I bought a Panigale V4…

Three proud Ducatisti on what it’s like to actually own a V4…

IWANT TO EVOLVE with Ducati. I don’t care about depreciation because I want to be right at the front with them. I’ve had an 848, 1198, 1199, 1299... and I bought this V4 as soon as possible. The new engine is very different to the old V-twin, but because the engine’s 1103cc, you still have all that torque. I’d say the gearbox is far superior, the heat is still a real issue, and the sidestand’s very awkward to use. It’s had a few recalls, too: an extra reservoir bottle, an issue with the O-ring on the petrol tank, the clutch master cylinder. But it’s roomier than the 1299 and it feels light to flick around. It’s supposed to be a track bike, but I think it’s the best road-going Panigale for a long time. It’s done a few trackdays, though. The tyres are already shagged. Most of its track time has been at Silverstone, and the new surface is ripping Pirellis to bits in the heat. In fact, this is my second rear Super corsa. I’m an intermediate track rider who likes going fast out of corners. I’ve had 175mph out of her down the Hangar Straight before braking for Stowe Corner. The electronic systems are so good, you don’t realise how much power you’re putting through the tyre. You come in after a session, the rear’s destroyed, and you think, ‘How did that happen?’ It’s great being here in Italy. People keep stopping to check out the bike, but this colour scheme catches them out. The bike’s a standard V4 with a smart wrap job, not a ridiculously expensive Speciale. The black in the headlights, the mudguards, and the white on the fairings: it’s a take on both the Speciale and the Superleggera. I think the standard Panigale is a grower, not a shower. It doesn’t look beautiful until you start breaking it up like this. The wrap also stops stone chips, and I can take it off and sell it as the original red. On our way down here we went on the Ducati Factory tour in Borgo Panigale, Bologna. I rock up and a guy walks over who thought he’d actually built my engine. He’s from Holland, and when they build the engine they mark the gear lever with a code – like a signature. His is a dash, but mine’s got a dot on it. Next is a track session here at Misano tomorrow. There’s just enough left on the rear tyre…