Ducati reveals 2018 Panigale V4 superbike
Performance bike will have 211bhp and is first mass-produced Ducati to have a four-cylinder engine
Ducati has pulled the covers off its new Panigale V4 model line-up ahead of the EICMA Milan motorcycle show in Italy.
The latest superbike replaces the 1299 at the pinnacle of Ducati’s supersport range, and features technology from the Italian manufacturer’s MotoGP race bikes.
The 2018 model year range is made up of the regular Panigale V4, as well as the Panigale V4 S and Panigale V4 Speciale. The S model gains Ohlins suspension and forged aluminium wheels among other features, while the limited-run Speciale features a titanium exhaust and dedicated livery.
Power comes from a 211bhp four-cylinder engine, which Ducati claims makes the Panigale V4 the most powerful bike in its segment. An optional Akrapovic all-titanium racing exhaust boosts power to 223bhp.
To improve handling and agility, the new Panigale V4 has been fitted with a counter-rotating crankshaft similar to those used in MotoGP.
On regular motorcycles, the crankshaft turns in the same direction as the wheels. The Panigale V4’s crankshaft, on the other hand, runs in the opposite direction. This helps to reduce the chance of a wheelie under hard acceleration, and rear-wheel lift under hard braking.
There are three riding modes available on the Panigale V4: street, sport and race. Each mode instantly changes the engine’s character, electronic control parameters, and – in the S and Speciale models – the suspension set-up. Customers can customise their own riding style, while the option to revert to factory settings is also present.
Prices for the new Panigale V4 are set to start at £19,250
