Ducati Panigale V4S

Ducati Panigale V4S Overview

Ducati made its name with twin-cylinder bikes, particularly the legendary 916 superbike. So it took a long time – and a big change in direction – for the Bologna firm to move to a four-cylinder engine. Luckily, when it did so, the results were an instant hit. When launched in 2018, the Panigale V4S rocked the bike world with its outstanding performance, gorgeous styling and high-tech design.

The engine was based on the limited edition Desmosedici RR MotoGP road-replica, so has proper GP roots. Ducati cheated a little, by pumping the capacity up to over 1100cc, so the firm could top the 200bhp power of the 999cc Desmosedici, in a lower-tuned package. Indeed, the V4. puts out nearer 215bhp – a stunning amount of power in a road-legal £20k motorcycle.

But Ducati has made it all very manageable, with the very latest in rider aids. Fully adjustable traction control, slide control, wheelie control, launch control, rider power modes and up/down quickshifter are all present and correct, and make going very fast very easy, especially on track.

The S version adds Öhlins electronic suspension to the mix, and as an ‘ultimate’ road-going superbike, it’s hard to top that package. The 2020 update saw Ducati give the bike more accessible power, updated the electronics, and added aerodynamic ‘wings’ to the front fairing. These add downforce, improving front end grip and feel through fast corners, and improved stability at high speeds.