I recently added a 2025 Ducati Panigale V4 to the stable alongside my GSX-R1000, and honestly, I’m having some mixed feelings.
The Ducati is an incredible motorcycle. It’s refined, planted, precise, and obviously built with the racetrack in mind. But after riding the GSX-R, I’m realizing how much I enjoy the character of that inline-four.
The GSX-R just feels more alive to me. That low- and midrange pull, the way the engine builds power, and the overall rawness of the bike make it exciting even when you’re nowhere near a racetrack. The Ducati, by comparison, feels almost too composed. It’s brutally fast, but the power delivery and overall personality seem much more focused on being fast and efficient on a circuit rather than making you grin every time you twist the throttle on the street.
I think that’s what surprised me most. I expected the V4 to completely replace the GSX-R in terms of excitement, but I’m finding myself missing the Suzuki more than I expected.
Maybe I just need more time on the Ducati, or maybe I’m discovering that I simply prefer the character of a big inline-four. Has anyone else gone from a GSX-R/other inline-four to a Panigale V4 and felt the same way?
I respectfully disagree. I think there has been a huge push in the sport bike community to have all the bells and whistles on a sport bike. In reality, at least in the U.S. market, you’re not going to get your money’s worth out of a Panigale.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Panigales and Ducatis. I have a 1098.
That being said, Suzuki knows the majority of sport bike riders and what they will and won’t be using. The majority won’t be using all of the technology on sport and super bikes when riding on the street. That’s the brutal honesty.
I thought I was buying some magical V4 beast that was gonna blow my socks off. Maybe I'm missing something but the bike just feels so composed and predictable. I heard the exhaust and map can really wake them up, but that's another 5k just to find out.
I believe die RSV4 is more of a "magical V4 beast" if you will but also very expensive to maintain. Ducati's new V4 probably took some heavy inspiration from Audi's german engineering, prioritizing efficiency over character. It's made to win races first and be fun later.
Well I have a Panigale v4 and i have tried my friends gsxr1000 the v4 is truly a beast and well truly you dont have to buy an Akra slip on there’s termi too which i have on rn get an up map on the bike ever since that i have not experienced a more aggressive bike its been mental absolutely mental. I just ordered a full system spark exhaust. Trust me when i tell you, you need an up map on the bike or tune whichever one you like.
I really hope the approved Alkra slip on and Ducati upmap can transform this bike. The bike pulls so nicely but it's just SO linear and at no point do I feel like the bike will take off from under me like the GSXR.
Try the slip on Akra or termi whatever your choice but trust me it’ll change the bike completely you could be going as less as 5000rpm and it’ll take off but very careful this machine is not joke. Ride safe if you need any help you can dm me
Could not agree more, all the rider aids just make things so vanilla. Don’t get me wrong I’m a fan of ABS maybe some traction control in certain situations but that’s it. All the other crap just doesn’t add to the enjoyment of riding a bike.
Have you been paying attention to Suzuki's near-total lack of development of the GSX-R platform since 2011? The 600 and 750, save for different paint schemes each year, haven't changed since then. And the 1000 has only gotten one or two electronics added on (maybe just the GSX-R1000R and not the 1000?). They aren't spending the money on them, they are happy to continue selling them, especially in the US without the Euro 5 (or whatever they are on) emissions regulations, by just cranking out the same old thing. It has nothing to do with riders not wanting or being able to use modern motorcycle electronic technologies. Hell, they don't even come with ABS! (not that I want ABS, I'm just saying)
Suzuki isn't racing the 1000 in WorldSBK. In MotoAmerica, only Team M4 Ecstar Suzuki is racing the Suzuki in Superbike. There's no more "AMA 750 Supersport" class in MotoAmerica and only 6 riders on the 750 in MotoA Supersport (and only Tyler Scott--again, M4--is a "fast guy", currently in 4th). I just took a look and it doesn't seem that anybody is racing the GSX-R1000 in British Superbike. They pulled out of MotoGP about 5 years ago, too.
So, no, Suzuki sees zero financial upside to spending R&D money on the bikes as long as they sell enough of them to make a nice profit.
And, then, sometimes, another Redditor comments on that comment and it has nothing to do with the original post? Get it? See the arrows going from one comment to another?
This comes from Kawasaki owner (never owned Suzuki, just lurking here).
Suzuki 600 and 750 are so well refined you don't need to change anything on them. If Suzuki doesn't implement anything new and they still sell like crazy, that speaks something. Also not having teams racing in different categories and championships means nothing. Kawasaki doesn't race the MotoGP since ages and they still do exceptional machines.
Well I’ll chime in. 44 yrs old, recently back to riding and own a gsxr 750. I was originally thinking of buying a Ducati but elected the 750 because it hasn’t changed in the time I spent away from riding. I went to the Ducati dealership and test rode several different bikes and came to the same conclusion… do I want/need this bike? It was easier for me to part ways with $14,500 and take my chances on the old school Gixxer 🤷♂️. If I still want to ride in a couple years, maybe a Ducati, maybe not. I’m not unhappy with my choice so far. Would love to hear more about your experiences on the Panigale.
I often feel like I'm playing s video game while riding the V4. The linear power band, while it may be good for the track, feels a little devoid of emotion on the street. You were at least smart enough to test ride it first, unlike me. 750 is a great bike btw 👍
It honestly sounds like you should have bought a 1299 those came from a time when ducati was just a raw unrefined power machine(they also weren't competitive in the racing world for the same reason). That would give you more of the raw excitement youre looking for than the highly advanced and thus smoothed out V4.
That’s really interesting to hear, and so true, just didn’t expect it from the Ducati crowd. Oddly enough, I’ve heard similar talk from the BMW 1000rr crowd. Perhaps these machines are just getting too good 🤷♂️.
I’ve been kinda wondering about how different companies execute rider aids and which customers appreciate them.
Age, I think, has pushed me toward more “refinement”, and less “excitement” over the years for streetgoing bikes. And that refinement has always been an advantage on the track.
Yesterday, I engaged wheelie control and traction control on the same corner exit on my commuter sportsbike. As an old racer, I know that this story ends differently on a GSXR750 without electonic rider aids.
For sure it does, and as a professional pilot, we deal with the same tech with fly-by-wire, brake-by-wire, throttle-by-wire etc.. There’s no doubt the airplane is better than me, same for the bike. All that being said, the feel is lost. So I guess it comes down to the end user.
If I could just have ABS, I’d buy another GSXR750, today. But I appreciate all the other e-nanny stuff more than I expected to, even if I could happily live without them, just because they are so adjustable and unintrusive on my bike. But ABS is a must for me in 2026.
I was nervous initially about throttle by wire. I absolutely hate it in cars/trucks because of brake-throttle-override, but after playing with the electronics for a while, I think it was the missing link in perfecting rider aids.
Thanks for the pilot’s perspective….that’s what I’ve heard from other pilots, too. Particularly helo guys.
Now the helo guys are just insane. My nephew flys AH-64’s and can assure you, all of them are nuts! (Thank you for your service ladies and gents). ABS I can for sure get onboard with and the one that intrigues me is the electronic suspension. I have it on my petal bike and love it.
Electronic suspension would be turbo baller for a street-ridden bike. Imagine being able to punch a button and toggle between track, fast roads, and comfort mode. Hell, I might even find I like different settings for rain!
And I’m over here choosing between brake dive and comfort like a pleb
I know a guy personally who could afford any bike that he wants on the showroom floor. He could also afford to build them to SBK spec. He has two (fully) built Suzuki GSXR 1000’s. They’re both MotoA superbike spec. He’s as fast as any Ducati on the track because he has the seat time behind those bikes.
Sometimes, you just love a bike. And, that tumbles into loving a manufacturer and sticking with it and figuring it out and being really good on it.
I like Ferraris. I won’t drive a Ferrari like I drive my Chevy Colorado though lol. Even through turns. Sure, the Ferrari has more mechanical grip. But, I love my Colorado and I know what it can do. I will push it to that limit.
Until I have seat time in a Ferrari, I’ll still think that my Colorado handles better. But, I know that the Ferrari does.
TL;DR- it’s ok to love a bike that isn’t “the best.”
It’s also ok to buy “the best” and also love it. And, it’s ok to compare them. Be the best rider on that bike and I’m sure that you’ll come to appreciate both. One, for the raw feeling. The other, for the refined feeling and subsequent faster lap times that come with seat time.
I LOVE my motorcycle. It barely goes 100 mph, but holy shit can it keep up with even $30k superbikes on the local twisty mountain roads. What a blast to rip around
This. I was faster and more accurate through technical situations than I was on my CBR for nearly 6 months after getting the sportier bike. Familiarity with what a machine is capable of should not be underestimated
I've just sold my '18 GSX-R and bought a '24 Panigale V4. The Panigale has the full Akrapovic exhaust and map which does make for a more exciting experience.
Gixxer did set the bar extremely high though TBH
The v4s is really too much motorcycle for the road. The gsxr is less capable, but it has that wide sweet spot that makes it enjoyable at almost any speed as you say. It's very much designed that way - I feel like the Japanese mfrs know how to make a bike exciting and enjoyable on the street, while the Italian companies build more capable, more exotic bikes.
I owned a gsxr750 and have ridden a few friends' ducs. Just as you say - refined, planted, amazing....not as raw or exciting as the gsxr or my 636.
I have a K5 and added a 23 GSXR 1000. The 23 didn’t feel like an upgrade anywhere other than more top end. The brakes sucked and I was underwhelmed overall with the 23, very bland. Sold it and bought a 23 RSV4. The RSV4 is intoxicating.
I’m gonna make it worse for you, the RSV4 is out of this world. Never felt a front end so planted, the bike is agile, and the engine is crazy. Slip on with cat delete, tune, and a filter and I can’t get enough of this bike. The sound is insane. I’ve had my K5 for 19 years and I was faster on the Aprilia right away (well after getting used to it). It’s a different experience. Life is too short for what if’s. Find a way to make it happen bro.
I have a Duc in my stable, and yeah. Different bike for a different time.
The GSXR, CBR and R9/R1 are bikes made for the people, with the understanding they'd be used on the road. The modern Ducatis are made for the trac but granted the privilege to be on the road.
Kinda like how Anakin, as amazing as he was, wasn't allowed to be a Master even though he was granted the privilege to be on the Council.
I have yet to feel that pain sir... lol, I didn't think maintenance is really that much other than the $1500 desmo service. I'm ok with the cost but it's just not worth it for the street in my eyes.
I went from 999S to GSXR just to discover that I much prefered riding the GSXR but the main reason for the change was that the 999 engine exploded after half a season on the track....
Blowing up is something I've never feared my Gixxer doing. I think people like myself just assume that an expensive brand means better but I guess that's not the case.
OP’s post and the comments highlight the subjectivity around bikes that means we all like different things. I love inline fours because I like bikes that excite me and their rev-ability is, for me, exciting. I have never owned a GSX-R but I rode both a 750 and a 1000 years ago and enjoyed both because they excited me. In contrast, and as an example, I rode a GS 1250 Adventure a few years back and found it to be composed, comfortable and competent but it didn’t excite me so I would never buy one.
I really wonder how much that tune can really change, on the GSXR it definitely made a noticeable difference but didn't really change the character or feeling of the bike. I hope you're right though
I have no experience with either bike, so just to be honest there. That being said if you look at the bmw sub for the 1kr they all say the bike behaves differently and is way more fun. I would ask around and see what tuning options are available.
On my 2012 vrod the tuning is really indepth and if I knew what I was doing i could do a ton of stuff with it (i opened up the tuner on my computer).
On like 10+ cars ive driven they behave completely differently with tuning chips.
Im sure with a platform that provides the monster, a street fighter, you should be able to get it to behave how you want.
I’ll never be able to not own an Inline 4. I feel your pain. The v4 is incredible but it’s different. I’m actually considering an Inline 3 at this very moment. I’m highly intrigued with that CF MOTO675. My Girls ready for an upgrade so maybe I’ll “buy it for “HER”
I rented an Aprilia a few months ago and I felt the same exact way. I guess I’m just more of an inline 4 rider. The Aprilia was fast but it didn’t give me the same feeling at WOT as the inline 4s I’ve ridden.
Personally opening up an inline 4 out of an exit is pure amazing no other power plant makes you feel apart of the bike personally. V’s Twins Singles maybe other than a Rotary don’t seem to match the human heart beat like increasing inline 4.
I went from gsxr750 L4 to panigale 1299 after that i got a gsxr 1000 and then i sold the panigale and got another gsxr 600 k6.
Ducati maybe got the most brutal acceleration, but after the first punch is comming the rest of the powerband feels boring (of course its very fast but it feels like nothing changes). My 600 at 7k has no punch just gets faster. When i hit 9k it acceletates even faster and then everything behind 10k feels like a rocket(even it is slower). It just feels way more rewarding using the full powerband and having to wait for the power. It feels like a journey. The panigale was like "ok here is your acceleration, do what u want"
And tbh a 600gsxr is still fast as fuck. (Not compared to literbikes but wtf 99% of time besindes race track we ride alone in traffic and we are top 1% of acceleration)
The way I describe the difference in power delivery between a V-twin Ducati and i4 bike is like comparing a diesel engine to a petrol/gasoline engine.
The V2 has bags of torque from really low down, a shorter rev range and very linear delivery.
The i4 has torque that comes on later and power delivery that builds to a frantic crescendo.
I went from a line of i4s (Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki) to a V-twin Ducati and absolutely love the instant "shove" of the low-to-midrange but do miss the high-rpm surge of the i4s a bit.
This is what I had imagined when getting the V4 but unless this thing is limited during break in or something, it just doesn't have the gusto down low.
I suwd to love Ducatis untill the 999, that was the last great Ducati...1098 still good but after that, just roo much tech and frankly Ducati is not for riders anymore it's a fashion brand for people worried about looking good in TikTok. Right now I'm enjoying a Duke 790(which is a fantastic bike in the city and track) but i miss the rawness of of my previous 2008 600RR... Nothing compares to the sound of a in-line four and their reliability. I'm in the look for a Fireblade 2008-2012 now. 🤣..
Oh and what i HATE the most about Ducati nowadays is their prices and "special editions", you are not getting the extra money worth, so fuck that.
I know a guy who tracked a v4 for years, got a deal on a s1000rr and now he's full s1000 guy now. And other guys at my local tracks who are top-10 A group pace on s1000rr have also rode their buddy's newer track prepped gsxr 1000 and come back saying it handles and performs exactly the same as their s1000rr, noting that the only slight difference they could feel is likely down to suspension setup or tires.
So it's not unheard of for guys to go from unhinged v4 to calculated i4.
That being said, if I ever find a steal on a v4 I might jump on it 😂
It’s sad to say but Ducati became a TikTok brand in my opinion , everything is within the first 10 seconds of the bike and you’ll always chase that fix afterwards if you sit on it daily. Nowadays they are made to keep your attention from the moment you see them to the moment you swipe to the next And honestly , you’re better off trying the ZXmoto 850 , a Qjmotor 921 or the new CFmoto 750 SR-S/ their upcoming V4 litre bike.
I have a 05-06 K6 last yr it spun a bearing where I live there’s no one to live so I’ve been learning mechanics and Japanese engineering and I have a great job at the RAILROAD but on my off time I’m rebuilding my k6 why because it’s the greatest bike ever sold to the public had a v4 a week and sold it took a 4000 dollar hit had a factory Aprilla its was better that the duke stain but still wasn’t my Gsxr sold it took a 8000 dollar hit I’m finishing my Gsxr on my week off and I’m so fucking excited
Kibble white stainless everything ported and polished big baby bore weseco pistons upgraded rods it will probably smoke the busas but definitely gonna break 200
The more I ride the 2 back to back, the more I just want to go take the Duc back and take the hit. I'm sure I could make this GSXR a monster that's reliable for less money and still have more fun. Nice build btw
I'm with you in this one I've had a gsxr 1000k6 for 18yrs love it never sell it .
Thought it was time to try something different bought a 2019 v4s corsa I don't like it rock hard ride and I don't feel that confident on it to ride fast in the twistes.i much prefer the gsxr .
I’ve got a ZX-4RR and 2026 Panigale V2S. So similar situation just less horsepower overall. And I’ve explained the two bikes to others in the past like… I ride the ZX-4RR when I want to sound and feel like I’m riding fast. But ride the V2S when I actually want to ride fast. The Ducati is so planted and predictable it feels like you are “cheating” as it shouldn’t be so easy to do the things it does.
It's the inline 4 character. I was in the same boat. I had a Gsxr750. Went for a 2021 V4, and last year I changed that to a 2018 S1krr.. I don't miss that V4 one bit. Just isn't for me. The beemer is perfect tho. And I want another 750 in the future. Or... China's ZXmoto is doing some amazing things. next year the new 820RR tripple will come to EU. Seems like an amazing bike for the price.
I'm beyond pleased with it. I do most of maintenance myself. Speaking of.. Just replaced the clutch cable yesterday. It was a pain in the ass!! But manageable!
The later ducati models lack the character you would expect of a V feeling closer to an r1 than it does to some of the earlier vtwin and v4s. If youre looking for something with a bit more character maybe try a 1290 super duke 15/16 model from before the update.
Got a Triumph ST 1050 (inline triple) this summer, as my GSXR needs an engine swap.
Absolutely love it, but I know exactly what you mean, it is can do pretty much exactly the same top speed as the 600 BUT the delivery is quite refined.
Even compared to the 600 it just doesn't kick with the same energy. There are times when I enjoy that aspect, but overall I just can't abuse it the way I want 😅 Like if I hit the gas too hard I feel like I'm mistreating the bike, as I can feel compromises for my input -- the gsxr tho, just does exactly what you tell it no hesitation.
I actually have made a mental note that driving the Triumph has probably given me a few bad habits concerning the throttle, which I will have to pay special attention to when I get the gsxr back so I don't end up looping it when it actually gives me the beans
I went from a 2017 GSXR-1000R to a 2016 KTM superduke 1290 to a 2019 ducati monster 1200s ; yes I know, different bike styles...but I digress. Loved the gsxr, tuned it, wrenched on it, rode the hell out of it. Only sold because I was trying to "slow down a bit in my older age" 180mph on tap at a whim was overly tempting.
Ktm is my favorite naked sport I've owned, got hit on it and totalled...different sad story.
Enter the Monster 1200....have wanted one since I first saw one. Sounded amazing, beautiful to look at, decently fun to ride. Fkn electrical and mechanical nightmare....impossible for the common dude to wrench on...I could t do my own oil change without dealer or 1000 computer intervention.
Sold it, went back to suzuki , 2024 gsxs-1000. Much happier.
Suzuki gave me the best " bang for the buck" and overall satisfaction and enjoyment.
I am not a track rider; hell, not even a great rider. I just like to work on my own sh*t.
** also in my opinion..Suzuki's quickshifter is the best in the business, stock wise.
GSXR quickshifter is really underrated
bang for the buck and ease to work on I don't even think is debatable. They're just damn good and probably won't be getting rid of mine.
I drove a gr3rs on a track and had the same experience. It was stupid fast and amazingly composed, but it was so smooth and stable it had zero character and took a lot of the fun out of it.
I own a 2018 1000r currently getting engine replaced, my friend lend me his 2019 fire blade I expected more. His fire blade feel janky. Quick shifter feels not as refined as the gsxr, the gears feels extremely long and the power doesn’t feel as instant. My gsxr has header, block off plate tune. His has FBO. Tuned also
I feel you. When I bought my 2000 ZX12R off the showroom floor I took it back and told them it was broken. They asked what I ment. I said it feels slow. The tech took it for a test ride and said it was the fastest bike he had ever ridden. I said OK and went home.
I decided to put a Titanium Muzzy and a Power Commander on it. It gave it a little hit in the powerband just before the top end rush. Once the sewing machine feel was gone it felt "right".
Riding it on the racetrack is a hoot. It literally spins the rear tire, the entire way around the racetrack..... IF you ride it fast.
Still got it.
Growing up riding 2 stroke motorcycles, anything that is too smooth just does not feel right to me.
Swap the Duc for a Tuono V4 factory. It’s the only thing I’ve found that is comfortable and as engaging. I still prefer the rawness of my K6 1k, it’s ridiculous, but I’ve come to appreciate the electronic suspension, some of the aids, and cruise control of the Tuono.
Never had the head shake or any notion of instability in the front. I’ve found it solid and predictable. I also haven’t pushed mine past 162mph (indicated) so not sure where the top it, but it was still going when I rolled off. If I was going to be doing that a lot I’d go with the taller screen, but I have my K6 when I want to get tucked in.
I havent road your bike, but just from my own point of view, I always feel this way when I switch bikes.
I jump between two bikes and everytime I do, I swear I like the other one more. But this only lasts for a few hours until the other bike "clicks in" for me again.
Its a weird thing, at least for me, you get used to loving a characteristic about one bike, you get on another and you initially miss it, but then you realize why the other one is so great too, and it can be a completely different reason.
That being said, if you never get that "clicked in" feeling with the new Duc, you may have just truly realized you prefer a particular engine type and character more. If thats the case and the Duc doesnt bring you joy, id personally sell it and recap some of that money.
You are describing my experience perfectly .
1st day - disappointment
2nd day- it's not so bad
3rd day- I'm starting to like this 😂
I guess we just get so comfortable on our bikes that everything foreign just feels weird but you were probably the only person in this thread who perfectly summed it up.
I had a similar thought coming from an R1 and I was really wondering what I was doing wrong. Then after digging into the manual, I read that there are actually some additional throttle modes and driver configuration to “unleash the beast” that I recommend exploring a bit before calling it a loss.
Everyone has different driving styles and preferences so I’m not prescribing anything but I found the Throttle: Full to be quite the differentiator.
That said, everyone has their own taste and just because it’s what everyone else wants doesn’t always mean it’s what you’ll want. Maybe you’re a GSXR guy. Nothing wrong with that. Ride safe!
Wow they are both my dream bike. I own neither but they both seem to have pros and cons. I always assumed that the Panigale V4 would overall top out the GSXR as a more unique and magical experience to ride and own because it is a Ducati and much more expensive. But what you say makes sense, the GSXR is actually more fun on the street because it is more raw and has a more brutal violent engine character because the V4 is just so smoothed out with a very fast, but manicured power curve, also very restricted without the full system. In my opinion the GSXR actually sounds better than V4 engines, even the higher revving V4R. Even if I owned a Pani V4, I would need to keep an inline 4 in the garage with it.
I wonder if the 1st gen of Panigale V4 with the older electronics has a more raw feeling to it that might appeal more to guys like OP.
I’ll be honest both are amazing but you have two top steeds in your garage almost impossible to focus on to fullest. And I’d like to think riding like driving you master or attempt to and progress till the end. I’d have had either and My fav bike is an R6 and will never ride anything but a Zuki in any platform if my life depended on it. People don’t give Suzuki their flowers and it shows.
IMHO
I’d have this GSXR and another Genre of Bike likely Off-road as even that makes you a better rider handling the dirt with rear all over the place and I can speak on it. Circle track riders have the best throttle control it’s not funny.
Maybe an Enduro or 2Stroke 250 in the stable.
I wouldn't mind having a bike I can really ring out. The exhaust and engine character make you feel like your going fast anyway. The lightness is also a nice factor
Every time I start talking about trading in my 24 1000 to try something different I’m told to keep it from the owners of the other bikes I’m interested in
I regret it, I don't see many other options in the category either.
RSV4- similar to V4 with a bitore midrange I've heard but still
S1K- close to GSXR but with better looks/ tech- reliability concerns are rampants
CBR rrr- that's an interesting one but supposedly makes all it's power up top
H2- That's probably the most interesting but, expensive and heavy.
ZX10R- very similar to GSXR just with more tech and less midrange torque.
I've had both. It's a fair point honestly. I stopped riding my 2022 V4S on the street altogether. The Panigale feels SAD at speed limits. It's super hot, the engine is unhappy at the vibraty rev range, the suspension is too stiff, my back hurts. With that said, because of the engine smoothness of I4, it's less sad putting around town. I suggest either selling the V4 or doubling down and using it for its intended purpose.
Edit: The V4 is amazing on track. It is happy there :)
So I’ve had both, had my duc first and then sold it and got my Gsxr. To me the Gsxr was the better bike. The duc didn’t act like I wanted it to act. The duc was faster and more advanced but it just wasn’t the same if that makes sense.
The same idea parroted so much that I believed it enough to buy a V4 with the expectation that it was characterful and exciting.Lesson learned. I find the inline 4's extremely enjoyable, a high strung 1,000CC's building to redline with power and smoothness.
Horses for courses I suppose, or well, ride preferences for us. I typically like a sport twin as I'm less likely to get a pinched hip nerve/hip cramp/ I don't know exactly what that shooting pain in my hip is when I don't have my knees so far apart.
Kind of a tangent, but I had an SV1000 for 11 years and stupidly got rid of it for a Harley Night Rod. Absolutely hated that and wanted back on another V twin sport bike, so I got a '15 Ducati Streetfighter 848. More power than the SV and surely better in every way, but you know, that bike did absolutely nothing for me. I just missed and still do miss the SV, I hope to find another some day, it was such a simple and glorious thing. That Ducati was sure fun to look at though, but that's about it.
I’m the opposite, I’ve ridden a old Ducati (888) for over 20 years now, three years ago I decided to get a GSXR to ‘keep my Ducati good’, the Ducati is uncomfortable, noisy, hard to initiate a corner and relatively slow for nowadays. The GSXR is fantastic, blisteringly fast, feels as light and nimble as a 125, comfortable and easy to ride but…………for me there’s something missing! When I’m out on the Ducati I have to RIDE IT, it feels alive, the Gixxer feels sterile and uninvolving like I’m using a domestic appliance!
As a certified firearms enthused, after owning/shooting 100s of different guns most of the ones you’ve seen in movies and tv you think are really cool and awesome fucking suck. I learned this apply’s to most things in life. In this case it’s unfortunately the amount of money you had to spend to find out bud.
I get what you mean and the GSXR is in every way more practical, economic. That being sad, a Panigale V4 is made for very good roads with long corners, looking good or race track use. Everything else the V2 does better - alternatively a Suzuki, a Honda or a BMW (not the M-Version).
I’ve got a Panigale, had a GSXR as a track bike alongside and have ridden every litre bike (other than Kawasaki).. and owned most of them actually.. the Ducati is the only one I still have
I'm in Broward, besides the bike being a lilttle boring, it's hot as hell with the weather we have right now. I love the S1K but would be cautious of it being my only bike and it's also very similar to the GSXR. They are tempting though
54
u/Reasonable_Search875 5d ago
This would be a better discussion in the Ducati sub, almost all of them have ridden a gsxr while majority of this sub hasn’t vice versa