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2018 Ducati Panigale V4 Will Be Available In Two Trim Levels

Cast aluminum monocoque chassis is called “front frame”

2018 Ducati Panigale V4 Will Be Available In Two Trim LevelsCourtesy of Ducati

November 5, 2017

Ducati named its new V-4-powered superbike “Panigale” to underline its goal of once again rising to the very top of the World Superbike Championship but also because it wanted to offer enthusiasts around the world a sportbike every bit as exotic as a Ferrari sports car.

Styling remains similar to that of the Panigale 1299, just more compact and slightly bulbous from the side, while the front is neat and sharp. Everything appears well tucked in to ensure a functional riding position and maximum clearance when cornering.

2018 Ducati Panigale V4Courtesy of Ducati

The chassis represents an evolution of the Panigale cast aluminum monocoque structure, called “front frame,” which is even leaner and lighter but with more than appropriate torsional and flexional rigidity to handle the terrific potential of the new 1,103cc Desmosedici V-4.

Steering geometry is 24.5 degrees of rake and 3.9 inches of trail. Ducati announced a curb weight of 430 pounds. Seat height is 32.6 inches, and Pirelli provides Diablo Supercorsa SP radials in 120/70-17 front and 200/60-17 rear sizes.
Suspension comprises a Showa 43mm inverted fork and a cantilevered Sachs shock, both of which are fully adjustable for preload and damping. Brembo supplies the front brakes, twin 330mm rotors, and latest Stylema four-piston calipers.
Panigale V4 S adds Öhlins suspension front and rear, forged aluminum wheels, and a lightweight lithium-ion battery. In addition, the triple clamps are machined from billet, the seat is trimmed in Alcantara, and the front and rear fenders are carbon fiber.

2018 Ducati Panigale V4Courtesy of Ducati

Said to weigh just 5 pounds more than a Panigale 1299 V-twin, the V-4 produces 214 claimed peak horsepower, which translates to a 2 pound/horsepower weight-to-power ratio. Ducati offers an Akrapovic titanium racing exhaust that boosts horsepower to a whopping 226.
Bore is 81mm and stroke is 53.5mm. Connecting rods measure 101.8mm from center to center—a respectable rod-length-to-stroke ratio. Oiling is via semi-dry sump with four pumps, two for maximum crankcase-scavenging capability.

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Induction is by variable-length oval runners featuring area corresponding to that of 52mm round units. Valves diameters are 34mm intake and 27.5mm exhaust. Compression ratio is a 14:1, confirming the efficiency of the thermodynamic section.
Complementing the latest TFT instrumentation, Ducati Data Analyzer, and Ducati Multimedia System, the Panigale V4 has one of the most advanced electronics suite in the industry: ABS Cornering Bosch EVO, Ducati Traction Control EVO, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, Ducati Power Launch, Ducati Quick Shift EVO, Engine Brake Control EVO, and Ducati Electronic Suspension EVO.

Check out the rest of our coverage of all the new motorcycles released at EICMA this year.

2018 Ducati Panigale V4 SCourtesy of Ducati

2018 Ducati Panigale V4Courtesy of Ducati