Returning to the Ducati Fold After 10 Years.

Since about 2010, I've been riding a GSXR, and 2 S1000RR's. My previous Ducatis were a 2007 S2R1000 Monster and a 2008 848. After having numerous mechanical issues with the 848 (went through 3 radiators, coolant leaking into the engine oil etc), I swore off Ducatis and went over to inline 4s, even though the local dealer was pretty good replacing parts for free out of warranty. The L3 Suzuki GSXR was an amazing bike and I loved the I-4 sewing machine-like smoothness. Build quality was a little lacking compared to the 848 (grips and bar-ends sliding off mid-ride LOL!) so I got a '16 BMW S1000RR. Simply a stunning bike and after putting some decent mileage on it, sold it and bought the 18 model, which I still have.

After a few months of looking at the new generation of superbikes and finding as much information as I could online, I decided upon a 2021 V4. Firstly, it's probably the most stunning-looking bike I've seen. Having friends who own newer Ducatis (Panigale) and who have insisted that Ducati have upped it's game in recent years with regards to reliability, I took the plunge, albeit with a little hesitation and it'll be delivered next Thursday.
Anyone here has also moved from a S1000RR to a V4? How did you find it?

Congratulations! I made the same move, and I'm very happy with the new bike. After always riding inline 4s I wanted a bike with a different character, and the V4 has exactly that. The engine feels like it spins up more freely and doesn't have that constant buzzing feeling that I felt with the S1000RR. Feels like the V4 vibrates at a lower and much more pleasant frequency, a lot nicer for that right hand.

I love the ergonomics. Clipon position and angle is spot on for me. Seat feels a lot better, and doesn't have that steep angle at the back that would keep me sliding into the tank on the S1000RR.

The electronic Öhlins suspension is miles ahead of the electronic Sachs stuff on the BMW. Perfectly smooth and plush on the road, however stock springs are too soft for me at the track at 105 kg. I'm having them changed as soon as I can get an appointment with the local Öhlins guys. Forks are constantly bottoming out when braking hard.

Turn in and hitting the apex is much easier on the V4, and I'm finding it holds the line much better than my S1000RR did. The BMW felt like it understeered quite badly, however that could probably be fixed with suspension upgrades and/or adjustment. I just didn't find any good compromise with the electronic suspension, and was considering going to manual before I decided to just sell the thing because I wanted something different.

Overall I'm simply really enjoying the V4! Hope you will too.

Congrats telboy! Welcome. I've also got the 848. I still have mine after sorting the initial mechanical issues. Indeed the V4 is on another level. You'll recognize a lot of the old Ducati characteristics but it's gone space age since the trellis-frame days.

I have to agree with Taz on pretty much everything.

I traded in my 2016 S1000RR for the 2020 V4S.

S1000RR has a great engine, very good fueling. Gearbox is probably the best I have ever used.
Cruise control works great, heated grips are nice in the winter. Very reliable ( that generation anyway).

For me the Sachs electronic suspension was probably the worst suspension I have ridden on. No kidding. I like my wife's almost non adjustable suspension on her 696 Monster better.
It seemed jittery over certain bumps , yet at the same time had no control over keeping the bike from pitching heavily when braking. So not that great of ride quality and then no suspension control. Worst of both worlds in my opinion.
Also no mid-corner feel at the track. ( some of this could be chassis stiffness, but I think suspension was a lot of it)
BTW I would like to try the base model with conventional suspension to compare.

The other thing was likely weight distribution or something with chassis design.

The bike was very flickable to a point, but once you got over about 40 degrees of lean angle the bike then felt like it didn't want to lean more without fighting you. Another reason I didn't like it at the track.

One more thing I didn't like on the track was the front brakes. Very strong initial bite , but I think it's not as easy to modulate for trail braking. I did put Z04 race pads on it and that helped.

If you are just a rider that wants to go fast in a straight line with mild twisties and want to take a passenger. Maybe even just commuting, the S1000RR is probably a better bike for you.

The V4S has a much better suspension. No problems with braking stability. Very flickable. Doesn't fight you at all to get to knee dragging lean angles. Holds a line mid-corner. Much better front end feel. At least on the 2020 model. I would say power is more usable. Less wheelies and tire spinning.
Negatives are the heat, lack of cruise control and heated grips. Other than that I don't really have any complaints. ( My wife has her own bike so not worried about passenger accommodations)

Honestly, 20 years ago. When all I wanted to do was cruise around. Pick up girls , do wheelies and stoppies, the S1000RR would be a better bike for that. If you are a track day rider or someone with cornering skills and nice roads around I would say the V4 is the one to get unless this is going to be your only bike that you will use for commuting taking your girlfriend for rides.