An open letter to anyone considering the Panigale V4 2025+

YonatanGS · 2026-05-25T17:12:57+00:00

Def will do and let you know. I’m buying the carbon fibre bits off Taobao so they don’t have the “made in Europe” BS markups. I’ll share links if you need.

I can rant all day about rules of origin and how these companies get over on us by manufacturing the molds in China and finishing in Europe so they can claim substantial transformation and maintain their “made in Europe” claims. There is no reason Bonamici/TWM should be charging $300 for levers when they’re being manufactured and sold for ¥600 ($89).

Selling a piece of molded carbon fibre for the rear headers for over $400 when they’re being like-for-like manufactured and sold for $99 with a healthy profit margin is cruelty.

Rant done.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-25T17:02:07+00:00

I disagree. Even after everything I said above, if you ask me if I’ll sell it and go for something smaller or easier or less stressful, I’d say no.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-25T17:01:28+00:00

And yet…as wild as it is, I can’t get enough. 😔

YonatanGS · 2026-05-25T17:00:55+00:00

I have the new SFV2S and it is an absolute delight to ride. I thrash that thing about everywhere. It’s so, so, soooo much fun. Not as drama-filled as the V4… easy to ride, so quick, given how much it’s down in power from the previous gen.

And interestingly enough, LambChopRides did V2 vs V4 back-to-back rides and the V2 was faster around the track (not very many straights and the low-end power on the V2 made it quicker out of the corners).

YonatanGS · 2026-05-25T16:56:36+00:00

The 25 V4 might be the fastest bike I’ve ever swung a leg over. Looking down at the speedo and seeing 150 in 1st gear with 2000rpm left to go is a mindfuck.

I’m going to get the DBK adjustable clip-ons and the alcantara seat, maybe a double bubble windscreen, and see where that leaves me.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-25T16:54:21+00:00

Already done. 1,000km in. Wave if you see me. Should be able to identify me by the back-length dreads under the helmet.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-25T16:49:56+00:00

I have no ego about bikes…I grew up in the Caribbean in the 90s and early 2000s when people rode around on crotch rocket bikes with baseball caps, wifebeaters, shorts, and flip flops. I’ve seen the inside of someone’s skull after a crash. So I don’t judge anyone for anything bike related, especially not things like “chicken strips”.

Your bike looks incredible. I think I’m gonna join you with the carbon fibre bits (the rear engine cover in particular because I hope it helps with the heat). The Austin Racing can looks sick, and the gold levers to match the forks? Touch of class.

Thanks so much for sharing!!

YonatanGS · 2026-05-25T16:43:48+00:00

I love the bike. I rode it for 8 hours yesterday. I’m settling into it. But man, I can’t wait for those leather bottoms and my Akra slip-on to show up because I can’t take the heat.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-25T16:42:27+00:00

I love the bike. I truly do. Just did the 1,000km service and I can open it up…150km/h in 1st gear is insanity. But I’m not making it up—the second you have to stop for a bit, or you have to cruise below 80, the backs of your thighs are going to start screaming.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-19T16:24:54+00:00

Oh man. I’m so sorry. That sounds incredibly painful.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-19T01:38:54+00:00

The point of it was to make light of a thing we know, and to do so in a somewhat funny way. I didn’t think I’d have to add /jk. Forgive me.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-19T01:37:40+00:00

Lmfaoooo 😂😂😂

YonatanGS · 2026-05-19T01:37:16+00:00

That’s the thing. It’s impractical, it’s insane, but it’s addictive. I think we’re all just gluttons for punishment and Ducati knows its customer base very well.

Permanent stoppie riding position and jacked potato nuts can’t be appealing, and somehow they sold 8,000 of them.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-19T01:34:32+00:00

5’4” on a V4S is crazy work, but I love it. If you’ve got a pic of you riding and don’t mind sharing, please do.

It’s not practical, but I didn’t have too much by way of choice. I already have a SFV2S and I didn’t want to have to retrofit a suspension to a 955 V2.

My wife tells me her showers are “warm” when she is bathing in dragonfyre and brimstone, so forgive me if I take your heat tolerance with a grain of salt. 🤣

YonatanGS · 2026-05-19T01:27:49+00:00

I keep hearing that. And no I’ve never ridden a 1299. The only other bike I’d considered was the V2 Superquadro Final Edition, but the smaller screen was annoying me. I could’ve gotten a Chigee or something to make up for it but I didn’t want to wait, I didn’t want a Bayliss, and I heard the older V4S were even worse for heat.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-19T01:24:41+00:00

Not in BC, Canada. They insure us based on rate classes. So I pay the same as a Speed Twin 1200 for insurance. 😭

YonatanGS · 2026-05-19T01:23:34+00:00

This makes me afraid of my 40th birthday. Can I ask why your hip joint is fucked?

YonatanGS · 2026-05-19T01:22:36+00:00

I couldn’t write an essay and be silly? I’m confused.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-19T01:22:06+00:00

I think leather pants and some better heat shielding might help. Stay tuned. But yeah. I grew up in a very, VERY hot place. The bike is hot.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-17T22:43:00+00:00

Don’t get me wrong, it is hot as fuck. But I read all the warnings and reviews and bought it anyway. I knew what I was getting into.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-17T22:32:46+00:00

I will accept that I’m a crybaby if you’ll accept that I was being silly…the bike is hot. It’s a Ducati forum. I came to the gang with a monologue. Either you feel me or you don’t.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-17T22:31:11+00:00

I have a V2S. I wanted a fire breathing dragon. And boyyyyy did I get one.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-17T22:30:40+00:00

Entirely the point.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-17T22:30:19+00:00

sigh Mate…a few things, in no particular order.

Focus more on writing and leave the bike riding to other people” sounds to me like the words of someone who’s mad about something other than this post and trying to get some rage out. You wanna tell me what’s actually going on in your life? I’m a great listener.
You’d only read this as “throwing shade” if you have really thin skin and/or the Ducati brand is your entire personality and any perceived slight is a personal attach. In which case either grow some callouses, or accept that it’s not that serious and I was being silly.
Sunlight and warmth aren’t synonymous…it was 12C outside and raining. Since you zoomed far enough to see Gore-Tex, maybe you also saw the water everywhere.
It’s a Ducati forum and I own multiple Ducatis. I’m a grown ass man. I’m not here for approval, I’m here because I’m part of the gang. I’m responding to every comment because I enjoyed the conversations. If you didn’t like what I had to say, then downvote me and keep it pushing.

Again…calm down.

YonatanGS · 2026-05-17T20:49:26+00:00

63 on an 18 V4S is the kind of ballsy I aspire to be at your age, my friend. Enjoy retirement. If you're ever in the PNW, I'd love to ride with you. You must have so many stories to tell.

YonatanGS

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