The New Panigale R versus Superleggera

Thamer said:

In real money...what do you think an SL is really worth? I'm guessing $40K

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I pondered this when thinking about the MSRP on the 2015 R. Mind you, my thought process is entirely based on track use so the SL gets you:

-lightweight subframe stock
-Magnesium airbox up front
-sip-on's in the box with it
-Magnesium wheels stock
-Lighter Ohlins forks (what are the internals?)

R gets you auto blip, I'm guessing it's the same electronics package though, so should be able to add to the SL.

For arguments sake, lets call the upgrades at the following prices:
Motoholders subframe - 500
Wheels - 3600 (haven't looked lately, no idea what they are now)
Forks - wouldn't bother with, plus you are going to upgrade the internals on the R anyway for serious race use
Airbox in carbon would run you about 4500 bucks
Slip-ons - Apparently cost a first born

Plus, depending on who you race with, the SL may be allowed into Superstock classes (but not into Moto-America in any class)

I'm leaving out the engine differences, sounds like there are some, but nobody has really said what exactly. So from a purely technical standpoint.......It's really not that badly priced when you think about it.

At the end of the day, a kid on an SV650 would probably whoop me on either so I suppose it doesn't matter much in the overall scheme of things since I'm playing with pretendish money at the moment.

shakazulu12 said:

I pondered this when thinking about the MSRP on the 2015 R. Mind you, my thought process is entirely based on track use so the SL gets you:

-lightweight subframe stock
-Magnesium airbox up front
-sip-on's in the box with it
-Magnesium wheels stock
-Lighter Ohlins forks (what are the internals?)

R gets you auto blip, I'm guessing it's the same electronics package though, so should be able to add to the SL.

For arguments sake, lets call the upgrades at the following prices:
Motoholders subframe - 500
Wheels - 3600 (haven't looked lately, no idea what they are now)
Forks - wouldn't bother with, plus you are going to upgrade the internals on the R anyway for serious race use
Airbox in carbon would run you about 4500 bucks
Slip-ons - Apparently cost a first born

Plus, depending on who you race with, the SL may be allowed into Superstock classes (but not into Moto-America in any class)

I'm leaving out the engine differences, sounds like there are some, but nobody has really said what exactly. So from a purely technical standpoint.......It's really not that badly priced when you think about it.

At the end of the day, a kid on an SV650 would probably whoop me on either so I suppose it doesn't matter much in the overall scheme of things since I'm playing with pretendish money at the moment.

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If an SL was selling for $40K, I think a bunch of guys that are thinking or purchasing a 2015R would jump on it. I would.

Ljuice26 said:

If an SL was selling for $40K, I think a bunch of guys that are thinking or purchasing a 2015R would jump on it. I would.

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The bids on eBay seem to get to about $47k pretty easily but hether the new R is worth the $33k and then you have to add the exhaust and maybe uograde the for internals I'm not sure you are at $40k oretty quickly and then you may want to upgrade the wheels

reganc said:

The bids on eBay seem to get to about $47k pretty easily but hether the new R is worth the $33k and then you have to add the exhaust and maybe uograde the for internals I'm not sure you are at $40k oretty quickly and then you may want to upgrade the wheels

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The 2015 is a great bike. There is no need to upgrade the wheels on the new R. The only upgrades I'm interested in are correct spring rates, motoholders subframe(the stock unit is $1600.00, I'm not crasking that), race fairings, safety wire and slip on exhaust if the oil retention pan doesn't fit the oem exhaust.

But the SL, for its exclusivity and the lightweight components is probably worth it.

Ljuice26 said:

The 2015 is a great bike. There is no need to upgrade the wheels on the new R. The only upgrades I'm interested in are correct spring rates, motoholders subframe(the stock unit is $1600.00, I'm not crasking that), race fairings, safety wire and slip on exhaust if the oil retention pan doesn't fit the oem exhaust.

But the SL, for its exclusivity and the lightweight components is probably worth it.

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I tend to agree there is a big jump in cash from the R to the SL especially for a track bike.

I might get the new R as I think for my needs it would be better than the SL as like you it will only be a track bike but I'm still on the fence and not sure if it's worth the extra $$

reganc said:

I tend to agree there is a big jump in cash from the R to the SL especially for a track bike.

I might get the new R as I think for my needs it would be better than the SL as like you it will only be a track bike but I'm still on the fence and not sure if it's worth the extra $$

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It may be the last bike I'm allowed to drop big money on. Getting married, kids, and my expensive ... trips twice a year, she is not going to keep saying ok for long. Have to get what I can get NOW.

The differences are enough to make your wheels turn (like what I did there, "wheels turn") ....the differences are not only there for the track rider, they are there for anyone with the ability to feel or think they feel them and enjoy them - going from a Base, S or R to an SL, most long term riders would surely notice the differences in the way the bike feels, responds, reacts to however you ride with it - the motors on the R & SL spin more freely thanks to the lightened fly wheel if you don't feel that then you own the upper end model (whatever it may be, S R or SL) for simply the pleasure of ownership and overall experience with it

Dollars and cents: I have never seen or been able to justify taking a base model and getting the mods set up and done to push it to be an R....it just never adds up - for me at least, and I think anyone trying to figure it out, the factory always offers the better alternative to an after purchase upgrade of a lower end model - anyone that sits back and thinks it thru will certainly realize that as well ---- however, that's not to say some people, on the extreme end of garage workshop skills can get close, or in their own minds surpass the original design specs....but unless they are truly skilled, most modded bikes are not reaching the true perfect balance the factory can give you

Prices for the 2015 R versus a used SL (with the warranty clock ticking) would make the R a bargain....and I truly believe the SL is a bargain for what you get....(I am somewhat biased as I had a desmosedici that I used 4 full seasons long <street only, 23k miles>) -- I use the bargain term somewhat loosely....they are a "bargain" in that you love Ducati, and want only a Ducati - that being the case getting either one you cannot get them any cheaper than the factory sells them to us for - and for that I say "Thank You Ducati" !!

Superleggera owners AVERT YOUR EYES. You've been warned.

Ducati test rider Alessandro Valia puts down a 1'55.3 on a new 1299 S (about 4 seconds off Cheka's WSBK times).

Incredible. But anyone remember what time Mr. Valia put down on the Superleggera?
1:54.9.

Being that the lap time for a 2015 S is merely .4 seconds down on a Superleggera - on his first time out on the bike, no less - I think it's safe to say that the R is going to be mighty close to the mighty SL, at least when it comes to lap times. That's frightening and terrific at the same time.

Course, the lap times weren't done on the same day (or even the same year) and the new S probably has stickier tires than the SL, but still, it's quite fascinating.