Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1209558
2020 DUC ATI PANIG ALE V4 S R I D E R E V I E W P88 predicting lottery numbers would be a good vocation. Still, the rain brought with it the chance to sample much of what Ducati claims for the 2020 V4 S under a microscope, namely the stability offered by the aero, the more compliant suspension and that glorious traction control. Straight up, I only rode at about 60 percent pace in Bah- rain. For the majority of the day it was so wet, and I wasn't about to become the only journo to trash at V4 S by trying to be a hero. As such, I'll reserve absolute final judgement on the new V4 S until I've ridden it in anger, in the dry, on the track. What I can tell you is at over 180 mph, the V4 S was solid as a rock. Not fidgety movements from the front, the Panigale was a wet, red guided missile, and it was easy to see this as be- ing the main difference to the 2018 model. Combined with the softer suspension, in the wet the ride was beautiful. I suspect the Panigale's street manners will be much improved, and the bike more accessible to a wider range of skill sets than previously. Even at my wet pace, the Panigale just felt easier to ride, it's as simple as that. Don't get me wrong, you still need to be on your toes, this is a 1103cc V4 superbike you're on, after all, but the intimidation factor has been ratcheted down a notch or two. Trust me, that's a good thing. The 2020 Panigale tips into corners smoothly and precisely, and the wings give it a bit of extra weight and thus stability when you're in them. Move towards the end of the mid-corner phase as you wind on the throttle, and the softer throttle response belies the fact you've got such horse- power beneath you. The 1299 could only dream of this level of smoothness and driveability. I have already put my request in for a 2020 Ducati Panigale V4 S, some California sunshine and a couple of sessions at Fontana Speedway to truly eval- uate the changes wrought on Bologna's finest. From the hot seat in the wet, the feeling is of a more neutral, easy-handling motorcycle, with power to shred and looks to kill, and I suspect the feeling will only be amped up in the dry. One thing I can tell you, more riders will be able to get more out of the Panigale. It's still a beast, but without the slightly nervous energy of its predecessor. CN S P E C I F I C A T I O N S 2020 DUCATI PANIGALE V4 S ($28,395) ENGINE: ........... Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4, rearward-rotating crankshaft, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled DISPLACEMENT: ........................................1103cc BORE X STROKE: ............................81 x 53.5mm FUEL INJECTION: .................. EFI, twin injectors per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies, variable-length intake system COMPRESSION RATIO: ................................ 14.0:1 POWER (CLAIMED): ....... 214 hp @ 13,000 rpm TORQUE (CLAIMED): ...91.5 lb-ft @ 10,000 rpm EXHAUST: .....................................................4-2-1-2 TRANSMISSION: .....6-speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2 CLUTCH: ......... Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multi-plate clutch ELECTRONICS: ..............Ducati Traction Control (DTC) Engine Brake Control EVO (EBC EVO), Ducati Electronic Suspension EVO (DES EVO), Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO (DWC EVO), Ducati Slide Control (DSC) CHASSIS: ............. Aluminum alloy front frame FRONT SUSPENSION: .....Ohlins NIX30 43mm fully adjustable fork with TiN treatment, electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based mode REAR SUSPENSION: ................ Fully adjustable Ohlins TTX36 unit, electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment with Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based mode, aluminum single-sided swingarm FRONT BRAKE: ...........2 330mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc Stylema (M4.30) 4-piston calipers with Bosch Cornering ABS EVO REAR BRAKE: ................. 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper with Bosch Cornering ABS EVO FRONT TIRE: ............. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP 120/70 ZR17 REAR TIRE: ................ Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP 200/60 ZR17 RAKE: ............................................................ 24.5° WHEELBASE: .............................................57.8 in. SEAT HEIGHT: ........................................32.48 in. FUEL CAPACITY: ..................................... 4.23 gal WEIGHT (DRY, CLAIMED): ..................... 384 lbs.