Ducati’s top-of-the-line superbike, the Ducati
Panigale V4 has started making its way into the dealerships in Europe. The
price of the bike starts from GBP 19,250.
The Panigale V4 is the first mass-produced Ducati motorcycle
to be equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, closely derived from the Desmosedici
of the MotoGP. Ducati unveiled the bike ahead of the EICMA show in Milan,
Italy. It also won the “Most Beautiful Bike of Show” at EICMA 2017. In November
15, the production commenced; and by the end of last year, 500 units have
reached the European dealerships. Over the coming weeks, the Panigale V4 will
also be available to other markets where Ducati is present.
Powering the Panigale V4 is a 1,103 cc V4 engine
with liquid cooling. The engine is good for 214 PS at 13,000 rpm, and 124 Nm of
torque at 10,000 rpm. A 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch pairs with the
engine. Electronic equipment includes Riding Modes; Power Modes; Bosch
Cornering ABS EVO; Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO; Ducati Wheelie Control
(DWC) EVO; Ducati Slide Control (DSC); Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, and Auto
tyre calibration.
Fully adjustable Showa BPF fork at the front and a
fully adjustable Sachs rear monoshock handle the suspension responsibility.
Brakes include 330 mm Brembo discs at the front and 245 mm rear disc. The bike
weighs only 175 kg dry. This translates into a power to weight ratio of a
whopping 1.1 hp/kg. Developed in close collaboration with Ducati Corse, this
road bike is the closest thing possible to its MotoGP counterpart.
