Recently crowned ASBK champion Mike Jones has made his first impression of the Ducati V4 R after taking to Morgan Park Raceway aboard the new machine for the very first time.

DesmoSport Ducati has had the all-new V4 in its possession since the early months of this season, however the squad has only rolled it out on a number of occasions for testing with team co-owner Troy Bayliss in the seat – the three-time world Superbike champion debuting it at the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in the Superbike support category.

Jones, who took the Ducati 1299 Panigale R Final Edition to the top step of the ASBK championship earlier this month, experienced his maiden ride on the V4 R at the Queensland venue last weekend, where he noted the differing handling characteristics as an initial benefit.

“Riding the Ducati V4 R for the first time was a really cool experience,” Jones told CycleOnline.com.au. “Obviously it’s a bit different to the twin set-up I’ve been riding this year, but the most important thing is that it feels very comfortable straightaway.

“The biggest difference between the two bikes is the power delivery – the twin has a lot of torque from the initial pick up of the throttle, where as the V4 has a lot more of its power at a higher RPM, so it pulls all the way through the rev-range and through to a higher RPM than that twin. So it’s a little bit of a different way of managing the power on the bike.

“The other biggest difference is the weight distribution of the bike – it feels like the V4 has a lot more weight distribution towards the front of the bike, which gives it quite a lot of stability versus the twin – this is a benefit.

“I’m really excited to come back in 2020 and defend the championship, but it’s even more exciting to do it on the Ducati V4 R. I think it’s certainly capable of the task.”

While an official announcement is yet to be made, it’s understood Jones will defend the title with DesmoSport Ducati in 2020, as indicated by himself and Bayliss.