Motorcycle specifications Ducati1100 Panigale V4 SPECIALE 2018 The sublime storm

For the past 10 years, Ducati has offered a top-of-the-range version of each new-generation sports bike. The Panigale V4 honors this tradition, following on from the 1199 Panigale S Tricolore and 1098 S Tricolore. Unmistakably identified by their patriotic attachment, illustrated by a decor in Italian colors, these special series boast a high pedigree and sportiness of choice. The Panigale V4 is no exception to the rule, except for its name. It's not called Tricolore, but Speciale. And it really is special.

Starting with its engine. A 4-cylinder V-twin, whereas all previous generations roared to life on a twin-cylinder. A block to take Ducati into another dimension. And the rider in a jubilant and frightening satellite. Announced for 214 hp in this 1103 cm3 configuration, the "Desmosedici Stradale" aims to take the piss out of everything that moves with the Panigale V4 Spéciale. It will be delivered with an all-titanium exhaust system, enabling it to develop the power of.... 226 horsepower. And it weighs just 195 kilos to tow. This is no laughing matter, and it's going to take a hell of a lot of technique and composure to manage such a cavalry.
Fortunately, Ducati is one of the brands that installs the most electronic safeguards in its machines. The engine is kept in check by improved versions of traction control (DTC Evo), anti-wheeling (DWC Evo), Up&Down shifter (DQS Evo) and engine brake control (EBC Evo). To complete the picture, there's a standing start assist (DPL) and active anti-lock braking in corners (ABS Cornering Bosch EVO). The Panigale V4s have a new member, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), which controls cornering glide based on information sent by the IMU inertial unit. All these electronics are supervised by three riding modes - Race, Sport and Street - each of which calibrates the settings in a more or less sporty manner, including suspension management.
The Speciale adds a new feature, DLT GPS, to complement DDA+GPS. It allows you to store and consult lap times, best lap and maximum speed over a total of 15 consecutive laps on the dashboard. The new high-resolution TFT display also deserves special attention.

The Panigale V4 S and Speciale take their cushioning from the top of the range. Öhlins still answers the call, with a 43 mm diameter NIX30 inverted fork and TTX36 shock absorber. These components are controlled in real time by the Smart EC 2.0 system, which is faster and more efficient than the one used on the 1299 Panigale S, to continuously adapt the suspension. The wheels have not been forgotten either, opting for Marchesini forged aluminum wheels, which account for much of the weight saving.
The Speciale weighs 3 kilos less than the Panigale V4. Another part of the weight saving comes from the Lithium-Ion battery and special parts. These include adjustable footrests, alcantara seat, racing levers, brake lever protection, authentication plate and a few carbon parts: mudguards, heel guard and swingarm cover. But not the fairing... Quid!?!! It's very mean-spirited, especially considering the price; and when you think most "premium" Ducati Superbikes were clad in this kind of light dress.
Even the "track" kit will have a hard time making the pill go down, even though it's supplied: titanium Ducati Performance line by Akrapovic, racing bubble and tank cap, kit to replace the plate holder, covers for the mirror locations, and a cover to cover the beauty.

The rest of the bike is identical to the standard version, which is already of high caliber. With its large aluminum perimeter frame, huge swingarm, Brembo M4.30 Stylema brake calipers (stiffer and lighter than the M50), speed-cut lines and panther look.
With 1,500 units promised, it will have no trouble finding suitors. We don't want to talk about performance, reason or passion. And even less about exception. We're just going to fantasize, and listen to the coming storm.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos