DesmoSport Ducato contender sampled highly-anticipated machine.
Image: Supplied.
Three-time Superbike world champion Troy Bayliss has delivered his initial impression on the all-new Ducati Panigale V4 R in race trim prepared by the DesmoSport outfit.
Bayliss, who suffered a hand injury at the opening round of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) and has since signed Mike Jones to replace him for the remainder of the year, recently took to The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia aboard the highly-anticipated machine.
“We’ve had the V4 R for quite some time, and honestly, I did four or five laps on it at Morgan Park a month or two ago, but it was very early and the bike was still in road trim,” Bayliss explained to CycleOnline.com.au. “As good as it was then in road trim being a fantastic bike, it’s very close to being race ready now.
“I was a bit unsure at Morgan Park, but hopping off the bike at Tailem Bend, I had a smile from ear to ear. I’ve had a very good time on the V-twins over the years, and the 1299 FE that we’ve been riding – it’s a race bike, but it does’t rev.
“And now to go from that to the V4 R, which is built around a race bike, it feels racey and just a pleasure to ride. We’ve had just the one day of testing along with a lot of other people, but that was all about Jonesy getting set-up on the 1299.”
According to Bayliss, co-owner of the DesmoSport operation, the team’s V4 R is at an adequate level to be rolled out for competition at The Bend’s third round of ASBK this weekend, however a lack of spare parts, and the fact they only have one unit of the motorcycle, is the determining factor behind the Ducati lining up on the grid at a later date this season.
“We’re just waiting on a few bits and pieces, basically spares, because we at the moment only have one bike that’s basically ready to race,” he continued. “All I can say is, whether it be Morgan Park or the following round, it’s going to take a little bit whether I have a ride on it at some stage.
“Obviously all our eggs are in one basket to win the championship with Mike Jones after the way it’s panned out for me, but I’m pretty excited for the new bike.
“We could actually race it there, but we could shoot ourselves in the foot going between the V4 R and 1299 FE, so we’re holding off until we’re ready, maybe have another bike and do it properly.”
DesmoSport Ducati uncovered its sole V4 R in team colours at Phillip Island’s ASBK opener.
Source: CycleOnline.com.au