Ducati Panigale V4S
Racer made road-friendly
THE 2020 PANIGALE V4S is the classic second-generation European superbike: all the good bits from the first one, but everything owners moaned about fixed. Ducati focused on making the 200bhp V4 less intimidating for ordinary riders, on track or on the road.
So with this in mind, the relationship between the twistgrip and the throttle butterflies has been made more predictable, and in gears one to three, torque is metered out more gradually to make it less ferocious. It doesn’t make any more power than before — with the outputs of current superbikes, it is all about making things usable.
There are subtle chassis changes to improve grip, stability and feel, a small refinement to the traction control, and aerodynamic improvements from the WSB bike. Yes, that means wings, but also a taller screen and wider front fairing, and better heat dissipation.
It also cuts out the rear cylinder bank at idle to reduce heat build-up.
It’s easier to ride and enjoy now — it’s less taxing and more forgiving, which also make it quicker as it’s more confidence-inspiring.
It’s still no VFR but for normal, reasonably experienced motorcyclists, it’s easier to steer on the brakes, mid-corner feedback is improved, and it gives you greater confidence to get on the power without it bucking, spinning and getting unstable. Useful on track but the gains will make it nicer on the road, too.
CHRIS NEWBIGGING