V4R vs V4 ride comparison

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gnance said:
For those of you with the new v4r, does it still give you that Ducati feeling? More refined and smooth is good up to a point, but I already have other 4 cylinder bikes and want the ride to be unique to the bike and not just the looks.
Click to expand...

The V4 has an incredible amount of power and is refined and smooth. The V4R has less torque but it revs higher and the dry clutch feels different when starting from a stop.

Both bikes, especially with the full Akrapovic are incredible and easier to ride than any other Ducati made before. I have owned 10 Ducati motorcycles.

The new Aprilia Factory 1100 is ALSO incredible and is probably the best handling bike available from any manufacturer straight off the showroom floor IMHO. I am a pro-licensed racer weighing 190 lbs. I mention this so you know I am not some hack and the weight is important because I happen to fit the weight of the rider both the RSV4 and V4/S/R were designed for with respect to spring rates in the forks and shocks on these bikes.

Point is, bikes are really good these days BUT when I build a ZX-10R or R1 bike for the track I can take 35 lbs of weight off those bikes and I have to change a lot of stuff to get there....on the V4R there isn't much to do and I can generally only knock off about 15 lbs which is mostly just the exhaust. It already has great suspension, lightweight wheels and battery, grippy tires, etc...

What will give you that special feeling IMHO is a bike that is sorted from the get-go; a bike that doesn't require you to ride around its short-comings. I can buy a showroom V4R or Factory 1100 and take it straight to the track and go quick. I can't say the same for the GSX-R1000R or ZX-10RR or the R1 and I own them ALL, no joke.

When I took my 1299 Superleggera (and a friend let me borrow his) V4R to the track recently I summarized my thoughts at the end of the day with the following: "overall the V4R is easier to ride faster for half the cost of the Superleggera".

The best bikes disappear beneath you and simply allow you to ride well. The V4R does this and it turns better than the V4/S. That is why I sold my V4 and bought a V4R.

I was lucky to ride my bike back-to-back with a V4R that I also set up. The support under braking from the V4R fork was better and the front end feel was better. The bike turned as well as an RSV4, which is the highest praise!

It is an incredible machine! Buy one, get some rearsets, Stomp Grip and the exhaust then set the sag and follow the guidance Ducati put in the manual and I promise you will feel better and go faster with less effort than any other bike, except for the new Factory 1100 :)

I hope this helps answer your question....
 
Thanks for the reply.

I'm no pro racer or anything so all of these machines are more than what someone like me really needs. However I love bikes and like having bikes that make me smile not only in appearance but when out for a ride. We have a lot of open roads up here to play on. I was debating the 1299fe vs the v4r. I like them both but can only swing one for now, so was wanting to get the one that will put that smile on your face for years to come. Doesnt necessarily need to be the better sorted bike. I have a couple others to play around on so want each one to be unique in their own way.

I guess we all know the v4r is the better bike.....but what puts a bigger smile on you face riding? Your 1299sl or your v4r?

Thanks!
 
gnance said:
Thanks for the reply.

I'm no pro racer or anything so all of these machines are more than what someone like me really needs. However I love bikes and like having bikes that make me smile not only in appearance but when out for a ride. We have a lot of open roads up here to play on. I was debating the 1299fe vs the v4r. I like them both but can only swing one for now, so was wanting to get the one that will put that smile on your face for years to come. Doesnt necessarily need to be the better sorted bike. I have a couple others to play around on so want each one to be unique in their own way.

I guess we all know the v4r is the better bike.....but what puts a bigger smile on you face riding? Your 1299sl or your v4r?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

The V4R is a better bike. It makes me smile when I can go fast easily.
 
gnance said:
Thanks for the reply.

I'm no pro racer or anything so all of these machines are more than what someone like me really needs. However I love bikes and like having bikes that make me smile not only in appearance but when out for a ride. We have a lot of open roads up here to play on. I was debating the 1299fe vs the v4r. I like them both but can only swing one for now, so was wanting to get the one that will put that smile on your face for years to come. Doesnt necessarily need to be the better sorted bike. I have a couple others to play around on so want each one to be unique in their own way.

I guess we all know the v4r is the better bike.....but what puts a bigger smile on you face riding? Your 1299sl or your v4r?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Tough call man. I have always enjoyed the twin on the street (I have not ridden a V4). All accounts say that the twin has more torque low down so I would choose it for the street and smiles.
 
If you are chasing lap times, sure the V4r might be faster for you. Hard to say, you are probably the same speed within margins of a second on either machine. As far as all out ridiculousness the FE is pretty hard to beat. Its an animal. The V4r is without a doubt more refined, smooth and predictable. When the FE came out I knew I wanted it. The Speciale came out people asked me if I wanted to change my mind. Absolutely not was my answer. I track and race a 2015 1199r. Could I go faster on the V4R, sure....whats more fun? That big thumping 1199 L2!
 
roadracerx said:
The V4 has an incredible amount of power and is refined and smooth. The V4R has less torque but it revs higher and the dry clutch feels different when starting from a stop.

Both bikes, especially with the full Akrapovic are incredible and easier to ride than any other Ducati made before. I have owned 10 Ducati motorcycles.

The new Aprilia Factory 1100 is ALSO incredible and is probably the best handling bike available from any manufacturer straight off the showroom floor IMHO. I am a pro-licensed racer weighing 190 lbs. I mention this so you know I am not some hack and the weight is important because I happen to fit the weight of the rider both the RSV4 and V4/S/R were designed for with respect to spring rates in the forks and shocks on these bikes.

Point is, bikes are really good these days BUT when I build a ZX-10R or R1 bike for the track I can take 35 lbs of weight off those bikes and I have to change a lot of stuff to get there....on the V4R there isn't much to do and I can generally only knock off about 15 lbs which is mostly just the exhaust. It already has great suspension, lightweight wheels and battery, grippy tires, etc...

What will give you that special feeling IMHO is a bike that is sorted from the get-go; a bike that doesn't require you to ride around its short-comings. I can buy a showroom V4R or Factory 1100 and take it straight to the track and go quick. I can't say the same for the GSX-R1000R or ZX-10RR or the R1 and I own them ALL, no joke.

When I took my 1299 Superleggera (and a friend let me borrow his) V4R to the track recently I summarized my thoughts at the end of the day with the following: "overall the V4R is easier to ride faster for half the cost of the Superleggera".

The best bikes disappear beneath you and simply allow you to ride well. The V4R does this and it turns better than the V4/S. That is why I sold my V4 and bought a V4R.

I was lucky to ride my bike back-to-back with a V4R that I also set up. The support under braking from the V4R fork was better and the front end feel was better. The bike turned as well as an RSV4, which is the highest praise!

It is an incredible machine! Buy one, get some rearsets, Stomp Grip and the exhaust then set the sag and follow the guidance Ducati put in the manual and I promise you will feel better and go faster with less effort than any other bike, except for the new Factory 1100 :)

I hope this helps answer your question....
Click to expand...

Nice review and very accurate from my perspective as well. I've got a Speciale, RSV4 1100 Factory and V4R currently in the stable. Been on track with the Aprilia and Speciale and have about 800 road miles on the V4R which will be headed to the track soon.

All three are insanely capable bikes in my opinion but are very different. The Speciale is an incredible street bike and competent in every situation road and track. Ducati moved the goalposts by a significant amount with these v4's from a purely performance perspective. The Speciale has noticeably more low end torque as roadracerx mentions than the R. Shifts are smooth and the motor just pulls so hard everywhere in the rev range. It's great on track as well. Electronics are first rate and confidence inspiring and it's so easy to ride fast.

The Aprilia continues to impress me. I can't say enough about the chassis and mid corner stability. It moves around less than the Speciale and feels more planted. It's heavier and a bit harder for me to tip in but once at lean there is not better feeling bike. The extra grunt of the 1100 motor is noticeable and I think it pulls just as hard as the Speciale. The sound is incredible as well.

The V4R in my view feels like a scalpel. Handling is just so sharp and everything feels very linear. Exactly what you want from a track weapon. tips in very quickly and holds the line well. Down on torque vs the other two but above 10K RPM it's a screaming banshee and even at that level you've got an additional 6K revs to play with!

I've experienced all of the R models and IMHO this R is actually pretty compliant on the road as well. It's not high strung like some of the older bikes and I for one could live with it daily as crazy as that sounds.

So in my view the Speciale is the best all around bike. Great on road, great on track, easy to ride fast, makes you feel like a hero in all situations and is the best looking bike of the bunch.

The Aprilia is by far the best value. As good if not better on track than the speciale. Better in some areas and maybe not quite as good in others.

The V4R based on my experience on the road will be the most special of the bunch for track duty. No surprise there. It's just sublime in every conceivable performance category and it's the one to have of the three for me.

But here's an interesting twist. I jumped back on the 1299FE the other day and instantly fell back in love with the bike. There is a "specialness" to that twin as well as the 1299SL that is hard to describe. I have no doubt I'd be faster around a circuit on any of the three bike described above, but for all around enjoyment I have to put the old twin up there. I also think it's a timeless beauty.

28003097408_f697e230b2_h.jpg
 
Last edited:
1299rFE said:
If you are chasing lap times, sure the V4r might be faster for you. Hard to say, you are probably the same speed within margins of a second on either machine. As far as all out ridiculousness the FE is pretty hard to beat. Its an animal. The V4r is without a doubt more refined, smooth and predictable. When the FE came out I knew I wanted it. The Speciale came out people asked me if I wanted to change my mind. Absolutely not was my answer. I track and race a 2015 1199r. Could I go faster on the V4R, sure....whats more fun? That big thumping 1199 L2!
Click to expand...

Well said!!
 
Dare I say that FE is a sexy beast. More so than the v4r......hmmmm

KMY said:
Nice review and very accurate from my perspective as well. I've got a Speciale, RSV4 1100 Factory and V4R currently in the stable. Been on track with the Aprilia and Speciale and have about 800 road miles on the V4R which will be headed to the track soon.

All three are insanely capable bikes in my opinion but are very different. The Speciale is an incredible street bike and competent in every situation road and track. Ducati moved the goalposts by a significant amount with these v4's from a purely performance perspective. The Speciale has noticeably more low end torque as roadracerx mentions than the R. Shifts are smooth and the motor just pulls so hard everywhere in the rev range. It's great on track as well. Electronics are first rate and confidence inspiring and it's so easy to ride fast.

The Aprilia continues to impress me. I can't say enough about the chassis and mid corner stability. It moves around less than the Speciale and feels more planted. It's heavier and a bit harder for me to tip in but once at lean there is not better feeling bike. The extra grunt of the 1100 motor is noticeable and I think it pulls just as hard as the Speciale. The sound is incredible as well.

The V4R in my view feels like a scalpel. Handling is just so sharp and everything feels very linear. Exactly what you want from a track weapon. tips in very quickly and holds the line well. Down on torque vs the other two but above 10K RPM it's a screaming banshee and even at that level you've got an additional 6K revs to play with!

I've experienced all of the R models and IMHO this R is actually pretty compliant on the road as well. It's not high strung like some of the older bikes and I for one could live with it daily as crazy as that sounds.

So in my view the Speciale is the best all around bike. Great on road, great on track, easy to ride fast, makes you feel like a hero in all situations and is the best looking bike of the bunch.

The Aprilia is by far the best value. As good if not better on track than the speciale. Better in some areas and maybe not quite as good in others.

The V4R based on my experience on the road will be the most special of the bunch for track duty. No surprise there. It's just sublime in every conceivable performance category and it's the one to have of the three for me.

But here's an interesting twist. I jumped back on the 1299FE the other day and instantly fell back in love with the bike. There is a "specialness" to that twin as well as the 1299SL that is hard to describe. I have no doubt I'd be faster around a circuit on any of the three bike described above, but for all around enjoyment I have to put the old twin up there. I also think it's a timeless beauty.

28003097408_f697e230b2_h.jpg
Click to expand...
 
love2ride said:
Tough call man. I have always enjoyed the twin on the street (I have not ridden a V4). All accounts say that the twin has more torque low down so I would choose it for the street and smiles.
Click to expand...

What i find interesting is people who've ridden both the V4S and V4R claim the R has no torque.... I test rode the V4S a few months back (I had my then 1299 to compare with) and was just disappointed with the V4S' lack of torque... it had absolutely nothing! I can only imagine how less the V4R has. In saying that, without doubt the V4 (much like the S1000RR) is the better overall bike, you would have to be a clown to think otherwise. Subjectively though, the man handling nature of the twin and that effortless torque would still win me over.
 
gnance said:
Thanks for the reply.

I'm no pro racer or anything so all of these machines are more than what someone like me really needs. However I love bikes and like having bikes that make me smile not only in appearance but when out for a ride. We have a lot of open roads up here to play on. I was debating the 1299fe vs the v4r. I like them both but can only swing one for now, so was wanting to get the one that will put that smile on your face for years to come. Doesnt necessarily need to be the better sorted bike. I have a couple others to play around on so want each one to be unique in their own way.

I guess we all know the v4r is the better bike.....but what puts a bigger smile on you face riding? Your 1299sl or your v4r?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

...if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand :D
 
1299rFE said:
If you are chasing lap times, sure the V4r might be faster for you. Hard to say, you are probably the same speed within margins of a second on either machine. As far as all out ridiculousness the FE is pretty hard to beat. Its an animal. The V4r is without a doubt more refined, smooth and predictable. When the FE came out I knew I wanted it. The Speciale came out people asked me if I wanted to change my mind. Absolutely not was my answer. I track and race a 2015 1199r. Could I go faster on the V4R, sure....whats more fun? That big thumping 1199 L2!
Click to expand...

"Life.....the way it is meant to be" :)
 
McobraR said:
What i find interesting is people who've ridden both the V4S and V4R claim the R has no torque.... I test rode the V4S a few months back (I had my then 1299 to compare with) and was just disappointed with the V4S' lack of torque... it had absolutely nothing! I can only imagine how less the V4R has. In saying that, without doubt the V4 (much like the S1000RR) is the better overall bike, you would have to be a clown to think otherwise. Subjectively though, the man handling nature of the twin and that effortless torque would still win me over.
Click to expand...

Once you get to experience a big powerful twin, nothing else compares (in terms of fun factor) on the street !
 
I went from the 1199 to the V4R.

I took a friends V4S (with akra installed) out for a spin when i had my 1199. I was worried about the torque and the lack of 'grunt' when i got on it. But once i got moving, i realized how much more fun the V4S was to ride for me. It was confidence inspiring. I felt more at home. was the torque gone, yes, but it was not forgotten. The torque was less but it was more manageable and easier to handle. We all know the 1199 was not fun around town, i had a jerky throttle and horrible mapping. The V4 made it much confidence inspiring.

I then decided i wanted to upgrade. But i wasnt stopping at the V4S once i saw the unveil in person of the R. I put my deposit down. Once i put my deposit down, and was riding my 1199 around, i lost respect for that bike. it seemed lack luster, it didnt put a smile on my face anymore. The V2 was too dated at that point.

I sold my 1199 the day before i took delivery of my V4R. I was sad to say the least, but once i rode the V4R it went out the window.

Does the V4R have less torque than the V4, yes, and a lot less torque than the V2. But it very forgiving. IE it rides like a 600 under 8k and like a banshee over 9k. Its a different bike. One draw back i have, is the heat on the V4R makes the 1199 seem like the arctic tundra. I have the akra installed on the V4R and its still almost unbearable unless you are doing 80+. I never complained about my 1199, but that is my only complaint of the V4R.

I had a smile on my face all the time when riding with my 1199, and now i have a smile that doesnt go away when i see my bike let alone ride it. I have seen my 1199 out and parked my V4R next to it... and i am not upset with my decision to let her go. She served me well, but this new breed makes my heart thump even more.
 
Last edited:
@KMY, nice bike man!

@lamb00j, agreed! I too noticed the heat on the V4R over the V4/S. I think this is due to the fairings which are wider and push the away around the rider so there is less cooling effect on the rider.
 
KMY said:
Nice review and very accurate from my perspective as well. I've got a Speciale, RSV4 1100 Factory and V4R currently in the stable. Been on track with the Aprilia and Speciale and have about 800 road miles on the V4R which will be headed to the track soon.

All three are insanely capable bikes in my opinion but are very different. The Speciale is an incredible street bike and competent in every situation road and track. Ducati moved the goalposts by a significant amount with these v4's from a purely performance perspective. The Speciale has noticeably more low end torque as roadracerx mentions than the R. Shifts are smooth and the motor just pulls so hard everywhere in the rev range. It's great on track as well. Electronics are first rate and confidence inspiring and it's so easy to ride fast.

The Aprilia continues to impress me. I can't say enough about the chassis and mid corner stability. It moves around less than the Speciale and feels more planted. It's heavier and a bit harder for me to tip in but once at lean there is not better feeling bike. The extra grunt of the 1100 motor is noticeable and I think it pulls just as hard as the Speciale. The sound is incredible as well.

The V4R in my view feels like a scalpel. Handling is just so sharp and everything feels very linear. Exactly what you want from a track weapon. tips in very quickly and holds the line well. Down on torque vs the other two but above 10K RPM it's a screaming banshee and even at that level you've got an additional 6K revs to play with!

I've experienced all of the R models and IMHO this R is actually pretty compliant on the road as well. It's not high strung like some of the older bikes and I for one could live with it daily as crazy as that sounds.

So in my view the Speciale is the best all around bike. Great on road, great on track, easy to ride fast, makes you feel like a hero in all situations and is the best looking bike of the bunch.

The Aprilia is by far the best value. As good if not better on track than the speciale. Better in some areas and maybe not quite as good in others.

The V4R based on my experience on the road will be the most special of the bunch for track duty. No surprise there. It's just sublime in every conceivable performance category and it's the one to have of the three for me.

But here's an interesting twist. I jumped back on the 1299FE the other day and instantly fell back in love with the bike. There is a "specialness" to that twin as well as the 1299SL that is hard to describe. I have no doubt I'd be faster around a circuit on any of the three bike described above, but for all around enjoyment I have to put the old twin up there. I also think it's a timeless beauty.

28003097408_f697e230b2_h.jpg
Click to expand...

nice review
thanks

and congrats for your DREAM garage
 
01COCCOBET said:
nice review
thanks

and congrats for your DREAM garage
Click to expand...

Thanks man. So I unfortunately don't get to ride the 1299's as much as they deserve so was contemplating letting go of the FE since the SL will be staying but I think you made me change my mind! It's 9/10th of the SL for half the price and I can ride her and out mileage on her without a second thought. Thanks for the reminder of how special these twins are!

Kevin
 

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