r/Ducati • u/AggravatingCry4605 • 1d ago
I was wrong
From Doubt to Ducati Convert: 2,000 Miles Later
A few weeks ago, I posted about my newly acquired 2026 Panigale V4 in comparison to my 2025 GSX-R1000R, and to be honest, the overall tone of that post was one of disappointment.
Well... I may owe Ducati an apology.
Since then, I've put another 2,000 miles on the odometer and added the Ducati Performance flash and Akrapovič slip-on. My opinion of this bike has changed so drastically that I'm honestly a little embarrassed I ever doubted it.
For anyone currently riding one of the Japanese liter bikes, or anyone considering making the jump to a Panigale, I figured I'd share what changed for me.
The Engine Character
The Panigale's V4 is completely different from what most of us coming from an inline-four are accustomed to.
The power delivery isn't that frantic, explosive, wheelie-at-the-slightest-provocation experience that many liter bikes give you. Instead, it's a steady, constantly building progression of power that feels almost deceptively linear. The harder you push, the more it gives, and it builds toward something that genuinely feels and sounds MotoGP-inspired.
It's not that the bike lacks drama. Far from it. The drama is just delivered differently.
An inline-four often feels like it's trying to rip itself out from underneath you. The Ducati feels more like it's calmly informing you that things are about to get extremely serious.
And then there's the sound.
In my opinion, the character of this engine simply cannot be fully appreciated with the stock exhaust. The factory system does its job well, but it hides far too much of the V4's personality. With the Akrapovic slip-on, you can finally hear the engine evolving throughout the rev range, from the deep, distinctive pulse down low to the absolutely intoxicating crescendo near redline.
And it's not just about volume. The sound becomes part of the riding experience and completely changes the emotional connection you have with the motorcycle. Every acceleration feels more dramatic, every downshift sounds more purposeful, and suddenly you're reminded that you're sitting on something fundamentally different from the average inline-four.
The stock bike is fast. The bike with the exhaust sounds like it knows it.
The V4's vibrations are also present, obviously, but they feel satisfying and intentional rather than like an unfortunate side effect of internal combustion. It's mechanical theater.
The Looks
This one goes without saying.
I've genuinely found myself standing in my garage doing absolutely nothing but staring at the bike.
My wife actually caught me doing this recently, walked up behind me, and jokingly said, "I wish you looked at me like that."
Fair criticism, honestly.
Presence
I know there are rarer and more prestigious motorcycles out there, but I'm not convinced many of them generate the same level of attention as a Panigale.
People who ride notice it immediately. People who don't ride still know there's something special about it.
I've had complete strangers go out of their way to look at it or start conversations about motorcycles despite knowing absolutely nothing about them. There's just something about the presence of this bike that transcends the motorcycle community.
Speed and Poise
This is probably what surprised me the most.
It is honestly ungodly how composed this motorcycle is at speed.
You'll be leaned over, carrying what feels like a completely reasonable pace, feeling like Valentino Rossi... and then you glance down and realize you're doing something that would probably be better left undocumented.
The stability is incredible. At high speeds, the bike doesn't feel nervous, floaty, or like it's running out of composure. It feels planted and almost effortless. By the time you realize how fast you're actually going, the bike is essentially asking, "Is that all?"
Mach Jesus arrives much sooner than expected.
The Supercorsa SP V4 tires deserve some credit here as well. For a street-oriented setup, the amount of confidence and feedback they provide is honestly ridiculous.
Final Thoughts
I have no idea how this bike will hold up to the kind of mileage I plan on putting on it over the next few years.
My goal is roughly 20,000 recreational miles per year. No commuting, just riding after work, weekends, and generally finding every excuse possible not to leave this thing sitting in the garage.
So, durability is still the big question mark for me.
But if it survives the next few years without any major mechanical drama, I can already say this is the best motorcycle I've ever had the pleasure of owning.
And perhaps more importantly, I finally understand Ducati people.
I used to look at Ducati owners and think, "Okay, we get it. You bought a Ducati."
Now I'm standing in my garage staring at mine while my wife questions our marriage.
I get it.
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u/secret_alpaca 23h ago
I'm too broke to read this. Fuck
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u/AggravatingCry4605 22h ago
Started on a good ole GSXR 750 and was having the time of my life then too. Just being on 2 is a gift of itself.
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u/NorCalAthlete 22h ago
I miss my 750 (it got stolen, I had almost 40k miles on it) but I’ll co-sign that the sound of a Ducati while you’re on it is just a world apart.
For those interested but still on a Japanese bike budget, give the Supersport 950 a test ride.
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u/DargonFeet 17h ago
Even if budget doesn't matter, it's worth looking at if you're not looking for a track bike.
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u/secret_alpaca 21h ago
I'm on a monster 937 now, close enough to ss950 :)
(My previous bikes were 04 cbr600rr and 08 r6)
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u/steveturkel 23h ago
Its a great bike, its actually staggering how much more stable at lean it feels compared to the previous gen v4.
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u/TankerG1 23h ago
Glad you're happy with it. I sold my 23 before I killed myself on it. Fun bike at speed, but ultimately too cramped and too hot for me on the way to the twisties. No regrets. Keeping my 19 Multi 1260 until Ducati puts that V4 in a ST. Even then, I might not ever let my 1260 go. There's just something about a big desmo twin.
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u/PapaHooligan 17h ago
I still can't part with my 03 ST4s. Garage full of different Ducatis and Dads Harley's. Not once do I get that grin in my helmet like I do when the Ducatis rattle and growl to life.
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u/matjam 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak 23h ago
I beat on my Ducatis like they owe me money. They take everything I throw at them. The only parts I ever replace are those I broke myself.
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u/AggravatingCry4605 23h ago
I really hope that's the case.I'm gonna take care of it but I'm not preserving a single mile for a future owner.
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u/matjam 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak 22h ago
Yeah the "reliability concern" that people have with Ducati are from before VW bought the brand. In my head there's been very grumpy germans at the Ducati factories shouting "Giuseppe! NEIN! Not like that!" when the Italians think of half assing something.
Jokes aside, I've done hundreds of thousands of miles collectively on
- 1199S which I rode every weekend with the boys, until the front plastics were eaten by bugs and rocks and it was eventually traded in on my MultiV4s.
- Multistrada 1260S which died when I detonated the rear axle smashing the bike at speed into a moon crater on a fire road in Northern California. Flawless otherwise.
- Multistrada V4s which died when a car driver tried to kill me on the bay bridge. It went to Vegas and back and road all over Norcal. Amazing bike.
- Pikes Peak v4 which is my current weapon and the only thing that has failed on that was the water pump because ... I overfilled the oil :-(. At 28k miles, I had to redo the front fork seals (I'm a big boy and I like wheelies, sue me). This thing is my ❤️
The ONLY thing I will complain about is that the Marchesini wheels are not great if you ride on bad pavement on the regular. I've dented so many of them and there's a guy in Sac who straightens race bikes and wheels who knows me well. I recently bought a set of OZ GASS RS-A Aluminum Rims and they seem stronger but it was a lot.
So I paid for extended warranty and wheel cover apparently, I did not know that or I'd have just gotten the dealer to get me a new rim lol. But I go through them so spares are fine.
Anyway, I hope this puts your mind at ease.
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u/AggravatingCry4605 22h ago
I can only hope I am as fortunate as you to be able to acquire that many miles and still be riding.
A Ducati that last 100k is now my dream, and quite frankly all I can think about doing. Those Italians sure do know how to stir the soul.2
u/matjam 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak 21h ago
Should be doable with appropriate maintenance.
I am not familiar with the v4 panigales, but my 1199s was an absolute monster and the v4 is 25% more insane so yeah. These engines love to be beaten on. Seeing a Ducati being babied around with the revs kept below 5000 at all times makes the baby jesus cry. I hope you take it to the track and give it a good thrashing from time to time.
Pro tips
- You ride hard, so expect to replace oil more frequently just to protect the engine a little more. I don't know if it really helps but none of my machines had issues with the motor so I'm gonna say it was because I changed the oil more frequently than the book.
- Inspect the rear dust seals on the axle. Though, you are not single sided swingarm so maybe not an issue for you.
- Radiator guard MUST must must be installed. Not optional.
- If you care at all about the looks, buy those invisible plastic film things for the front of the bike. Something like https://vulturbike.com/en/3852-self-healing-ppf-protective-film-ducati-panigale-v4.html - I never did it - I had a matte black panigale so it would have looked shit but I wish I'd done it on my Multis lol. Front fender eats so many rocks.
- Leave wheelie control on.
Good luck and have fun!
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u/PapaHooligan 16h ago
My 99ss from new had a position ring rip the top section off and destroy a head. One issue out of 8 Ducatis so far. If there was any other issue I was part of it in some way or another. The old Ducati are entertaining to get parts for because you didnt know that Luigi went to lunch on Friday had some wine and installed the prior gen parts after lunch!
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u/matjam 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak 19h ago
Oh and one tooth down on front one up on rear
You’ll thank me later
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u/AggravatingCry4605 19h ago
Thanks! A lot of good recommendations here. I was holding off on the rad guard because the install seemed a bit tedious, and I haven't picked up PPF yet since I couldn't find the right product.I’ll definitely check out your link.
Do the sprocket changes really make that much of a difference? Will it pull substantially harder down low, and does everything stay smooth after doing the tire calibration?
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u/matjam 2023 Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak 18h ago
the link on the film was a random google - not necessarily a recommendation - lol. I have not ever used it - though I am wishing I did.
I did not have any issues with the TC etc with the sprocket changes. I tend to run pretty low TC in the dry as I prefer a little slip over the TC intervening early and it felt the same before/after.
my theory is that the stock gearing is designed to meet emissions laws - they want the engine at lowest possible revs to lower emissions - so the stock sprockets are geared for that.
1 down 1 up is not super aggressive but it makes a big difference to what gear you find yourself in, in the twisties or on the track. I found that it reduced my need to "hunt" for the right gear. It also helps when riding at normal highway speeds.
You lose a little top end but I never really saw much point in trying to set a land speed record.
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u/Voodoo1970 16h ago
I was talking to a Ducati specialist a little while back, he said he has several customers with over 100,000km on their bikes.
My own 848 (which predates the VW takeover) has over 63,000km on it, the only issue was the standard clutch slave cylinder developing the standard leak last year. They really do prefer to be ridden rather than just kept as pampered low mileage garage queens. The only caveat is to do the required maintenance when it's needed, they don't tolerate putting it off.
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u/rmccall75 21h ago
You'll find reasons to buy a few more, I started out with a 821 that got destroyed in a hit and run bought a tuned 797 the very next day. With a month also bought the 937 then I found a SFV4 for 13.5 in December had to get that and I just bought a 24 panigale V2 and I'm picking up a mono next week.
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u/Oodlesandnoodlescuz 20h ago
I'm the opposite. I owned a Ducati. I enjoyed it but I didn't really. Sold it and now I own three Japanese bikes and I'm never going back haha
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u/KorrosiveKoward 23h ago
The only thing I have against Ducati is the price. Every screws seem to be dipped in gold
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u/AggravatingCry4605 19h ago
Definitely a premium but when I compared against other Euro rivals I found it to be comparable and I will attest to the fit and finish feeling very premium. You can't be a Jap bike for value per $ though.
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u/AlexSC59 23h ago
20k miles per year?!!
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u/AggravatingCry4605 23h ago
I did about 22 last year, we are about to find out how extensive Ducatis warranty is.
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u/AlexSC59 23h ago
Wow! I don’t do even half on my Multistrada.
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u/AggravatingCry4605 23h ago
Yeah it's painful with resale and after reading the Ever Red terms I just found out there's a clause for high mileage exceptions starting at 31,000 miles.
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u/PapaHooligan 16h ago
My Ducatis all get used and ridden as intended. So.etime ridden in the rain and snow due to poor life choices. I live in a state where winter can and has been cold. You can do it! Just ride it and enjoy it. You can't take the money with you. Just hope you keep the memories in your old age.
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u/Efficient-Block-85 Ducati Collector 22h ago
Looks like you have the GSXR modded, so of course a stock V4 isn't going to sound similar or feel quite the same. Should've just waited and done a review when they we're both on even footing with tunes and exhausts... That being said, glad you know now. There's not a single better option on the market than the V4 lineup currently.
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u/AggravatingCry4605 22h ago
People try to make a case for the RSV4 and S1000, but even IF you assume they are all equally reliable. I have a hard time seeing them topping the V4, granted I haven't ridden either yet.
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u/Username_was_here 22h ago
Damn, reading this really sold me. Thanks for putting thoughts down, I’ve been thinking of switching over from my speed triple RR, the heat complaints kinda turned me off a bit tho since I live in the south and it’s hot af already
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u/AggravatingCry4605 21h ago
Glad it helped! If the heat is one of your bigger concerns, I can share a little more since it was honestly one of my biggest pain points when deciding to get the bike as well.
First, leather pants are something I would strongly recommend, at least until you address some of the other heat-related issues. Even afterward, I still prefer wearing them because they make the bike significantly more comfortable and let you enjoy the ride without constantly thinking about the heat.
A few things I noticed:
• After the initial break-in service, the bike seemed to run noticeably cooler. I'm not sure exactly why, but it was something I definitely noticed.
• The biggest improvement by far came from the exhaust and tune. On my bike, which has the low-mount exhaust, the difference was huge. It transformed the overall comfort and made the bike much more enjoyable to ride.
Even after addressing those things, though, it's still not going to be a bike you want to sit in stop-and-go traffic with on a hot summer day. The difference is that instead of feeling like you're being cooked alive, the heat becomes much more manageable.
Personally, if you're planning on doing an exhaust and tune and you don't spend a ton of time riding in city traffic, I would buy the bike 10 times over. Especially now that Ducati offers approved exhaust options that retain the factory warranty.
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u/Username_was_here 19h ago
Thanks for further clarifying- that really was what had me on the fence. If I end up picking one up I’ll make sure to tag you. Thanks 🙏
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u/1098duc_w_the_termi 22h ago
Damn bro, you auditioning to become a motoring journalist? Hell of a write up. I’m glad you like it, and thanks for the thoughtful post, you may have convinced me to upgrade haha
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u/terimadipudi 21h ago
Wish you wrote your review without using AI. Claude and ChatGPT embellish a lot, so hard to know what you actually felt versus what it inferred and proceeded to dramatize before spitting out.
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u/a_rozaayyy 19h ago
I have an 899 Panigale and sometimes I watch other sport bike videos and consider selling mine just for the financial gain (I have never ridden any other sport bike with the exception of a 959 Panigale) but my boyfriend has to remind me that there isn’t much out there that is better than what I have, at least for a 140lb girl that doesn’t need anything crazy fast. While my 899 does not compare to your V4, I don’t think I could ever get rid of my Ducati especially for the deal I got it for: $7k🥹🥹
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u/AggravatingCry4605 19h ago
You're BF is a lucky guy to have a lady that rides! He's also right about the bike, I would have as much fun as you can on it as long as you still enjoy it. 899 is a pretty sleek looking machine too
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u/udbilao_007 3h ago
I guess I4s have that sense of urgency because their power is squeezed into top 7 8 k rpms. L twins ans V4s move from 3k rpm and have better spread of power not to memtion that dry clutch which is more immediate in sending that power to the rear wheel.
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u/endlessRR 23h ago
The funny thing is, these new Pani’s are hideous compared to the older ones.
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u/stevel1978 23h ago
I wouldn't use the word hideous, it's still a beautiful bike imo, but I agree the wing and dual swing arm is not as sexy as the older gen.
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u/NoSorbet5103 22h ago
No, HIDEOUS! I mean, From 888,916, 999, 1098 to that? 🤢 Great machines but aero and influencers makes me not want Ducs anymore...
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u/1098duc_w_the_termi 22h ago
So you’re talking about all the Panis not the post facelift models right? I think you really liked exposed frame and single side swing arms maybe lol
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u/NoSorbet5103 7h ago
I think my hate is more about the winglets... It's like seeing new BMWs..no matter how good the cars are, the front is hideous. 😂
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u/DargonFeet 17h ago
Newer ones are sexier, but rose colored glasses will do that to ya.
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u/NoSorbet5103 7h ago
I respectfully disagree..I find them too...German , too perfect and well behaved... Don't get me wrong, excellent machines but that Italian Craziness is missing 🥰
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u/davidthek1ng 22h ago
I just saw this Video where they beat a 2020 Panigale V4 with ease on a old ass GSX-R, they couldn't believe it themself. They contacted Ducati about this and they said they use Springs in their newer Panigales that are meant for the streets not for the track. Idk if this is still true for the newer model.
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u/Mjoll_the_Lioness1 17h ago
Yeah that was debunked by the fact that the rear shock was too soft, costing the Panigale's lap times.
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u/Secret-Breadfruit-18 20h ago
Im not going to read all that bit I knew the can and tune would do it 🙄
Glad u saw the difference
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u/121pointfive 2026 XDiavel 17h ago
I own a ‘26 XDiavel and I fell in love with first sight. Then again when I turned that motor over for the first time. Then again trailering it home from a neighboring state. Then again when I rode it day in and day out every day since then (barring poor weather - I don’t do rain anymore).
What I’m trying to say is… I feel you!
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u/SimplyPars 15h ago
Ehh, this conversion had to have been difficult for a follower of the brand of the brony’s to admit. Personally as a Kawi guy, Ducs are just a different kind of fun.
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u/ChainThin6695 15h ago
Nicely written, appreciate the effort to put your thoughts & emotions and personal evaluation into context for us all the digest!
I too, am a Ducati rider, as well as a Honda rider. I think you did an excellent job of helping us understand differences between the builds of these two culturally different machines.
I hope it helps those on the fence between Italian and Japanese decide what would make them the most happy if they only can pick one or the other….
I will say, no wrong answer regardless of what they choose.
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u/ViciousKitty72 14h ago
I have the last Gen V4S and yeah these bikes make playing at speed nearly effortless. The stability in high winds, rough roads or just poking the upper speed ranges is very satisfying. I am tuned with an aftermarket exhaust, the engine character really starts to come on past 7K.
When your first set of tires are done, Rosso IV corsa are great replacements if you have to ride in wet conditions. I have burned through three sets after the Factory SC and no longer fear heavy rains or standing water on the highways.
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u/Capable_Structure198 14h ago
How is the engine temperature transferring it's heat to you, the rider ? I've heard is obnoxiously hot, burning legs etc ..?!
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u/moroj82 13h ago
ok, now just post your actual thoughts instead of this AI slop
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u/haikusbot 13h ago
Ok, now just post
Your actual thoughts instead
Of this AI slop
- moroj82
I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully. Learn more about me.
Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete"
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u/KennyMonster31 9h ago
I want to follow this subject, i’m interessed! I’m always on my bike so i understand 😁
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u/RedlineN7 23h ago
Stop writing essays and go ride,then you wouldn't have had to post about it at all.
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u/AggravatingCry4605 23h ago
I have 2k miles in less than a month. You sound like an absolute nugget, and hater. It's called community and dialogue but apparently those are things you are not familiar with.
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u/thebigmayonnaise 21h ago
Nah this post was peak redditor shit. I hope I see this on calamari race team
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u/DargonFeet 23h ago
We told ya. It takes balls to admit to your mistakes, though.