So, I am new to the world of Ducati. In fact I have not even bought a bike yet. But before I buy a V4 I need to find information about various things. The first thing that will happen after (if) I buy the bike is to get rid of all the road junk. My intentions are to build a track only bike. I know I would probably be better off buying a V4R but the price is..... I am used to Japanese bikes where one of the first things to do is to change the cable loom and ECU to race spec items. Obviously I then gets access to things like mapping and the bike will not throw codes in my face for fun. How is it with Ducati V4? Is there a Race kit? Race cable loom and Race ECU? If not, what will happen when I start to unplug all lights, kick stand and so forth... Noise is the second issue and I know there is no exhaust on the market that will pass the regulations we have in Sweden so that is a separate issue. But can the exhaust valve servo be left on the bike and just disconnect the wires that operate the actual valve? When it comes to suspension I will try to get new forks if I buy the V4S. I have noticed that the rims on the V4S are different to the V4 but I do not care or want the electronic suspension on a track bike. For me it would be better to get a V4 but with the V4S rims. Please help me to bring some light to your experience in building these bikes to a track weapon. /Thanks
If you unplug all the lights, you will get errors on the dash. Ducati do blanking kits for them and can turn the DRL off via the DDS. Kick stand same thing, blanking plug needed. For exhaust it'll be the same, but yes, you can lockwire valve open and plug the connector. @DRR117 has done this (twice now I believe) so can probably help further.
Probably best off going for standard V4 and build suspension to your desire. Full system obvs, quite a lot of options here. I went Termignoni Uscite and upmap (no baffles) but noisy. Upgraded Evo software worth every penny too. If you're feeling flush retrofit the STM dry clutch. By no means essential but quite nice Bloody fast bike....
I would go with V4 and mod it with necessary items. V4S has electronic suspension, which is okay, but won't ever be as adjustable as manual. Regarding electronics, the options are limited because it's Ducati: 1. Evo3 map of OE ECU to have better traction control for slicks. it also changes other things like wheelie/slide control and engine braking. 2. Race Kits: a. Magneti Mareilli that costs 10k+ b. Experimental Motec setup that was created by BDM buttons guy. You can watch about it here: Freddie sells the kit for $10k roughly, but I haven't heard many people running it. For starters you would deffo need to Dyno the bike to create fuel maps, there is nothing out of the box.
Just as I thought. So why wont they make a kit loom without all that stupid road stuff that needs to be disconnected and blanked. For exhaust... Even stock is too noisy so I will end up building something that will pass dB regulations without dB killers.
That is most likely my plan. The downside is that the standard V4 have heavier rims than the V4S As for exhaust. That Termignini exhaust would cause a black flag even before starting the bike on our tracks. That Evo software needs looking into. Maybe something like RapidBike is also needed so I can make a decent map
try asking over at ducatiforum.com they have a lot more detail and depth for your purposes than this board re the V4. A lot of the members race, track and prep their bikes accordingly. Are you buying new or secondhand, whats the budget for upgrades? if youre new to the brand be prepared for sticker shock.
OK, I will check there as well. I know Ducati are expensive stuff. Kind of like the Ferrari of the 2 wheeled world
Is it for track days or racing? If it’s just for track days you don’t have to do anything to em apart from setting up suspension in my opinion! Unless you want to of course as we all do! I’ve left my std exhaust on as I can’t be assed with all the restrictions! I just whip the mirrors and no plate off,some sticky tyres and away I go and I’m about the same pace as my full-on R1 race bike! Cracking bikes! Depends on how deep you’re pockets are really! I would dearly love to put a full akro on mine but I just don’t want the ballache of not being able to do uk days and let’s face it it won’t make me any quicker ! Would sound the dogs though!!! Good luck In finding a bike!
Sort of the Ferrari but better Generally the good quality race gear is the same as any other brand depending on complexity but since there is a much smaller market you dont get choice or volume pricing advantage of say an R1. The good news is that the V4 need very little prep to make a great track bike, the base plus pipe upmap, wheels rearsets, mastercylinder and ohlins is a pretty fearsome combo. You do not need an S for track/race. The R is a whole other world, and you will need a lot of coin to look after it if you race it.
I have a 3500 rebuild every 32 hours on my track bike. That's if nothing has broken. Seems pretty reasonable to me.
Don’t be put off by the maintenance schedule on the V4r! I know what it says but if you ain’t a wsb or Bsb rider don’t let it freak you out! I’ve spoken in depth to wilf at Motorapido and if you’re just doing trackdays normal maintenance is fine!
Normal maintenance? Oil, filter, fork and brake fluid and pads every 200 miles.... I don't think so Wilf and you built my bike.
I just use my V4S with CRC fairings and a suspension tweak. With the headlight and rear light unplugged you get a couple of lights but nothing goes wrong so there’s no point spending £££ on a loom etc. As said above just use it as it is, unless you’re seriously quick there’s no way you’ll outride the bike in standard trim so why waste the money?
Apologies, when I say normal maintenance I mean normal for a bike used on track which obviously is a wee bit more than a road bike! As Joepeps says why waste the money! I’ve got boxes of stuff ! Crc fairings , bars, button clusters etc etc haven’t bothered with fitting any of it!! got a brembo master cyl but doesn’t need it! Although I probably will fit the fairings just to avoid marking the stock ones! All I’ve done is fitted open clutch cover ,rearsets brake pads and fluid ! Oh and a fuel cap and tyres!
