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"Our track bikes had a higher touring screen fitted for extra wind protection, and an aftermarket Akrapovic titanium and carbon end can, but other than that, the wets (we’ll come to those), and a softer suspension set-up, the bikes are standard."They do offer a touring screen, the bikes on test did not appear to be fitted with this option. But some used the 'higher' position.
I'm still very skeptical about the soft setting because it was raining line. Surely they would set up each bike to suit the intended riders. Say one jouro is a featherweight, and another is on the large and heavily built side. Why would any manufacturer wanting a good report ask them to ride an identically set up bike. At the very minimum they'd set the correct sag for the rider's weight. Would take skilled Ducati technicians about 30 seconds per/bike rider.Both models have adjustable suspension, but it isn't a Sportsbike it's for the road so I guess that it will be the soft side of firm.
Certainly roads in the UK are not comfortable on a race setting.
From a report I read the bikes used on the track were set softer than they would normally for the track because it was raining. So as the track dried out later in the session the result was too soft for a dry track.
Thanks, I hope somebody gets something useful out of it, rather than just accepting the usual 'everything is wonderful' spin from the journos. Certainly don't claim I'm right, just points that I think important that in the reviews jumped out to me, and that as a prospective buyer I would focus on when I get a chance to ride it myself, and ask other owners about.Great insight on your part John, correlating that to what test riders will be saying will be interesting since there's going to be a lot coming in and from different markets, UK, USA, Canada, etc.
VenturaI did consider the Suzuki but after looking at it several times I found it impossible to do either a one or two week tour on it. Whilst it'll take a tank bag it wont take a tail pack due to the sportsbike design of the pillion seat and rear end.
This bike certainly isn't ugly, but it's not as pretty as the new SS in my eyes, plus those bags look really small and don't suit the bike as well as the factory bags on the SS.Ventura
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Secure as in theft or coming off while riding? It slides down onto a frame which goes into a pocket at the back the full height of the bag. Never come off. Pull up where your staying for the night, undo two simple clips that ensure the bag doesn't ride up the frame over bumps (it wouldn't), slip the bag up of the frame, and carry it by the handle or optional shoulder strap to your room. To be 100% waterproof in heavy rain the optional rain cover needs to be used.GSX in blue is an attractive bike, and you learn something new every day (tail pack) though I wonder how secure it is.
Ducati claims 22 liters each for their bags, but they are designed specifically for the SS and look like it.P.S. The Ventura pannier bags are 24 liters each. I doubt the genuine Ducati SS bags will be significantly larger.
I agree they do look good. I'd really be sold if they'd just make the MTS hard-cases an option.Ducati claims 22 liters each for their bags, but they are designed specifically for the SS and look like it.