Stopped by the local Ducati store on my C14 Saturday. Asked if I could sit on the new Panigale they had on the showroom floor. Owner says "sure...would you like to ride it?"
I said yes, and 5 minutes later I'm on the most violent motorcycle I've ever ridden. Loud, I mean LOUD, like a NASCAR! 195 hp and 430 lbs. +/-. I passed up wearing ear plugs, but no matter: I couldn't hear any wind noise (or anything else) over the exhaust anyhow!
Gave it a 10 mile or so ride, and it was FUN! On the way back, I'm sittin at a red light, and all of a sudden, my butt starts to burn. So I look around for the seat heater button, LOL! The "seat heater" is the exhaust system that is routed insanely close to the underside of the seat. Finally the light turns green, or I would have had to kill the engine to cool my backside.
This bike would be a blast on a track, but I can't see anyone riding it on the street. Too much bike; too much heat.
Fun while it lasted, but I was glad to get back on the Connie!
Too many bikes; too little time.
