster, brakes are perfect with loads of feel, it was brilliant at speed.
Now for the things I don't like, on start up it smokes alot, oil smoke. I also heard today that the Dealer will need a slight top up of oil after what is now just 500miles, (worrying). Around town it's hard work, OK all sports bikes are hard work around town but this one was extra hard to cope with. Engine note around the town is constantly changing from loud to subdude with little or no input from me the rider, don't realy know what was going on there. A couple of times at around 50 to 60mph, when overtaking without dropping a gear it's response felt like dull and then everything. I guess you get around that by dropping gears and keeping the revs in a sweeter spot, that said it didn't feel right. As for everything else i.e. Quick Shifter, Engine Noise and Shear Power it was brilliant. It's just not as perfect a package as I had hoped, I now find myself questioning the forthcoming purchase for the very first time.

Sounds like an honest, unbiased feedback...thanks.

I too am curious about having to keep the revs in that sweep so I dont forget what it is I'm sitting on between my legs lol.

That amazing that they allowed such a lengthy demo ride...honestly, did you even get bored? did it keep a smile on your face and tinggle thru your body? haha

I mean, being tame aroud town is a good thing...then the beast comes out when arroused....was this the case?

thanks again

As I am, should we say a mature rider, the Dealer asked me to put a few miles on the clock 6000 Rpm max but I do think it hit 7500 for a short time when passing a few vehicles, that's no issue. Yes your right I guess around town it's like a caged animal and when out on the open roads it just wants to go for it. Yes it put a hige smile on my face, maily due to that engine, you feel part of it, the noise and feel runs through your whole body, scary in a good way. To me it's clear where it would be most at home, I just spent last weekend (3 Days) on the Track at Portimao "Brilliant !" and that is where the Panigale would have been most at home, that said my little Aprilia delivered the goods also. Don't get me wrong this Panigale will be a real milestone in motorcycling history. I just need to be made more comfortable about my niggles from the first ride.

totally understand, I too have had a few Duc superbikes and i'd say I ride em harder than the average Duc collector lol...

It's just takes a lil time for you to put the cost (possibly laying your baby over) out of mind and eventually ride her like she's built to be ridden...some people never get to that point

Also, tho I trust Ducati when they assure us that the smoke at start up is due to the type of oil used and should stop after 1st service, it still sounds like it could be an embarrassing experience starting up around your judgemental jap buddies lol

The excessive oil consumption sounds like a cause to be concerned too ...?

In closing, I still eagerly await my own 1199 and am realistic with my expectations of a brand new bike thats in it's 1st yr production...no hessitation, whatever goes wrong or breaks i'm sure my dealer will honor my warranty issues

How is special oil getting into the combustion chamber and if so whats going to stop it from getting in when you put in motul. Is it suppose to break in and seat the rings?

superfly999 said:

How is special oil getting into the combustion chamber and if so whats going to stop it from getting in when you put in motul. Is it suppose to break in and seat the rings?

Click to expand...

"Special Oil" is not a valid explanation. And it seems like each dealer has a different explanation, meaning either no one knows or no one is saying. Only time will tell--we need someone who has a bike that smokes at 0 miles to put on 500-600 miles and let us know if the problem goes away.

Nice honest unbiased first ride report cheers.

thanks for this review. as stated above, it's nice to see real honest and humble opinion. anymore of your updates would be surely welcomed.