Is he racing a Pani somewhere that I don't know about? Is he still racing period, or is he just a hired rider for mags now?What about Hodgson.
Superbike smackdown 2012 Track
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Know what guys... it is a fair review. But TBH in the end, if you really listen to them, they rate them all.
All of these bikes are so much more than we need and even TBH want for road or track. I only speak for myself as a mid-track rider, that the 4 tracks I ride are all 600 tracks. Even Mosport with its long straight really was conquered in terms of superbikes back in 2004 with the ZX10R.
Ultimately, I'm still impressed by (1) what Ducati have developed given their financial situation (2) lack of resources compared to Honda (3) the sheer bloddy-mindedness of being ingenious about how to design it and (4) that this now indicates that there are designers beyond Tamburini.
I knew the BMW was the ultimate (for me), and even though it eventually dropped in the rankings to the Honda, as these things are cyclical it is no surprise. I am still very happy. I bought it and the deal is done. I'd feel the same if I had bought the MV or Ducati this yr and it doesn't sway me in buying either next year. I am surprised by the Ducati's ranking but these guys are track focused and far better riders than I so the stats speak for themselves. I was surprised by how universally none of them picked the Panigale as a personal choice.
Seriously, any of these will do, only a few will give you the buzz standing still. For me those are the Euros... and the ZX10R. It's got to have some character to make it these days.
Personally, I hoped the Honda would be panned universally. But it isn't and it is still the competent clinical machine it always was. I hoped ti would be panned in the hope that Honda would take Ducati on again and toss the HRC might at it... RCV5 would sure sound amazing.
All of these bikes are so much more than we need and even TBH want for road or track. I only speak for myself as a mid-track rider, that the 4 tracks I ride are all 600 tracks. Even Mosport with its long straight really was conquered in terms of superbikes back in 2004 with the ZX10R.
Ultimately, I'm still impressed by (1) what Ducati have developed given their financial situation (2) lack of resources compared to Honda (3) the sheer bloddy-mindedness of being ingenious about how to design it and (4) that this now indicates that there are designers beyond Tamburini.
I knew the BMW was the ultimate (for me), and even though it eventually dropped in the rankings to the Honda, as these things are cyclical it is no surprise. I am still very happy. I bought it and the deal is done. I'd feel the same if I had bought the MV or Ducati this yr and it doesn't sway me in buying either next year. I am surprised by the Ducati's ranking but these guys are track focused and far better riders than I so the stats speak for themselves. I was surprised by how universally none of them picked the Panigale as a personal choice.
Seriously, any of these will do, only a few will give you the buzz standing still. For me those are the Euros... and the ZX10R. It's got to have some character to make it these days.
Personally, I hoped the Honda would be panned universally. But it isn't and it is still the competent clinical machine it always was. I hoped ti would be panned in the hope that Honda would take Ducati on again and toss the HRC might at it... RCV5 would sure sound amazing.
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I'm with you on this one Steve. Though I love the bike, it will take some work before I'm as fast on my Pani as I was on my 1198s. In many ways it's better, though In some, not so much.
Two things in particular - Need to get the suspension dialed in (will take a bit of work and time) and sort the air fuel mixture between 6 and 7k rpm.
Not the well sorted checkmate bike I was hoping for, though is a raw base that I can hopefully tune into a checkmate bike. Typical Ducati in that respect.
Is he racing a Pani somewhere that I don't know about? Is he still racing period, or is he just a hired rider for mags now?
He's a former world champ and a hell of a lot faster than you or I... that warrants something.
Good point. I don't get it either. One mag mentioned they had a bit of a weave but put it down to sand on the track from the launch, think it was MCN iirc, but then they experienced it again in their own test.
I'm guessing the tech dazzled everyone. In the flesh the bike is amazing, it really takes hours to drink in everything that is there and try and get your head wrapped around it all. The lack of a chassis alone is impressive.
These guys are talking production level racing. The point they were making was around not only fast but cheapest to modify for racing. WSC level racing isn't comparable to what they were referencing.
Don't forget BMW only started racing four years ago too. You can call it sterile and say it has no soul, but you can't argue that you have the new ZX-10R and the Panigale primarily becuse BMW hit a home run with their first attempt at a Superbike. And tell me that you would not be lording it over everyone if the Panigale was the HP king right now.
There are plenty of reasons to buy a Panigale but why attack a bike that consistently dynos 10+ more horsepower and is faster on the track in every comparison that I have seen.
And???? There are a hell of a lot of people that are faster than you are or I. All this proves is that Neil was faster on the BMW than the Pani. Hell Checa might be faster on the BMW, but it still doesn't explain the lack of S1000RRs and CBR1000RRs on the grid. You don't find it surprising for a bike that is SO much easier to go faster on, that no privateers are riding it? You don't find it surprising that a bike like the CBR which has been around for years and has dealers on every corner and parts readily available, that privateers consistently select the Gixxer over it? Don't believe everything you read my friend. Go out and try them for yourself and draw your own conclusion. There's a reason none are on the grid and suspect it has nothing to with their price point?He's a former world champ and a hell of a lot faster than you or I... that warrants something.
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Guys, the Panigale is already winning races. And yes I realize the bikes in Superstock 1k are Panigales on steroids (or at least supplements in WSTK, full steroids in WSBK), but the base package is still an 1199, and it's competitive in it's infancy and representing itself and company quite well. I think this bike is gonna do as well as any Ducati in WSBK too, and we're talking about the winningest company in the history of the class.
Ducati make their reputation on the track in the highest forms of racing (in this case WSBK), and if the 1199 is dud there, I might be concerned. But I seriously doubt this is gonna happen.
Ducati make their reputation on the track in the highest forms of racing (in this case WSBK), and if the 1199 is dud there, I might be concerned. But I seriously doubt this is gonna happen.
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I didn't buy my bike based on reviews or the "checkmate" ad campaign. I bought it because it is more bike than I will ever fully use, it's the best looking machine on the road and it's a Ducati. I smile every time I start it up and that's what matters.
I don't even read the reviews as I have performed my own review and it is #1.
I don't even read the reviews as I have performed my own review and it is #1.
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I think the dazzle of new technology, the hype and specifications before release and the location of the press launch all contributed to the great initial reviews.
Personally I was a little dissapointed when the ad campaign didn't match the bike.
BUT, I love the bike. I have no regrets.
It is sexy. It is light. It does make huge power. It is narrow. And for me it handles great. Those were the reasons I bought it. I haven't ridden every other bike in that test. My last bike was 08 CBR1K. I don't need to sample them as I know the Panigale does what I wanted it to do.
Bad reviews only removes the excuses why others can't keep up with me
Chris
Personally I was a little dissapointed when the ad campaign didn't match the bike.
BUT, I love the bike. I have no regrets.
It is sexy. It is light. It does make huge power. It is narrow. And for me it handles great. Those were the reasons I bought it. I haven't ridden every other bike in that test. My last bike was 08 CBR1K. I don't need to sample them as I know the Panigale does what I wanted it to do.
Bad reviews only removes the excuses why others can't keep up with me
Chris
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- Newcastle, Australia
I just read this "test" and stared at the charts in disbelief, surely something is wrong with these guys? But you are not alone. Down here our Motorcycle news mag did their annual AusTest. The Pani came in just behind the RSV and the BMW ( these 3 were a cut above the japs).
It was said, because it had so much adjustment ( it was an S) we felt it fairer to the rest to turn it all off...I kid you not. Then complained the suspension needed setting up.
I was actually in the Pits when this was happening, almost like they wanted it to fail.
I sold my BMWS 1000 to get the Pani, and to me it feels like a step forward for sure. I have the S and I spent some time getting each map set up for me and I now have 3 riding modes that I simply change depending on the road ahead... Brilliant.
I shake my head at the so called testers.
I have a race Honda CBR1000rr and the reason I have this is simply for costs. They are cheap to buy, to maintain and parts are plentiful and cheap. If I could afford it I would race European, but I don't have the funds, that is why at domestic club type level, the japs rule.
Anyway, at the Fomula XTreme race 2 weeks ago in Sydney, Craig McMartin ( ex pro twins champion on an 1098R) had his new Pani there. It rained for practice so he didn't qualify. Started on the last row of the grid. In a 6 lap dash he came second only pipped by a zx at the end. Second race he walked away with it.
His comments, regarding racing the new Pani and his 1098r ... " no comparison" the Pani is far superior everywhere.
After reading this USA test I went back and had a look at their 2011 comparison. The 1098 came last. Now come on. No one can believe that bike deserves that place on a track. Something really weird with these testers for sure.
Enjoy your bikes guys.
It was said, because it had so much adjustment ( it was an S) we felt it fairer to the rest to turn it all off...I kid you not. Then complained the suspension needed setting up.
I was actually in the Pits when this was happening, almost like they wanted it to fail.
I sold my BMWS 1000 to get the Pani, and to me it feels like a step forward for sure. I have the S and I spent some time getting each map set up for me and I now have 3 riding modes that I simply change depending on the road ahead... Brilliant.
I shake my head at the so called testers.
I have a race Honda CBR1000rr and the reason I have this is simply for costs. They are cheap to buy, to maintain and parts are plentiful and cheap. If I could afford it I would race European, but I don't have the funds, that is why at domestic club type level, the japs rule.
Anyway, at the Fomula XTreme race 2 weeks ago in Sydney, Craig McMartin ( ex pro twins champion on an 1098R) had his new Pani there. It rained for practice so he didn't qualify. Started on the last row of the grid. In a 6 lap dash he came second only pipped by a zx at the end. Second race he walked away with it.
His comments, regarding racing the new Pani and his 1098r ... " no comparison" the Pani is far superior everywhere.
After reading this USA test I went back and had a look at their 2011 comparison. The 1098 came last. Now come on. No one can believe that bike deserves that place on a track. Something really weird with these testers for sure.
Enjoy your bikes guys.
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- Messages
- 359
- Location
- Newcastle, Australia
I just read this "test" and stared at the charts in disbelief, surely something is wrong with these guys? But you are not alone. Down here our Motorcycle news mag did their annual AusTest. The Pani came in just behind the RSV and the BMW ( these 3 were a cut above the japs).
It was said, because it had so much adjustment ( it was an S) we felt it fairer to the rest to turn it all off...I kid you not. Then complained the suspension needed setting up.
I was actually in the Pits when this was happening, almost like they wanted it to fail.
I sold my BMWS 1000 to get the Pani, and to me it feels like a step forward for sure. I have the S and I spent some time getting each map set up for me and I now have 3 riding modes that I simply change depending on the road ahead... Brilliant.
I shake my head at the so called testers.
I have a race Honda CBR1000rr and the reason I have this is simply for costs. They are cheap to buy, to maintain and parts are plentiful and cheap. If I could afford it I would race European, but I don't have the funds, that is why at domestic club type level, the japs rule.
Anyway, at the Fomula XTreme race 2 weeks ago in Sydney, Craig McMartin ( ex pro twins champion on an 1098R) had his new Pani there. It rained for practice so he didn't qualify. Started on the last row of the grid. In a 6 lap dash he came second only pipped by a zx at the end. Second race he walked away with it.
His comments, regarding racing the new Pani and his 1098r ... " no comparison" the Pani is far superior everywhere.
After reading this USA test I went back and had a look at their 2011 comparison. The 1098 came last. Now come on. No one can believe that bike deserves that place on a track. Something really weird with these testers for sure.
Enjoy your bikes guys.
It was said, because it had so much adjustment ( it was an S) we felt it fairer to the rest to turn it all off...I kid you not. Then complained the suspension needed setting up.
I was actually in the Pits when this was happening, almost like they wanted it to fail.
I sold my BMWS 1000 to get the Pani, and to me it feels like a step forward for sure. I have the S and I spent some time getting each map set up for me and I now have 3 riding modes that I simply change depending on the road ahead... Brilliant.
I shake my head at the so called testers.
I have a race Honda CBR1000rr and the reason I have this is simply for costs. They are cheap to buy, to maintain and parts are plentiful and cheap. If I could afford it I would race European, but I don't have the funds, that is why at domestic club type level, the japs rule.
Anyway, at the Fomula XTreme race 2 weeks ago in Sydney, Craig McMartin ( ex pro twins champion on an 1098R) had his new Pani there. It rained for practice so he didn't qualify. Started on the last row of the grid. In a 6 lap dash he came second only pipped by a zx at the end. Second race he walked away with it.
His comments, regarding racing the new Pani and his 1098r ... " no comparison" the Pani is far superior everywhere.
After reading this USA test I went back and had a look at their 2011 comparison. The 1098 came last. Now come on. No one can believe that bike deserves that place on a track. Something really weird with these testers for sure.
Enjoy your bikes guys.
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- Southern Pines, NC
I never get tired of hearing about Ducatis winning races! Keep us updated on the Ducs down there tearing up the tracks, and leaving the scraps for the rest of 'em.
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- Juneau, AK
ahh the classic....why shootouts suck thread when your bike doesn't come in first......lol.
Just ride what you like and like what you ride.
It's like a .... measuring contest.
IMO I think the best all around bike is the zx10. Don't really care what anyone else thinks. The pani is definately pure ... on wheels though.
Just ride what you like and like what you ride.
It's like a .... measuring contest.
IMO I think the best all around bike is the zx10. Don't really care what anyone else thinks. The pani is definately pure ... on wheels though.
And???? There are a hell of a lot of people that are faster than you are or I. All this proves is that Neil was faster on the BMW than the Pani. Hell Checa might be faster on the BMW, but it still doesn't explain the lack of S1000RRs and CBR1000RRs on the grid. You don't find it surprising for a bike that is SO much easier to go faster on, that no privateers are riding it? You don't find it surprising that a bike like the CBR which has been around for years and has dealers on every corner and parts readily available, that privateers consistently select the Gixxer over it? Don't believe everything you read my friend. Go out and try them for yourself and draw your own conclusion. There's a reason none are on the grid and suspect it has nothing to with their price point?
Now you are talking manufacturer support of production racing. Yes Suzuki is still the consistent choice of the privateer, notably because it is a quality product but also because it has been heavily supported by Suzuki for production class racing; Honda has never been as involved in it as Suzuki and even Yamaha have been - that proves nothing.
First you say you want a world class racer's comments, apparently Hodgson doesn't count, now you are on about who is packing the grid.
Do you really see Ducati's as lesser bikes compared to Suzuki's for not having packed the grid?
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- Jun 22, 2012
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Ahhh.... Well spoken and true. I bought mine because I loved the looks, sound and wanted something more unique and not seen as much. To each their own...
in the end just have fun and ride! No matter what it is...Yes.
I agree the ZX10R is a genuine surprise. I expected it to knock the BMW off the top, not the Honda. ... on wheels is an understatement imo. The Italians really know how to put rolling art together.
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