2018 Ducati Panigale V4

Welcome to the 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 review and specification page. The Ducati Panigale V4 is the 9th best selling super sports motorcycle in 2018, selling 130 units. This is a record sales for the model as it was a new 2018 model release!

In terms of looks, to be completely honest all of Ducati’s sport bikes look very similar. However to the motorbike and Ducati enthusiast the differences are night night and day. For me who sits between the they look the same at first glance. Ducati designs have alway been very good and the Panigale V4 is no different especially in pictures. However it is looking a lot like it’s Japanese competition. That said, in real life the Panigale has something extra in terms of physical dimensions and parts design – it just looks right and set it apart.

In terms of technology and engines the Ducati Panigale V4 is the entry level of the 1100cc models although you wouldn’t pick it from the expensive price tag of around $30,000. The top range Panigale V4 Speciale is $60,000 eeekkk! The hidden tech and tuning of the engine is why you paying that much.  The Panigale V4 is also the first mass produced 4 cylinder engine by Ducati as indicated by the V4 branding. All the usually traction control, single sided swing-arm, ABS, quick shifter, launch controls are all there but the most ‘high tech’ feature is the auto off turn signals! Mind you it all seems very much like a Honda VFR… Not all the tech is available in the Regular Panigale V4 at this model grade and you’ll need to buy the ‘Special’ version of the complete tech suite.

Now, all modern super sports motorcycles seem to be following the same trend of building faster and more powerful motorcycles but with lots of new traction control tech – this is great. The technology makes the average rider better and a great rider even more so and the masses appreciate it but more riders seem to be interested in retro bikes and I don’t mean Harley Davidson’s. Most want the authentic riding experience so why not offer one without and ultimately traction control systems? It’ll have huge street cred just like in the 1990s with the CBR900RR and Hayabusa! It’s not just about speed after all.

The Ducati Panigale V4 does not move motorcycle tech forward as it does not have any technology  that is truly ground breaking or not already seen in other bikes. It is a large capacity with double the cylinders version of the traditional L shape twin engines of past Ducati’s with a state of art computer. BTW the monoque ‘frame’ meaning everything is attached to the engine rather than everything attached to a frame.

It is the refinement of the tech that sets the Ducati Panigale V4 apart. Of course the Ducati brand helps justify the price tag for any owner.

Ducati Panigale V4 Key Specifications
Engine:	V4 cylinder 4-stroke 16 valve (EFI)
Capacity:	1103cc
Power/Torque:	157Kw @13000  RPM 124 Nm @ 10000 RPM
Gearbox:	6 speed
Kerb Weight:	198kg
Performance:	0-100kph N/A seconds Max Speed less than 100Kph
Fuel Economy:	16 litre fuel tank Approx. 4 litres per 100km
Seat height:	830 mm
Dimensions:	L2075mm X W705mm X H1145mm
Recommended Retail Price:	$ 28,990 (2019)