Motorcycle specifications Ducati1100 Panigale V4 S 'Race of Champions' 2018 The battle of the valkyries

These Ducati Panigale 1100 V4 S are special in more ways than one. These are the bikes for the ultimate WDW 2018 showdown. Furies of the "Race of Champions", these unique Panigales will be ridden by Dovizioso, Lorenzo, Petrucci, Miller, Simeon (replacing the injured Davies), Melandri, Rinaldi, Pirro, Abraham, Rabat and Fores - not to mention a champion who made Ducati history, Troy Bayliss.

the thirteen limited-edition bikes taking part in the race will be offered for sale on eBay. For enthusiasts, it's a chance to buy a machine with a highly symbolic history. The auction will start at 6:00 pm on Saturday, July 21 and end at 6:00 pm on Saturday, July 27. On the Ducati Motor Holding eBay page here ->

each bike comes with a dedicated livery and graphics for each rider, with colors inspired by the bikes used in MotoGP or World Superbike. A plaque on the upper fork crown will show the rider's name and race number. His autograph will be written in indelible ink on the tank before the start of the race. A certificate of authenticity, signed directly by Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, will add value to the purchase. In addition, the bikes will be equipped with a series of special components used in the "Race of Champions" and a complete set of original parts, including exhausts, required for homologated road use.

At the end of the auction, the most sought-after model was the Bayliss replica, with bids reaching a high of 120,350 euros - more than four times the price of a production Panigale V4 S. And for the others?

- #17 Karel Abraham: €40,050
- #2+1 Troy Bayliss: €120,350
- #10 Xavier Simeon: €40,000
- #53 Tito Rabat: €41,050
- #43 Jack Miller: €43,050
- #9 Danilo Petrucci: €45,350
- #99 Jorge Lorenzo: €57,800
- #04 Andrea Dovizioso: €62,400
- #51 Michele Pirro: €50,050
- #33 Marco Melandri: €48,200
- #21 Michael Rinaldi: €42,500
- #12 Xavi Fores: €40,005.99
- #7 Chaz Davies: €45,050

let's take this opportunity to review the highlights of the Panigale V4 S:

From the standard V4 1100, it raises its level of dynamism with Marchesini forged wheels and Öhlins components. The ground-link job will be most effective with a first-rate team: NIX 30 inverted fork, TTX36 shock absorber, and electronic control via the Smart EC 2.0 system.
The choice is yours: adjust the suspension yourself via the on-board computer, or let the electronics adapt in real time. In the former case, you fine-tune compression and rebound, as well as the force of the steering damper, by means of 'virtual clicks' - 32 for the suspension and 10 for the steering.
In dynamic mode, the processors take over. Informed by the 6-axis inertial unit and other sensors, the system automatically adapts damping to road and driving conditions, taking into account the chosen Driving Mode.

No engine modifications. The V4 already provides plenty of power to go around with a vengeance. Its 1103 cm3 make it unfit for competition (there'll be an R for that), but it delivers 214 hp and a hefty 12.7 mkg. On the other hand, it has less mass to lift. The Panigale V4 S is 3 kilos lighter than the standard model, for a total of 195. This is thanks to the Lithium-Ion battery and Marchesini forged-aluminum wheels.

There's no change in terms of technology or on-board assistants - apart from the Smart EC Öhlins already described. There's no need, the machine is already equipped with everything Ducati has to offer. The Panigale V4s benefit from an all-new perimeter-type frame with strong engine support. Braking is assured by the latest generation of Brembo calipers, Stylemas even more efficient than the M50s. As for general dynamics, they are under the rider's control, supported by a host of lieutenants. They are numerous and active. Stop-start assist, active ABS in corners, new glide control, and upgrades to other modules such as traction control, up/down shifter, anti-wheeling and engine brake control. The Driving Modes oversee all this as follows:

Race - As the name suggests, Riding Mode Race has been developed for experienced riders who want to make the most of the V4 Panigale's full potential on the racetrack. By selecting Race, the rider can count on 214 hp, with direct throttle response and a harder suspension setting for high performance. By default, this race mode implies little intervention by the electronic assistants, without compromising safety, with ABS intervening only on the front wheel to offer maximum braking, but with the Cornering function still active.

Sport - By selecting Sport mode, the 214 hp are delivered in a sporty manner, as is the damping. The electronic controls are set so as to make the drivers a little less sharp, while retaining efficiency and spectacular handling. For example, brake drift control is active, allowing the rear wheel to skid when cornering safely. Rear wheel lift control is active, and ABS cornering is configured for maximum cornering performance.

Street - Street mode is the Panigale V4's most street-oriented mode. Throttle response is more progressive for the 214 hp. Suspension is softer and better able to absorb bumps. The default setting of the electronic controls ensures maximum safety, guaranteeing the best grip and maximum stability.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos