2021 Ducati Panigale V4 [Model Overview]

Aero Fairing by Ducati Corse

Co-developed by Ducati Corse and the Ducati Style Center, the Panigale V4 MY2020 aerodynamics package now mirrors that of the Panigale V4 R. The result; fairings that – in true Panigale style – meet official Ducati Superbike requirements in full.

As in MotoGP, aerodynamic development involved a series of preliminary CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) studies, followed by optimization on a full-scale wind tunnel model.

The Panigale V4 aerodynamics package includes:

Plexiglas screen, nose fairing and larger lateral fairings
More efficient lateral vents for radiator through-air
Aerofoils

V4 90° layout
The Panigale V4 is powered by the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale (banked 42° back from the horizontal), a MotoGP-derived 90° V4 with Desmodromic timing, a one-of-a-kind engine featuring a counter-rotating crankshaft and Twin Pulse firing order. The engine can deliver 214 hp at 13,000 rpm and a torque of 12.6 kgm at 10,000 rpm, making for awesome road riding.

Desmo: blending tradition and the future
The new engine is designed around the Desmodromic system, a characteristic that helps make Ducati the fastest prototypes of the top racing class in motorcycle racing. With this high-rotation engine the “Desmo” achieves its maximum technical value, reaching levels of sophistication, compactness and lightness never seen before on a Ducati.

Counter-rotating crankshaft
On street bikes the crankshaft rotates in the same direction as the wheels. In contrast, in MotoGP the counter-rotating crankshaft that rotates in the opposite direction is commonly used. The Desmosedici Stradale has borrowed this technical solution to compensate for part of the gyroscopic effect produced by the wheels, making the bike more agile and precise when changing directions. The counter-rotating crankshaft also generates a torque due to inertia that tends to lower the front end during acceleration, and the rear end when braking, thus reducing the wheelie phenomenon.

“Twin Pulse” firing order
Combined with the V engine layout, this particular shaft geometry allows for a special ‘Twin Pulse’ ignition sequence. The distinctiveness lies in the fact that the two left-hand cylinders fire closely together, as do the two right-hand ones. On the timing chart, the ignition points are, then, at 0°, 90°, 290° and 380°. This particular firing order makes the V4 sound just like the MotoGP Desmosedici.

MY2020 changes

Major changes on the Panigale V4 MY2020 chassis have seen the introduction of the Front Frame. Built according to Ducati Corse specifications, the latter features a special suspension set-up with a higher barycentre, an increased chain pull angle and improved use of suspension travel. Thanks to these modifications, the bike is easier to lay into the corner when you ease off the brakes, gets to the apex faster, soaks up any pits or ripples more effectively and behaves more neutrally out of the corner.

Latest-generation electronic controls

The Panigale V4 features a latest-generation electronics package based on a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU) which instantly detects the bike’s roll, yaw and pitch angles.

The electronics package oversees every aspect of the ride: some controls supervise start, acceleration and braking, others govern traction and others again lend a helping hand on corners and out-of-the-corner stretches.

• ABS Cornering EVO
• Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2
• Ducati Slide Control (DSC)
• Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO
• Ducati Power Launch (DPL)
• Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO 2
• Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO
• Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) EVO

The operational parameters for each of these controls are associated by default with the three Panigale V4 Riding Modes. Riders can personalize parameters to suit their riding style or restore Ducati factory settings. DTC, DWC, DSC or EBC control levels can be adjusted quickly via the left switchgear.

Complete titanium exhaust assembly

Made exclusively by Akrapovič with the Ducati experience. It is the most advanced racing assembly available on the market. Each section of the system is manufactured in a special titanium alloy that is both lightweight and resistant to high temperatures, allowing for an overall reduction in the bike’s weight. Once installed on the bike, the exhaust dramatically increases the already excellent weight-topower ratio of the Panigale, for breathtaking accelerations and stretches. Thanks to its experience, Ducati Corse has developed the qualities of the motorcycle and exhaust to their maximum levels to create a perfect synergy, specifically for this exhaust, recalibrating the many and fundamental electronic aids: DTC, DWC, DPL and Slide on demand.