Ducati is one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in existence. The Italian marque’s portfolio has been increasing with special editions and insanely fast machines along with a few affordable ones. Ducati has been known to be a savant when it comes to two-wheeled transport and the Panigale V4 is no exception. With immense power and engineering at your disposal, Ducati has yet again managed to raise the standards of motorcycling.

Superbikes have been a thing of interest for many however thanks to advancements in the field of engineering, they’re incredibly usable; on one hand, you get to hoon around a racetrack and on the other, you can pootle around town at 20 mph with relative ease.

Being an expensive splurge of your hard-earned money, the Panigale comes with a few perks of its own to give it the superbike status. A part of the liter-class segment, the Panigale V4 is a technological fiesta that’s drop-dead gorgeous.

The 214 horsepower V4 engine alone is a topic of discussion. However, we’ll converse on the Panigale’s technological prowess, which includes a host of driver aids along with Ducati Power Launch (DPL); one of the coolest features of this sophisticated motorcycle.

Ducati Panigale V4: Stylish And Potent

Ducati Panigale v4s on the track
Via leoiannelli.com

Ducati Panigale V4 is the brand’s first large-production street bike with a V4 engine. If you know your Ducati’s then you may remember them having V-twins. The development of the Panigale V4 started with the 2015 MotoGP racing engine. The challenge was to create a well-balanced, fun, and exciting superbike with a durable engine.

Ducati managed to overcome the difficulties of employing a racing engine and introduced the bike in 2018. There are two versions for the Ducati Panigale; V4 and V4S. Both of them sport the same ergonomics and tractability but the V4S gets a lot more tech. Also available is a race-ready Panigale V4R and a limited-run Panigale V4 Superleggera.

2020 Ducati Panigale V4
Via: Ducati

On paper, the Panigale V4 gets a 1,103cc Desmosedici V-4 engine. Ducati claims 214-horsepower and 91 lb-ft of torque. Paired to a 6-speed wet-clutch gearbox, this translates to a blistering 3-second sprint to 60 mph. Aesthetically, Ducati has nailed the design, as per usual. Stunning is an understatement, with gorgeous curves adorning the length of its body. Being a full-on track-toy, you get a rather aggressive seating position.

The headlights look like a modern version of the Panigale 1299’s twin unit, further complementing the aggressive stance. The rear has the signature single-sided swingarm with fat Pirelli Ross Corsa II rubber wrapped around. That said, Ducati could’ve given the grippier Supercorsas to squeeze even more out of the V4.

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Ducati Panigale V4: Legit Tech-fest

Via: Roadracing World

Another department where the Panigale V4 excels over the competition is the amount of technology it has to offer. As standard the V4 comes with six-axis IMU, cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS), and last but not least Engine Brake Control (EBC) along with Ducati Power Launch (DPL)— Ducati’s version of launch control.

As we mentioned earlier, there are a few extras reserved for the Panigale V4 S. You get Ducati Electronic Suspension, Ohlins NIX-30 forks, and TTX 36 shock absorber with Smart EC 2.0 control system along with Öhlins steering damper, and lightweight forged aluminum Marchesini wheels.

The V4 S has complete electronic adjustability, unlike the regular V4 which can be controlled via the 5-inch TFT screen common to both versions. With 3 dedicated riding modes (Race, Sport, Street), it’s a sinch to control the massive power at your right hand. Ducati has engineered the Panigale V4 to suit riders of all classes.

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Panigale V4: A Sophisticated And Expensive Tool

via Ducati

The Panigale V4 is nothing short of impressive. For starters, the Desomsideci is a rev-friendly motor. Ducati has designed a highly oversquare piston setup leading to the revs climbing like a stabbed rat. The motorcycle is incredibly stable around corners. There are winglets along the sides that channel air and help generate 66 pounds of downforce at 168 mph.

The Panigale V4 is a ballistic missile when it comes to acceleration along with next-gen electronic and driver-aids to help, it paves way for a reassuring yet exhilarating experience. The Panigale V4 is an impressive track machine, capable of setting lap-times even with stock rubber. You really wouldn’t complain if you ever get a chance to drive one.

Although the Ducati Panigale V4 is a scintillating piece of machinery, its price tag makes it a dream for many; The base Panigale V4 comes at $21,995 whereas the V4 S adds $6,000 more to a total of $28,395. The Panigale V4 S Corse going for $29,995 and the more powerful Panigale V4 Speciale has an MSRP of $39,995, however, the 1,500 unit limited-run model has been sold out.

Sources: Ducati, YouTube

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