V4 Considering A V4s

Unfortunately, it's more than one experience - having dealt with DG for 18 years now. Even though a couple of the same staff remain, every time I've been in recently, the impression I get is of a demotivated, corporatist atmosphere - rather like an Audi showroom, in fact. I don't feel that there's either the knowledge or enthusiasm there, and there's certainly a supercilious and suspicious attitude to someone who walks in without immediately wanting to take out a PCP deal on the latest/greatest machine. Maybe I've just been catching them on bad days, but multiple such experiences add up…

 

After years of sports bikes and pretty much every variation of the Panigale I wanted something different. Bought myself a new monster, loved the handling, seating position etc. just too underpowered and didn't like the wind resistance.

Took the monster in for first service, bored, was offered a test ride on a multi V4S T&R. I said no way they're too big, he said just try it. 5'8" sat on a standard V4S, standard seat, low position and I thought this isn't actually too bad, not flat foot, but confident. One test ride later, Pikes Peak ordered, couldn't wait the 9 months for delivery but luckily there was a spare V4S T&R in grey so I bought 2 bikes that day!

Needless to say, these bikes are amazing. What I will say, is there are things about the V4S that I prefer over the PP and vice versa, if I had to choose one, I'd be happy with either, no question.

Just something I did pick up on in the chatter, you mentioned you didn't want the radar? I have to say 100% agree, always said this about bikes in general. However, after 10 mins in to my test ride I was already messing with this feature and I have to say you must try it. I love tech and this to me was mind blowing. I would argue tooth and nail you don't need it, but once you have it, you won't go back, I promise.

 

sorry to butt in, out of interest has anyone jumped onto a v4 multi from a 1200 or 1260 and how have you found the characteristics of the engines to each other?

 

It operates the adaptive cruise control but also the blind spot alerts in your rear quarters - it illuminates orange warning lights in the top corner of the mirrors.

I’m on my second radar bike. Personally I think the adaptive cruise is a waste of time (and money!) but I love the blind spot alerts…

 

Good question. I don’t know.

obviously the CC itself can be turned off, but whether it can be used as a “normal” CC I’m not sure.

I guess that off you set the detection distance to the minimum you get close to it. I very rarely use the CC anyway - only to stretch my arm/shoulder and never as part of regular riding - so the radar doesn’t bother me. I’d be just as happy without CC.

 

Yes, radar is for adaptive CC, I find it works very well. I also had a Golf and agree that system was awful. That made me skeptical when having it on the bike but so far I have always found it useful. Depends on the situation I guess, for example, average speed camera stretches it's good, motorways good, empty motorways at 06:00 am doing 90 excellent.

Sadly though, it is adaptive or nothing unless I've missed something, I cannot see where you would turn off adaptive in the menus.

I am yet to have it suddenly brake if it detects a possible collision though, to be fair I'd like to think I'm a little more spatially aware to have that happen, but never say never.

 

@Robert Colliver its ACC or not, you can’t just have CC. The BSD is a genuine lifesaver especially on roads where people both overtake & undertake.

The ACC is very accurate and precise. Once it’s detected a vehicle in front it doesn’t get distracted by vehicles in other lanes or even coming towards you, even when the road bends it stays on the vehicle in front. It is precise enough to work with another bike being the vehicle in front as in a convoy of bikers. You determine the distance you wish to keep between you and the vehicle in front and it sticks to it.

It will accelerate and brake for you too. Acceleration is up to the speed you’ve set, eg you’ve set 75mph, you’re cruising along, the car coming up in front is only doing 50mph, the system slows you down to match its speed. It’s clear to overtake, you indicate, and the system will automatically accelerate back up to 75mph as you pass the slower moving vehicle.

If the vehicle in front requires more than just deceleration and engine braking eg if they slow rapidly, the system will apply the brakes for you, including the rear brake light, until the speed matches again. If the required braking is extreme, the system will flash a big warning on the dash telling you to intervene. It’s all clever stuff.

Now, despite all of that, the main reason you should make sure the bike you buy has the radar option is that when you come to sell it every prospective buyer will want one with the radar, just as they all want the S version with the electronic suspension and no one wants to buy a non-S version. Even if you never use the ACC or the BSD think about its future resaleability.

 

Where can I get a test ride on a Pikes Peak?

 

Most dealers should have one as a demo. I’m not sure where you’re based, but Ducati Alton are running one.

 

That’s good - I’m there most of the day tomorrow

 

When I’m in England it’s north end of Cambridgeshire. So my nearest dealers are Cambridge and Grantham but I’ll go to whoever will give me a test ride.

 

Good point, well made. Base spec models in any high-end bike are definitely a minority interest…

 

That is probably the best explanation/reason to have it. And also as already said, the BSD is worthwhile.

As I mentioned before, none of that tech had ever interested me at all but once you have it and start to use it it becomes an invaluable part of the package. Think of any modern electronic aid, quick shifter up/down, electronic suspension this will become no different to you.

 

After a month riding around Italy, you know what the BSD is for Touring/sightseeing then the ACC is handy and allows you to enjoy the scenary. Getting there/back (german Autobahn) you will be glad of BSD & ACC.

All this shorty needs now is a reverse gear to help move half a tonne of fully loaded, two up, bike around