- Joined
- Jun 8, 2018
- Messages
- 162
- Location
- San Diego, CA
I bought an early 2018 V4S and despite many recalls, TSBs, and warranty issues, I loved it and the bike stabilized to be pretty reliable (my last 5 track days had no issues whatsoever). After break-in miles, it was essentially a dedicated track bike. Two weeks ago, I had a fast low-side crash that would have been fixable, had the bike not bounced off a brick wall. The bike is totaled and my injuries were pretty minor. It was a great day, I was pushing it hard, and this crash was solid experience for my rider development; I learned from it and will be a better rider because of it.
So I need a new bike. My first thought was that I could have fun and advance my riding on anything, for half the price. But the V4 is a proven performer that I know and love and so I plan to get another one soon. YOLO!
My PLAN:
This time, instead of the S, I plan to get a 2019 base V4, and will swap out the suspension, and I have a set of S wheels that will go on. Aside from a brief 400-600 mile street break-in, this will be a 100% dedicated track bike.
The stock suspension may be plenty good, but I am used to the Ohlins from the V4S and my previous bike (and like to keep up with the Jones's), so I plan to put on a set of FGRT 214 forks and get a V4R shock too (the new V4 TTX GP shock doesn't appeal to me with the new hydraulic preload system, which seems overly complex and bulky; I like the simplicity of the old lock rings.)
https://www.ohlinsusa.com/parts/2018-2019-ducati-panigale-v4-hypersport-rt-43-fork-fgrt-214
After bottoming my S forks with near max preload and compression, I bought a set of 11.5 N/mm springs to replace the stock 10.5 N/mm ones, but never had them installed. I weight 190 fully geared. I'll get the new forks sprung to 11.5 to start. I tried the S dynamic damping for a few sessions but it never felt very consistent to me so I used custom fixed damping settings after that. For my use, I don't need or even want the dynamic suspension, so the base model with manual suspension is my choice.
I compared 2019 V4 and V4R spare parts diagrams and it looks like the V4R shock will go on without issue. Has anyone made this modification or can verify my guess?
Also, I did notice that my S radiator and oil cooler fins took a beating on my old bike. I guess a lot of tire marbles were flung my way from following people on the track? So I plan to install radiator guards this time. If I discover they cause heating issues, I can always remove them. And I'll add a few pieces of body protection now that I know where the vulnerable spots are.
And one last modification I'm probably going to get is the DTC + DQS EVO 2.
https://www.ducati.com/ww/en/editorial/dtc-evo-2
I run Pirelli slicks full time and am curious if this software will be better for track use. I'm probably not at the level to push the rear to the max, but maybe the DQS will be more track calibrated for high RPM shifts? We'll see.
And fingers crossed that the 2019 version will have many reliability improvements rolled into the manufacturing line. I predict that it must.
So this is kind of a long post. Any info or advice is welcomed. Thanks!
So I need a new bike. My first thought was that I could have fun and advance my riding on anything, for half the price. But the V4 is a proven performer that I know and love and so I plan to get another one soon. YOLO!
My PLAN:
This time, instead of the S, I plan to get a 2019 base V4, and will swap out the suspension, and I have a set of S wheels that will go on. Aside from a brief 400-600 mile street break-in, this will be a 100% dedicated track bike.
The stock suspension may be plenty good, but I am used to the Ohlins from the V4S and my previous bike (and like to keep up with the Jones's), so I plan to put on a set of FGRT 214 forks and get a V4R shock too (the new V4 TTX GP shock doesn't appeal to me with the new hydraulic preload system, which seems overly complex and bulky; I like the simplicity of the old lock rings.)
https://www.ohlinsusa.com/parts/2018-2019-ducati-panigale-v4-hypersport-rt-43-fork-fgrt-214
After bottoming my S forks with near max preload and compression, I bought a set of 11.5 N/mm springs to replace the stock 10.5 N/mm ones, but never had them installed. I weight 190 fully geared. I'll get the new forks sprung to 11.5 to start. I tried the S dynamic damping for a few sessions but it never felt very consistent to me so I used custom fixed damping settings after that. For my use, I don't need or even want the dynamic suspension, so the base model with manual suspension is my choice.
I compared 2019 V4 and V4R spare parts diagrams and it looks like the V4R shock will go on without issue. Has anyone made this modification or can verify my guess?
Also, I did notice that my S radiator and oil cooler fins took a beating on my old bike. I guess a lot of tire marbles were flung my way from following people on the track? So I plan to install radiator guards this time. If I discover they cause heating issues, I can always remove them. And I'll add a few pieces of body protection now that I know where the vulnerable spots are.
And one last modification I'm probably going to get is the DTC + DQS EVO 2.
https://www.ducati.com/ww/en/editorial/dtc-evo-2
I run Pirelli slicks full time and am curious if this software will be better for track use. I'm probably not at the level to push the rear to the max, but maybe the DQS will be more track calibrated for high RPM shifts? We'll see.
And fingers crossed that the 2019 version will have many reliability improvements rolled into the manufacturing line. I predict that it must.
So this is kind of a long post. Any info or advice is welcomed. Thanks!
