V4 MARKS DUCATI
NEW CHAPTER
W
e all new it was coming and here it is,
the Ducati Panigale V4. The numbers
are impressive... 214hp and 198kg
for the ‘base’ model. There are two
other models, the S and ‘Speciale’
which both drop another 3kg over
the standard bike to give a power to weight ratio
of 1.1:1, which will make this one helluva fast bike.
Based around a 90° V-four engine with an 81mm
bore (same as the Desomsedici MotoGP machine)
and a 53.5mm stroke to give a total capacity of
1102.7cc. Peak power is a rather substantial 157.5kW
(214hp) at 13,000rpm and engine torque peaks
with 124Nm (91.5lb-ft) at 10,000rpm. Adding
the titanium Akrapovic exhaust system boosts
power to 226hp. The valve timing is taken care of
by Ducati’s Desmodromic system which ensures
accurate valve control at high rpms. There are two
injectors per cylinder – one below the butterfly and
one above for high rpm performance – which are
combined with variable length intake trumpets/
funnels to optimise performance throughout the
rev range. It’s not all about performance though,
there’s been a design nod to real world use with
valve clearance inspection intervals of 24,000km.
Unlike Aprilia’s RSV4, the Panigale V4 uses
a 90° vee configuration as well as counter-
rotating crankshafts. Ducati says this has a
“positive impact on bike dynamics, making
it more agile during changes of direction,
fast and stable on the straight and ensures
easier out-of-the-corner torque handling.
To combat the weight gain associated with moving
from two cylinders to four, Ducati has developed
a new frame that uses the engine as a stressed
member and is essentially a ‘front frame’. Ducati
says another benefit of this frame configuration
is it allows narrower tank/seat interface.
On the suspension front the Panigale V4 comes
with Showa Big Piston Forks and a Sachs rear shock,
while the V4 S and Speciale get the Ohlins NIX30
43mm fork and a TTX36 rear shock which both offer
electronically adjustable damping adjustment.
Of course, all three models come with a raft
of electronics thanks to a six-axis Bosch inertial
system. There’s wheelie control, launch control,
traction control, lean-sensitive ABS, slide control,
engine brake control, and up/down quick-shift
for starters. The interesting bit is ‘controlled
braking drift feature’, which, as the name suggests,
allows extremely ‘spirited’ riding under track
conditions while still providing the back-up and
reassurance of an anti-lock braking system keeping
an eye on things. Bluetooth phone/multimedia
connection, GPS lap timer, data analyser and
adjustable riding modes add to the package.