Ducati unveils an improved Panigale V4 S superbike for 2022. (Adam Waheed/)

For 2022, Ducati upgrades its V-4-powered superbike with a host of improvements designed to make it faster and easier to ride. Engineers improved aerodynamics, the rider interface, as well as the powertrain and chassis to make its already potent sportbike package even racier.

Ducati says these changes netted a more capable liter-plus-sized machine with all three test riders improving their best lap times by 0.9 second and 1.2 seconds, respectively at Italy’s Vallelunga Circuit. Ducati MotoGP test rider Michele Pirro was also quicker by 0.5 second, with a lap time that was 3 seconds off his best time during Race 1 at Vallelunga, during the 2021 Italian Superbike Championship on supersoft Pirelli Diablo SCX race tires.

Starting with the engine, the Panigale V4 continues to use a liquid-cooled 90-degree 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V-4. The rev-happy engine (redline is nearly 15,000 rpm) delivers a hard-hitting powerband with an exhilarating character that sounds nearly identical to Ducati’s MotoGP racing prototypes.

New, taller transmission ratios in first (11.6 percent), second (5.6 percent), and sixth (1.8 percent) gears reduce how often the rider has to work the gearshift lever, especially through slow bends. It also increases top speed on long straightaways.

Engine mapping and the ride-by-wire throttle settings have also been enhanced. Ducati now offers four combined engine power/throttle response modes: Full, High, Medium, and Low. The Full and Low power settings are all new. Full is designed to give expert riders the intimate throttle response they need at the racing circuit, with reduced electronic intervention in all but first gear. While the Low setting limits maximum engine power with a more tempered throttle response for streetbike riders who are just getting up to speed. Keeping tabs on everything is an updated color TFT display with enhanced menu settings.

Ducati says this engine makes 90.6 pound-feet of torque at 11,000 rpm and 210 hp at 12,500 rpm. The last time we dyno tested this engine configuration, however, it delivered 79.6 pound-feet of torque at 11,310 rpm and 186.01 hp at 13,320 rpm. Those seeking more performance can opt for a quieter DP3-spec Akrapovič titanium exhaust (closed-course use only). The exhaust only emits 105 decibels (102 decibels with the decibel killer fitted) and adds 18 hp while shedding 11 pounds off the 431-pound V4 S.

The standard V4 continues to employ Showa’s older-generation BPF fork with a Sachs shock handling rear suspension duties. The V4 S however adds a longer-stroke (0.2 inch) Öhlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork (similar to the Tuning Fork brand’s 2020-and-newer YZF-R1M). It’s matched with a fully adjustable Öhlins TTX 36 shock. Both suspension components employ Smart EC 2.0 semi-active damping control.

The swingarm pivot height was increased (0.2 inch), boosting mechanical rear tire grip. The standard Panigale rolls on cast aluminum rims while the S model gets lighter forged wheels. Both models benefit from Pirelli’s sticky Diablo Supercorsa V3 rubber.

The rider interface was also tweaked. A flatter-profile seat with a different seat cover material allows for easier body movements. The rear shape of the fuel tank is more vertical so it’s easier to squeeze with the rider’s knees during braking. The forward portion of the tank is more compatible with the rider’s forearms at high lean angles. The capacity was also raised (0.3 gallon) to 4.49 gallons.

Engineers also visited the wind tunnel to further hone the wide body aerodynamics. Air slits were added to both sides of the lower fairing as well as in the pavement-facing chin area to help dissipate radiator heat. The wings are smaller yet continue to generate the same amount of downforce (57.3 pounds of front wheel load at 155.3 mph).

Both Panigale variations arrive in the US February 2022. The standard model goes up in price by $1,000 to $23,295. The 2022 V4 S commands $29,995, an increase of $1,300.

2022 Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 S Price and Technical Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com