V4R looking good at Aragon

Todays test times look very promising with Chaz, the bike looks solid on track, his feedback was good. 3rd quick, just behind Lowes, 1 1/2 seconds off JR.

yup, nice on the first outing!!!

he said he liked the forgiving feel.

I can’t wait for tomorrow when he pushes harder after going over the data this evening.

PLUS you have to know they're going to be doing some serious sandbagging with the test results on this bike. I have visions of 2007 MotoGP where Stoner came out the first race weekend in Qatar and was basically putting on his indicators and pulling out into the passing lane every time they got to the front straight!

Doubt it Jarel. I think they are going to have chassis issues in the beginning until they get it sorted. Similar chassis to the bike it replaced with heaps more power. Plus Kawasaki upgraded their motor (new valve-train) for higher free-range, BMW has new bike, Aprillia new bike and Yamaha will probably up their game. Should be a great season. Definitely looking forward to it.

Aprilia is not new. It’s got winglets but same motor and chassis.

Speedhaus said:

Doubt it Jarel. I think they are going to have chassis issues in the beginning until they get it sorted. Similar chassis to the bike it replaced with heaps more power. Plus Kawasaki upgraded their motor (new valve-train) for higher free-range, BMW has new bike, Aprillia new bike and Yamaha will probably up their game. Should be a great season. Definitely looking forward to it.

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The V4R is a completely different chassis from the Panigale R, longer swingarm too.

Speedhaus said:

Doubt it Jarel. I think they are going to have chassis issues in the beginning until they get it sorted. Similar chassis to the bike it replaced with heaps more power. Plus Kawasaki upgraded their motor (new valve-train) for higher free-range, BMW has new bike, Aprillia new bike and Yamaha will probably up their game. Should be a great season. Definitely looking forward to it.

Click to expand...

So is the chassis similar or completely different ? (Noting Jarel's reply). Is the Aprillia a new bike or not.

One of the things I hate about the internet. How does anyone ever know who really knows about what they posting about.

Is it something they read in a magazine or they heard it from a friend who heard it from his neighbours wife.

Well, similar in concept, but completely reworked chassis. Clear as mud?

bradp51 said:

So is the chassis similar or completely different ? (Noting Jarel's reply). Is the Aprillia a new bike or not.

One of the things I hate about the internet. How does anyone ever know who really knows about what they posting about.

Is it something they read in a magazine or they heard it from a friend who heard it from his neighbours wife.

Click to expand...

It's on the Ducati website under chassis, quote:

The “Front Frame” of the Panigale V4 R stands out for the lightening on the machined side panels that allow to reach the stiffness target required by Ducati Corse and further reduce its weight.

monocoque vs front frame
IMO
designed to function the same In that it is a frameless type design - the engine is the frame


the clocking of the engine the width of the v4 allows different mounting points makes for a different shape and these two differences could allow for different /improved stiffness and handling characteristics.
Plus you know ducati has gathered a ton of data from the L2 .

when the trellis frame was used they could tune it around the engine now they have to wait until the whole bike is redesigned to make a major chassis revamp .

the difference in distances of the mounting points from steering head to engine makes it obvious that the new frame allows more room to tune the chassis in terms of lateral flex.
the short and stiff airbox only chassis of the V2 makes that really complicated.

the longer reach on the V4 and a more open design is already screaming "more forgiving ride"

Phl said:

the difference in distances of the mounting points from steering head to engine makes it obvious that the new frame allows more room to tune the chassis in terms of lateral flex.
the short and stiff airbox only chassis of the V2 makes that really complicated.

the longer reach on the V4 and a more open design is already screaming "more forgiving ride"

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Yeah exactly, and if you've ridden one back to back with a V2 is pretty immediately noticeable. It's kind of hard to ignore how much quicker it turns due to the counter-rotating crank, but if you can ignore that and focus on the feel of the front end (especially while trail-braking) you get a totally different sensation from the V4. I think it will be all good as far as the application for WSBK, especially when combined with the longer swingarm.

I guess Brad, everyone has an opinion;and that's cool. Isn't that what forums are for? In any case, my statement was based on information "leaked" that I read on places like 'Ashphalt and Rubber" and "Roadracing World." I also get my information from dealers and racers I stay in contact with (I work for Dorna and BEIN Sports). Honestly, "he said, she said" doesn't matter. I understand this is a Ducati Forum and most people here feel obliged to be an unapologetic "fanboy" of the brand until they decide to move on to another brand. At which time they will very quickly shift their allegiances to the next brand as if they have always supported only that brand. I personally love bikes...plain and simple. Doesn't matter what brand....a cool bike is a cool bike. I own (and have owned) dozens. Same goes for racing. A great rider is a great rider. As such I always base my opinions on facts. And unless you work for a factory team you are only getting your information (however credible) secondhand. So I don't think it is a stretch that Johnny Rea might dominate again next year on an updated Kawasaki while Ducati boys have some "teething pains" on a totally new bike. I back my opinion by history. Fact is not too many bikes have proven dominate their first year of introduction. There is always major issues either with chassis, electronics, the way they treat tires, etc..., etc... Simply because there is NO data. Testing is not the same as racing. That being said, I hope Chaz has a great season next year and gives Rea a serious challenge. I also hope Yamaha keeps moving forward and Aprilia moves back into contention. More parity makes the sport enjoyable.

wandered if you guys knew what the deal was with the rear sprocket? Seems to have a second circular cover on it I've not seen before - any thoughts?