The new 2022 Ducati Panigale V4, not only did a certain grin return to my face, but also I was especially intrigued by two things: One, I had just finished participating in a seven bike heavyweight naked shootout with MO (see Battle Royale) with the 2021 Ducati Streetfighter V4 S finishing right up near the top of my personal list. But two, I got the opportunity a few years back to evaluate the 2019 Panigale V4 S Corse at both Laguna Seca and Pirelli’s test circuit, the Autodromo di Pergusa in Sicily.
To ride Ducati’s latest Panigale V4 flagship once again, but some two and a half years later, might reveal a few of the special ingredients the Bologna factory has unearthed to help explain this seemingly magic formula they’ve cooked up in both MotoGP and World Superbike.
Although the Desmosedici Stradale motor is unchanged, the transmission and electronics have changed its performance. Ducati is making a push to make the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 more track-focused than ever to give it an edge in the production-based World Superbike Championship.
The new transmission ratios come from the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4, which is the basis of the World Superbike racing platform for Ducati. First gear is 11.6 percent higher than last year, with second gear rising 5.6 percent. This makes first gear more usable on the track, and tightens the gap between first, second, and third gears for improved acceleration and quickshifter operation. At the other end, sixth gear is 1.8 percent higher to give the latest Panigale V4 a higher top speed.
There are four power modes for the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4, and they are all-new. You get a choice of Full, High, Medium, and Low—no fluffy naming conventions—and they fundamentally change the performance of the Desmosedici Stradale.
Full mode means business. Ducati unleashes the V4 in Full mode, with unrestrained power and throttle response in all but first gear. Be prepared to have a highly sensitive throttle hand if you plan on exploiting Full mode’s barely restricted potential.
High and Medium modes are designed for mere mortals. Ducati gives each gear its own power curve in High and Medium modes with a nod toward usability.
For street riders, Low mode pads things down. Maximum horsepower in Low mode is “only” 150 horsepower, while the focus is on easy managing of the throttle.
To further personalize the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 power modes, the electronics suite is extensive and customizable. You get the latest versions of ABS (three levels) and the control group—traction (seven levels), slide (two levels), wheelie (defeatable), launch (3 levels), quickshifting, and engine braking. Thanks to a six-axis IMU, cornering awareness is part of the electronic aids package.
In addition to the four power modes, there are also four riding modes—Race A, Race B, Sport, and Street.
Race A mode is for racing. You get the Full power mode, and light influence of the control functions. ABS is front-wheel only in Race A
Also track-oriented, Race B mode is designed for track days, endurance competition, newer track riders, and low-grip surfaces. Torque production is padded down for the three lowest gears, and the electronics do more to correct for rider error.
Sport mode ramps up the electronic aids, and adds a few functions to the mix. There’s still 210 horsepower on tap, though the rider will get bailed out more often. Slide by Brake is there to help prevent high-sides, and rear-wheel lift mitigation keeps the Panigale V4 stable.
Ducati acknowledges reality with the Street mode. Power tops out at 150 horsepower, and the throttle response is progressive rather than brutally direct. All the control features are set for increased sensitivity. It might take a bit of ego management to use the Street mode, even though it might provide the fastest real-world performance on public roads.
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Full Specifications
2022 Ducati Panigale V4 (and V4 S) Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Desmosedici Stradale 90-degree V4 w/ counter-rotating crankshaft
- Displacement: 1103cc
- Bore x stroke: 81 x 53.5mm
- Maximum power: 210 horsepower @ 12,500 rpm
- Maximum torque: 91 ft-lbs @ 11,000 rpm
- Compression ratio: 14.0:1
- Valvetrain: Desmodromic actuation w/ 4vpc
- Fueling: Twin injectors per cylinder
- Transmission: 6-speed w/ straight-cut gears
- Clutch: Hydraulically actuated wet multiplate w/ assist and slipper functions
- Final drive: 525 chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Aluminum monocoque
- Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable Showa BPF 43mm inverted fork; 4.7 inches (V4 S: Fully adjustable semi-active Öhlins NIX25/30 pressurized 43mm fork; 4.9 inches)
- Rear suspension; travel: Fully adjustable Sachs shock; 5.1 inches (V4 S: Fully adjustable semi-active Öhlins TTX36 shock; 5.1 inches)
- Wheels: 5-spoke cast aluminum (V4 S: 3-spoke forged aluminum)
- Front wheel: 17 x 6.00
- Rear wheel: 17 x 3.50
- Tires: Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP
- Front tire: 120/70 x 17
- Rear tire: 200/60 x 17
- Front brakes: Semi-floating 330mm discs w/ Brembo Stylema M4.30 4-piston calipers
- Rear brake: 245mm disc w/ 2-piston caliper
- ABS: Bosch Cornering ABS Evo
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 57.8 inches
- Rake: 24.5 degrees
- Trail: 3.9 inches
- Seat height: 33.5 inches
- Fuel capacity: 4.5 gallons
- Curb weight: 438 pounds (V4 S: 431 pounds)
- Color: Ducati Red
2022 Ducati Panigale V4 Price: $23,295 MSRP
2022 Ducati Panigale V4 S Price: $29,995 MSRP
