THE FIRST RIDE: DUCATI'S PANIGALE V4 got its Superbike groove back!
specific scenarios. Want less pitch during braking? Bump up the ‘Brake Support’ level (one the lowest, five
Stability in deep braking zones was exemplary and highest). Need a bit more squat during acceleration? the revamped Brembo M50 style brakes offer precise
Dial back the ‘Acceleration’ setting.
actuation. Confidence during braking and front-end loading is the name of the game with this setup. One can also tweak how the suspension performs Revised EVO-spec ABS programming, with cornering
during cornering, too. Of course, if you’d rather
functionality and a ‘Slide by Brake’ setting, makes it run fixed settings, you can with standard (but still easier to ham it up for the camera.
SECOND GEN DYNAMIC SUSPENSION The Panigale V4 we rode was outfitted in ’S’ trim
electronic) compression and rebound adjustment. The Panigale offers an astounding range of adjustment but we preferred the dynamic mode with a global setting in the three/four range.
($6300 up-charge) which trades the Showa/Sachs-
A STAR IS RE-BORN
sourced suspension for semi-active damping-equipped
Make no mistake about it. The Panigale V4 is a
components from Ohlins. Termed Smart EC 2.0, the
true masterpiece. It marks the return to Ducati’s roots
suspension is an evolution of the setup employed on
offering useable performance-based engineering with
the Panigale 1299.
the style, feel and pedigree that only it can offer. Displacement advantage aside, the V4 seamlessly
When ‘dynamic’ mode is selected, the system monitors integrates class-leading mechanics with adept vehicle information automatically adjusts damping, in electronics (finally!) that empower you to not only real time. These settings are tied to the riding modes ride better, but more safely. Yeah, it's fast. Yeah, it’s so ‘Race’ provides slower/firmer damping than ‘Sport’ expensive. But you can’t put a price on happiness. and vice-versa.
And that’s just what you’re going to get with the Panigale V4.
The rider can further tweak global settings based on
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