So, covering a few things in the same post here!
My friend and I went on a trip from Zurich to Bologna (factory visit), Florence, and then Sardinia for a weeks riding. He has an 899, and I have the 1199s.
Panigales:
The bikes were absolutely fantastic. Even though I am around 193cm, the Panigale was perfectly comfortable for all the riding we put in, including a few 500km days. In fact I was shocked by how comfortable it was. The only time I felt a bit of pain was from a burn on my leg during a day that was was over 80% humidity and 35deg c. Aside from that no problem at all - and I still wouldn't bother fitting the larger heat shield, this was the first time I felt it! My bike started to suffer from some unusual behaviour during the first few mins of a ride. Was very quiet, and struggled to get over 3k rpm in 1st/2nd gear. Eventually opened up without further issue. On return it appears to simply be a faulty exhaust valve. This is being checked out with my dealer this week, and will be able to confirm exactly what happened soon. Thankfully it didn't impact the rides after the first 5mins
The bikes had loads of attention everywhere we went. The local police taking photos, giving the thumbs up when checking out the tyres, school kids, ferry staff. Never have seen so much interest in a bike of mine (in a good way). The Italians definitely appreciate a stunning piece of engineering and design they should be proud of!
Riding wise, they performed incredibly. Easy to ride on the long motorway stretches, and behaved like daemons on the twisties on the island. The crazy laughter coming over the intercom of my friend every time we hit another amazing corner said it all!!
SW Motech Blaze:
I decided after searching through the forum to purchase the SW Motech Blaze luggage for the trip. Very impressed and highly recommended. By far the best system I have ever seen for SBK's. I got away with this and a light backpack for a total of 8 days (and probably could have stretched it to 10-14). The system was very secure at Italian highway speeds, and was incredibly convenient to remove and fit when doing several stop overs. The only thing I would recommend in addition, is that you use your pillion seat and also consider purchasing the Oxford rubber protection film. This stuff was perfect, way easier to use than sticking clear film everywhere. Simply cut the blanket in the approx. shape, and lay over the tail prior to fitting the bags. It does wear after some longer rides, so I just took the spare cuttings along, and some duct tape - no problem at all. Not a single scratch on the tail, no signs luggage was used!
Sena 20s:
We decided that it would be a good idea to get some comms for the trip. Never having used them, for such a long trip, it was a revelation! The time passed quickly on the long stretches (especially Milan - Bologna). We were constantly chatting, and had our music streaming over bluetooth from our phones. He used headphones, and I used normal earplugs and the std speakers with the headset. Even with the earplugs, I was able to clearly communicate and hear music. Of course with headphones it is even better, but I wanted to try a more simple setup. The battery life was very good. Not once did we run out, even with a 7hr day trip with constant chat and music. We even received calls from our parents and were able to chat on the move. He had an issue with his headset not fitting back into its socket - but this was resolved prior to the trip. Otherwise with recent software updates, they have worked great. I don't have others to compare them to, but they went over my expectations. I even left everything fitted on my helmet to listen to music on my commute!
Sardinia:
Simply the best roads I have ever ridden in my relatively short riding life so far. Living in Switzerland, we have some amazing riding - also being close to the Black Forest in Germany. However, just imagine the best stretches of these roads, being extended by 50-60km at least - perfect temperatures - excellent tarmac - friendly police and locals. There is a fair bit of variety, and it is also nice to see the interior of the island. We went swimming at the beach, diving etc - all in between the fantastic riding we had. September seems to be a good time to go, as the main season is coming to a close, and the roads are pretty quiet. Simply heaven for a bike - especially the panigale
Ducati Factory:
What can I say - really worth a visit, to the museum as well. Sure it has been talked about plenty on here so no need to go into depth. Had a great time, and there was something special about arriving with all the other visitors waiting at the gate, on 2 Panigales, to have the factory immediately open its gates for us to park hahaha. Bologna itself is really worth seeing as well if in the area. We did one night Bologna, and one night Florence - but could have extended for sure in both cities (especially Florence).
Overall:
Touring on the Panigale was an absolute pleasure. It is the bike of my dreams, and even with the 1299 around the corner, for once I am truly happy and will continue to have many years of enjoyment out of it. Anti Hero really showed how it can be done on a Panigale, and he is absolutely spot on!! Who needs a GS????
My friend and I went on a trip from Zurich to Bologna (factory visit), Florence, and then Sardinia for a weeks riding. He has an 899, and I have the 1199s.
Panigales:
The bikes were absolutely fantastic. Even though I am around 193cm, the Panigale was perfectly comfortable for all the riding we put in, including a few 500km days. In fact I was shocked by how comfortable it was. The only time I felt a bit of pain was from a burn on my leg during a day that was was over 80% humidity and 35deg c. Aside from that no problem at all - and I still wouldn't bother fitting the larger heat shield, this was the first time I felt it! My bike started to suffer from some unusual behaviour during the first few mins of a ride. Was very quiet, and struggled to get over 3k rpm in 1st/2nd gear. Eventually opened up without further issue. On return it appears to simply be a faulty exhaust valve. This is being checked out with my dealer this week, and will be able to confirm exactly what happened soon. Thankfully it didn't impact the rides after the first 5mins
The bikes had loads of attention everywhere we went. The local police taking photos, giving the thumbs up when checking out the tyres, school kids, ferry staff. Never have seen so much interest in a bike of mine (in a good way). The Italians definitely appreciate a stunning piece of engineering and design they should be proud of!
Riding wise, they performed incredibly. Easy to ride on the long motorway stretches, and behaved like daemons on the twisties on the island. The crazy laughter coming over the intercom of my friend every time we hit another amazing corner said it all!!
SW Motech Blaze:
I decided after searching through the forum to purchase the SW Motech Blaze luggage for the trip. Very impressed and highly recommended. By far the best system I have ever seen for SBK's. I got away with this and a light backpack for a total of 8 days (and probably could have stretched it to 10-14). The system was very secure at Italian highway speeds, and was incredibly convenient to remove and fit when doing several stop overs. The only thing I would recommend in addition, is that you use your pillion seat and also consider purchasing the Oxford rubber protection film. This stuff was perfect, way easier to use than sticking clear film everywhere. Simply cut the blanket in the approx. shape, and lay over the tail prior to fitting the bags. It does wear after some longer rides, so I just took the spare cuttings along, and some duct tape - no problem at all. Not a single scratch on the tail, no signs luggage was used!
Sena 20s:
We decided that it would be a good idea to get some comms for the trip. Never having used them, for such a long trip, it was a revelation! The time passed quickly on the long stretches (especially Milan - Bologna). We were constantly chatting, and had our music streaming over bluetooth from our phones. He used headphones, and I used normal earplugs and the std speakers with the headset. Even with the earplugs, I was able to clearly communicate and hear music. Of course with headphones it is even better, but I wanted to try a more simple setup. The battery life was very good. Not once did we run out, even with a 7hr day trip with constant chat and music. We even received calls from our parents and were able to chat on the move. He had an issue with his headset not fitting back into its socket - but this was resolved prior to the trip. Otherwise with recent software updates, they have worked great. I don't have others to compare them to, but they went over my expectations. I even left everything fitted on my helmet to listen to music on my commute!
Sardinia:
Simply the best roads I have ever ridden in my relatively short riding life so far. Living in Switzerland, we have some amazing riding - also being close to the Black Forest in Germany. However, just imagine the best stretches of these roads, being extended by 50-60km at least - perfect temperatures - excellent tarmac - friendly police and locals. There is a fair bit of variety, and it is also nice to see the interior of the island. We went swimming at the beach, diving etc - all in between the fantastic riding we had. September seems to be a good time to go, as the main season is coming to a close, and the roads are pretty quiet. Simply heaven for a bike - especially the panigale
Ducati Factory:
What can I say - really worth a visit, to the museum as well. Sure it has been talked about plenty on here so no need to go into depth. Had a great time, and there was something special about arriving with all the other visitors waiting at the gate, on 2 Panigales, to have the factory immediately open its gates for us to park hahaha. Bologna itself is really worth seeing as well if in the area. We did one night Bologna, and one night Florence - but could have extended for sure in both cities (especially Florence).
Overall:
Touring on the Panigale was an absolute pleasure. It is the bike of my dreams, and even with the 1299 around the corner, for once I am truly happy and will continue to have many years of enjoyment out of it. Anti Hero really showed how it can be done on a Panigale, and he is absolutely spot on!! Who needs a GS????
