2021 Ducati Panigale V4 R. (Ducati/)

Ups

• Desmosedici Stradale V-4 engine is derived from Ducati’s MotoGP bike
• Cutting-edge, customizable electronic rider aids increase safety and performance
• Few motorcycles are as attention-grabbing as a superbike from Borgo Panigale

Downs

• High cost of entry
• Most riders aren’t capable of reaching the Panigale’s performance threshold

Verdict

Ducati’s flagship superbike is an engineering marvel and a masterpiece of Italian design. Clever electronics and continuous evolution make it more user-friendly than its predecessors, but it’s still one of the most demanding superbikes to ride. Explosive power and sharp handling pay dividends for riders capable of harnessing its performance.

2021 Ducati Panigale V4 S. (Ducati/)

Overview

After decades of being synonymous with V-twins, Ducati introduced its V-4-powered superbike for 2018, proving it prioritizes outright performance over all else. The only nod to tradition may be the twin-pulse firing order, which mimics twin-cylinder power pulses. Aerodynamic winglets, next-gen electronics, and a counter-rotating crankshaft highlight the Panigale V4′s brag-worthy stats.

Updates for 2021

In spite of Euro 5 compliance for 2021, the Panigale V4 model range maintains the same peak performance numbers. For 2021, Ducati’s traction control system (DTC EVO 3) gains another layer of sophistication by modulating torque delivery when the throttle is opened midcorner. The addition of Race A and Race B ride modes allow further electronic customization on the racetrack. The Panigale V4 and V4 S also get self-bleeding clutch and brake pumps that debuted on the Superleggera V4.

Pricing and Variants

The base-model Panigale V4 starts at $22,295. The Panigale V4 S, the highest-selling model in the range, starts at $28,695 and features semi-active units from Öhlins in place of the base model’s Showa and Sachs units. It also has lighter, forged wheels. For homologation in international superbike racing series, the Panigale V4 R ($40,000) has a 998cc engine (compared to the 1,103cc engine of the non-R versions) that produces a claimed 234 hp with the Akrapovič racing exhaust fitted. The engine also revs to a stratospheric 16,000 rpm. Other differences include carbon fiber parts, an aluminum gas tank, a dry clutch, and non-electronic Öhlins suspension. New for 2021, the Panigale V4 SP retains the 1,103cc capacity of the base model, but gets a dry clutch, aluminum gas tank, all-black livery, five-spoke carbon fiber wheels inherited from the Superleggera, Brembo Stylema R calipers, and a racing-style front brake remote adjuster.

Competition

The Ducati Panigale V4′s competition include the Aprilia RSV4 1100, the BMW S 1000 RR and M 1000 RR, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, the Yamaha YZF-R1, the Suzuki GSX-R1000R, and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Panigale V4′s Desmosedici Stradale engine is a liquid-cooled 90-degree V-4 with desmodromic valve actuation and a counter-rotating crank. The base model produces a claimed 214 hp at 13,000 rpm and 91.5 pound-feet of torque at 9,500 rpm. On the CW dyno, the 2019 model measured 186 rear-wheel horsepower at 13,320 rpm. As Adam Waheed notes in his first ride review of the 2020 model: “There are a lot of fast bikes out there, but few are as exhilarating to ride as this red Ducati.” Above 10,000 rpm, the V4 is brutally powerful. In his street review and superbike retrospective, Seth Richards comments that the power is relentless: “Each time I open the throttle, the V4 holds my license hostage.”

2021 Ducati Panigale V4 S. (Ducati/)

Handling

In the 2019 Superbike Shootout, Cycle World’s resident MotoAmerica racer, Michael Gilbert, says that on track, “It’s an eventful ride, one that feels faster than it is. The chassis begs to be ridden with more aggression, feeling as if it will settle in with more speed, but then crosses fingers behind its back. Corner entry is a completely different story. Under heavy braking load, the chassis offers steadfast composure and feedback at the front tire’s contact patch, and most importantly, it easily recovers from pushing it over the limit.” However, to address its demanding handling character, beginning with model year 2020, Ducati reduced chassis stiffness and tweaked geometry and suspension spring rates. It also added downforce-generating winglets. On the street, most riders will be impressed with the plushness of the semi-active suspension (on the S model). Waheed notes: “The Panigale V4 S is agile in motion with pleasant handling manners. Steering is neither too sharp, nor too relaxed making it easy to get a feel for if you’re coming off of other modern sportbikes.”

Brakes

The Panigale V4 features top-shelf Brembro Stylema calipers and a radial-mount master cylinder. The setup uses dual 330mm discs in the front and a single 245mm disc in the rear, and uses Bosch cornering ABS EVO. Our testers note that brake feel at the lever is superb and stopping power is equally impressive.

2021 Ducati Panigale V4 SP. (Ducati/)

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Cycle World’s 2020 Panigale V4 achieved 27.8 mpg.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Compared to pre-Panigale era Ducati superbikes, the Panigale V4 has a more upright riding position and its clip-on handlebars are set further apart for better leverage. Like other superbikes, relatively high footpegs make for cramped legroom. In spite of rear cylinder bank deactivation, stop-and-go traffic can be the Panigale rider’s nightmare, as the engine produces significant heat.

2021 Ducati Panigale V4 S. (Ducati/)

Electronics

The Panigale’s electronic suite, managed by a Bosch six-axis IMU, includes ABS Cornering EVO 2, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, Ducati Power Launch, Ducati Quickshift, Engine Brake Control, and Ducati Electronic Suspension (on the S and SP models). A 5-inch TFT dash and LED lighting complement the electronics suite.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Panigale V4 family has a 24-month, unlimited-mileage warranty. Ducati cites a 12-month/7,500-mile service interval and a 15,000-mile desmo service interval.

Quality

The 2021 Ducati Panigale V4 family are the brand’s flagship motorcycles. Fit and finish are top-notch and performance levels are at the peak of Ducati’s technical know-how.

2021 Ducati Panigale V4 SP. (Ducati/)

2021 Ducati Panigale Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com