V4R

[Relax]

When did Ducati start offering a warranty on "R" models??? When I bought my 2000 748S, I was also considering a 748R, but was told by Brampton Cycle that there would be no warranty because it was meant for competition. I've ignored all R models since under that assumption.

 

[Lightcycle]

You`re married or in a LTR? What does she, the Minister Of Finance, say?

Lol, the MinFin is a bigger bike nut than I am.

So we're currently on a road trip for the weekend, like literally a pavement/road trip. She didn't want to take her ADV bike because it's got knobbies on them. I use my GS as a road bike these days so she took it out for the weekend.

So half way through the ride today, she says over the intercom, "Oh this bike is really great on the pavement. It's my bike now!"

I can't really argue with her because she gave me her sport-tourer last year and I traded it in for an ADV...

Feeling kinda played here...

 

[PacoT]

Lol, the MinFin is a bigger bike nut than I am.

So we're currently on a road trip for the weekend, like literally a pavement/road trip. She didn't want to take her ADV bike because it's got knobbies on them. I use my GS as a road bike these days so she took it out for the weekend.

So half way through the ride today, she says over the intercom, "Oh this bike is really great on the pavement. It's my bike now!"

I can't really argue with her because she gave me her sport-tourer last year and I traded it in for an ADV...

Feeling kinda played here...

Well, looks like the universe just gave you even more reasons to fill that open spot with a V4R

 

[Lightcycle]

Well, looks like the universe just gave you even more reasons to fill that open spot with a V4R

We spent the whole weekend going back and forth about me getting a dedicated track bike or not.

I'm on the fence because it really bothers my frugal mind having a bike sitting in the garage that's only going to be used 6-8 times a year.

Wife is all gung-ho about it because she said, "If you get a Panigale, I'm going to totally get a Daytona 675!!!!"

This is how things work in our household. Absolutely zero voices of reason between the two of us...

 

[timtune]

I'll take two......

Good Call! With a second bike you won't have to wait for parts.

 

[Lightcycle]

Saw the test of the new WSBK V4R a couple of weeks ago.

Someone pointed out that the swingarm on the race bike is different from the production version:





I know the homologation models are a bit different from the ones they race, but if I was a V4R buyer, I'd be a bit miffed that the race version gets an entirely different swingarm and the production version only gets the same one that's on the V4/V4S...

 

[Relax]

Saw the test of the new WSBK V4R a couple of weeks ago.

Someone pointed out that the swingarm on the race bike is different from the production version:

View attachment 76574

View attachment 76573

I know the homologation models are a bit different from the ones they race, but if I was a V4R buyer, I'd be a bit miffed that the race version gets an entirely different swingarm and the production version only gets the same one that's on the V4/V4S...

Does anyone buying a V4R actually expect it to be close to the WSBK platform? Ducati's R models have historically been just a preview of the next generation's standard model motor and S model chassis (basically). I don't know about the newer bikes, but none of the 916-series homolgation street bikes had the same swingarms as the race bikes. Or triple clamps, forks, brakes, engine, fuel tank, the list goes on.

 

[Lightcycle]

Does anyone buying a V4R actually expect it to be close to the WSBK platform? Ducati's R models have historically been just a preview of the next generation's standard model motor and S model chassis (basically). I don't know about the newer bikes, but none of the 916-series homolgation street bikes had the same swingarms as the race bikes. Or triple clamps, forks, brakes, engine, fuel tank, the list goes on.

Agree that WSBK homologation rules allow huge variations in kit in the production version.

Disagree about the R's being a preview of next-gen bikes.

The engine is the critical component that must be identical to the race versions.

Next gen Ducati SBKs never get the kind of expensive treatment the R engines get like titanium con rods and intake valves. The homologation rules cap out the selling price to ~44K Euros, so guaranteed Ducati is selling those homologation bikes at a loss. No way they are ever going to put that kind of technology in non-homologation streetbikes.

If next gen SBKs achieve the same power ratings as the R bikes, it's only because they aren't restricted to WSBK displacement rules. The streetbikes get over 100ccs more to play with and don't have to rev out as high to get that that power.

As for whether V4R buyers expect their bikes to be closer to WSBK spec? From what I'm reading on the forums, this swingarm difference seems to be a huge point of contention with owners.

 

[GreyGhost]

Agree that WSBK homologation rules allow huge variations in kit in the production version.

Disagree about the R's being a preview of next-gen bikes.

The engine is the critical component that must be identical to the race versions.

Next gen Ducati SBKs never get the kind of expensive treatment the R engines get like titanium con rods and intake valves. The homologation rules cap out the selling price to ~44K Euros, so guaranteed Ducati is selling those homologation bikes at a loss. No way they are ever going to put that kind of technology in non-homologation streetbikes.

If next gen SBKs achieve the same power ratings as the R bikes, it's only because they aren't restricted to WSBK displacement rules. The streetbikes get over 100ccs more to play with and don't have to rev out as high to get that that power.

As for whether V4R buyers expect their bikes to be closer to WSBK spec? From what I'm reading on the forums, this swingarm difference seems to be a huge point of contention with owners.

While I don't realistically expect a carbon copy for $44K, I think major visual differences are a mistake. They could put a similar looking swingarm on the streetbike even if it was substantially different in cost and how it was manufactured (eg cast instead of billet).

 

[Lightcycle]

While I don't realistically expect a carbon copy for $44K, I think major visual differences are a mistake. They could put a similar looking swingarm on the streetbike even if it was substantially different in cost and how it was manufactured (eg cast instead of billet).

Agree with this.

V4R guy is putting down twice the money as the V4 guy. He's gonna want as much differentiation as possible, even if it's just visually. Ducati buyers have been known to vomit $$$ over flashy paint jobs as long as there's a xxx/500 plate on the top of the triple clamp...

 

[GreyGhost]

Agree with this.

V4R guy is putting down twice the money as the V4 guy. He's gonna want as much differentiation as possible, even if it's just visually. Ducati buyers have been known to vomit $$$ over flashy paint jobs as long as there's a xxx/500 plate on the top of the triple clamp...

The problem with my plan is making a mold for a run of 500 means cast parts probably cost more than billet parts. Now, maybe they could make something happen with 3d printed or lost wax molds to avoid the huge cost of a steel mold (or use that mold for the next gen lower bikes). Using the swingarm from the lower models saves them big money.

 

[Lightcycle]

The problem with my plan is making a mold for a run of 500 means cast parts probably cost more than billet parts. Now, maybe they could make something happen with 3d printed or lost wax molds to avoid the huge cost of a steel mold (or use that mold for the next gen lower bikes). Using the swingarm from the lower models saves them big money.

I have to delve a bit deeper into why the discrepancy.

Of the two photos I posted, the first one is of current WSBK rider Bulega at a test at the end of August. However, the second photo is of test-rider Pirro back in May (?) I believe. The production V4R was released in September. Timelines seem pretty tight.

What I think happened was the race swingarm was probably still under development after the homologation version was frozen into production form. Look at Pirro's swingarm, it's nowhere close to being a finished product. Pieces are bolted onto it to experiment with rigidity and flex. Bulega's swingarm at the end of August looks a lot more like a final product.

What I think *will* happen is that the race swingarm will find it's way into the 2027 or 2028 V4R, possibly as an option.

Gotta give those 2026 V4R buyers a reason to upgrade somehow...!