“An even faster bike on the track, while being more intuitive and easier for a wide range of riders,” said Ducati of the 2022 updated Panigale V4, which the Italians say should provide great excitement for pros and amateurs alike. An extensive test of the Panigale V4 S will soon be available on Motorfreaks, but Ron has already put his first findings on paper for you.
During the presentation before the test at the Jerez circuit, it is emphasized once again that the new Panigale V4 as the sportiest Panigale ever has been improved in every aspect: better aerodynamics, better ergonomics, a stronger engine, a better chassis and better electronics. .
This will be discussed in more detail in the extensive test, but we have already listed the most important innovations for you. Starting with the aerodynamics: the winglets have been made more compact, but thanks to a revised profile, the same downforce of 37 kg is generated at 300 km/h.
Then there are the ergonomics: the seat has been given a flatter shape and a different coating, so that, in combination with the different shape of the tank, you should have more support when braking and move more easily. Despite Euro 5, the block has improved by one and a half horsepower, but more importantly, thanks to better cooling, the V4 will perform better and more consistently on the track.
In terms of bike section, the most important adjustment is in moving the pivot point of the single-sided swingarm, by raising it 4 mm, Ducati believes that the squat of the rear has been reduced, so that the bike should be more stable under full acceleration. In addition, the semi-active Öhlins suspension of the S version has been renewed.
Finally the electronics: Ducati has implemented new Power Modes logic, where you can now choose from 4 options: Full, High, Medium and Low. Full and Low are completely redesigned, the High and Medium configurations only use a new strategy. According to Ducati, the Power Mode Full is the sportiest ever applied to a Panigale V4.
Five sessions at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit are planned for us to find out whether those innovations should have made the Panigale V4 faster, easier, more intuitive, but rain seems to have canceled that plan. At Ducati, however, they are well prepared, so that the Panigale V4 S is driven with wet tires for the first two rainy sessions. When the sun breaks through afterwards, the Pani will be put on slicks for the remaining three sessions in the afternoon.
In retrospect, Ducati couldn’t have planned it better than this, because now we know how to ride the bike in the most diverse conditions. The two sessions on a wet track with wet tires in Rain mode at around 150 horsepower, the V4 quickly feels bland in the midrange, but at the same time that speaks volumes about how confident the bike feels.
“In the rain, 3 elbows went down: Johann Zarco, Jorge Martin and one crazy engine from Motorfreaks”, according to our man on the spot Ron Huijs. It is true that the Pani started shaking his head several times on the wet track over the highest point of the straight after turn 5, but that is due to the Pirelli wet tires – on a dry track with slicks that plays problem no longer.
The three sessions that follow on a dry track, we are very impressed by the engine. In full power mode the block is very smooth and strong and not only has a powerful midrange, but seems to have endless power. The electronics package is also top notch, with the new track layout showing at a glance which tools are being used at any given moment.
What our man is less enthusiastic about is the ergonomics. The tank should offer more support when braking, but it is too narrow for him. The Brembo Stylema brakes have top deceleration, but lack a hard feeling and that gives little incentive to shift braking points. Other than that, Ron is only enthusiastic in his initial findings. “It’s hard work to go hard with it, but super driven and super amused.” Ducati’s claim that it should offer everyone a great thrill does not seem to have been a boast.
An extensive test of the 2022 Panigale V4 S will soon be available on Motorfreaks.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.