DUCATI

Panigale V4 2025, MotoGP heritage

The launch of the Ducati Panigale V4 in 2018 marked a revolution for the Italian firm, which broke away from what had been for most of its history one of its fundamental characteristics, a design that had placed it in the place where it was, the 90º V2 engine. The new V4 engines maintained some of the firm's historical peculiarities, such as the angle between the cylinders or the desmodromic distribution, but they marked Ducati's entry into a new era, taking advantage of the experience acquired with its participation in MotoGP with the Desmosedici, which had the same engine architecture.

Since its birth, the Panigale V4 has been constantly evolving, with changes to most of its structure, the expansion of electronics, ergonomic improvements, the arrival of aerodynamic solutions such as the front appendages and constant enhancement of its engine. However, the step taken with the new 2025 version, which will be available from September 2024, is the biggest so far for a model that over the years has expanded its range with different versions. Since its appearance, the Panigale V4 has been available in addition to its standard version, in the S version with better equipment and electronic suspensions, the even more exclusive SP, the Superleggera, the R with a 999 cc engine intended for competition and various special editions.

New design... According to its creators, the Panigale V4 has followed the same path in its evolution as the Desmosedici of MotoGP, which have become the leaders of the championship in recent years. In terms of absolute figures, the new Panigale V4 S weighs 187 kg, two less than the previous one, and gains 0.5 HP despite having Euro5+ homologation. He also states that any rider, regardless of his level of experience, is capable of lowering his speed on the Cremona circuit in a second.

Until now, on most superbikes, the new aerodynamic solutions had been installed on previous designs, to which front spoilers and a series of other appendages were added, something that had also happened on the Panigale V4. However, the new version proposes an integrated aerodynamic design on this, which is the seventh generation of the model, and now the entire bodywork has been designed taking into account the integration of the spoilers so that they blend perfectly into the line of the bike. The general line maintains the same style, but the designers have been inspired by the 916, especially in the front light cluster, with a typical V-shaped double DRL. The engine air intake is unique and is located in the centre, hidden under the fairing, and solutions from the MotoGP Desmosedici have been integrated. 

More efficient...The new fairing reduces aerodynamic drag by 4% and provides better protection at high speed by enclosing it in a bubble of calm air. The double-profile spoilers are integrated into the front, maintaining the same aerodynamic load as before. Another modification has been the rearward movement of the leading edge of the fairing, which improves agility at high speed. The efficiency of the oil cooler cooling has also been improved with modifications to the shape of the fins and the water deflector at the top.

The tank and seat have also been changed to allow greater freedom of movement, and there is a lowered area in the tank so that it does not interfere with the helmet's chin guard when bending over. The rear area of ​​the tank, the new side covers and the shape of the seat better support the rider when braking and cornering because it is easier to hold on with the knees. The footrests have been moved 10 mm inwards, which increases ground clearance and aerodynamics.

More powerful and a new chassis... The 90° V4 engine with desmodromic distribution, counter-rotating shaft and “Twin Pulse” firing order has remained unchanged in its general structure, but has received modifications. The distribution diagram has been revised, with cams of a different profile and greater lift. The alternator and oil pump are the same as those fitted to the Panigale V4 R and the gearbox selector drum is that of the Superleggera V4. The variable-length intake trumpets have a longer stroke, with a range that goes from 25 mm, 10 mm less, to 80 mm, 5 mm more. Power increases slightly, to 216 hp at 13,500 rpm, with a maximum torque of 121 Nm at 11,250 rpm. In the circuit configuration, with an Akrapovič exhaust, maximum power rises to 228 hp.

To improve the competitiveness of the Panigale V4, the rigidity parameters of the chassis and swingarm have been modified. Lateral rigidity has been changed, reducing it by 40% to maintain grip at lean angles that now exceed 60°, while maintaining high longitudinal rigidity values ​​to withstand stresses both during acceleration and, above all, during braking. In addition, it weighs 3.5 kg compared to 4.2 kg. The Öhlins NPX fork and the electronically adjustable TTX shock absorber on the third-generation S version have a wider range of adjustments and faster hydraulic adjusters.

New swingarm... A major change has been made with a completely new swingarm design. It now abandons its typical single-arm structure in favour of two symmetrical arms. A special design has been created, dubbed the “Ducati Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm”, which has a specific geometry. On large production bikes, homologation requires a certain level of emissions, which in turn makes it necessary to have a large exhaust chamber in which to place the catalytic converters.

The new swingarms, which have the reinforcement braces at the bottom, do not leave room to place the exhaust outlet just behind the chamber, so it is necessary to extend the system with a long pipe and a traditional silencer on one side of the swingarm. Ducati's new design actually creates a swingarm with two superimposed arms and a large central recess, so that the lower one is positioned higher and allows the silencer to be kept under the engine. The swingarm reduces lateral rigidity by 37% compared to the single-arm, and together with the new forged rear rim it weighs 2.7 kg less. The new five-spoke rims weigh only 2.95 kg at the front and 4.15 kg at the rear.

Exclusive components...As a novelty, it also features the new Brembo HypureTM front brake calipers, which are 60 g lighter in pairs and offer greater performance by better dissipating heat. Another world first is the Race eCBS system, developed by Bosch in collaboration with Ducati. In track-focused modes, it continues to activate the rear brake even after releasing the front brake when entering and taking turns, as professional riders can do using the handlebar control.

Ducati has developed a platform for designing the different electronic strategies called “Ducati Vehicle Observer”, which simulates the input data from more than 70 sensors. This allows for improved software programming to increase efficiency on production bikes and allows it to intervene in an almost predictive way. It also calculates the ground effect acting on the fairing and the loads it can withstand in various conditions, improving the information provided by the IMU.

Fully electronic... As expected, the 2025 Panigale V4 is equipped with all kinds of electronic assistance: traction control, slip control, front lift control, start control, engine braking during braking, and shifting assistant in both directions. The latter uses a strategy based solely on the angular position sensor of the gear drum, allowing the use of a shift rod without switches and offering a more direct feel and less travel.

The dashboard, made up of a 6.9” digital screen with an 8:3 ratio, includes a new “Track Display” focused on track use, which offers additional information on one side of the screen. “G-Meter”, which indicates in real time the value of lateral acceleration when leaning, and longitudinal acceleration during acceleration and braking. “Power&Torque”, which shows the percentage of power and torque delivered at that moment compared to the maximum values ​​available given the gear engaged and “Lean angle”, which shows the instantaneous lean angles accompanied by the level of throttle opening and the pressure exerted on the brake.

Data acquisition... A new DDL data acquisition system developed by 2D in collaboration with Ducati is also available, which records all parameters and is able to draw the tracks travelled with great precision. The data can be analysed using external software with templates and reports created by Ducati Corse.

In “Info Track” mode, thanks to the integration of a GPS system, lap times are displayed with three configurable partial times. In “Road” mode, the main focus is on a circular rev counter, positioned in the centre, with the gear indicator inside. On the left side are the optional sat nav, music player, phone management and optional heated grips. On the right side are the speedometer, time, water temperature and cruise control indicators.

Reporter: Pepe Burgaleta