Motorcycle specifications Ducati1100 Panigale V4 S 2021 Little space between chronos

Success doesn't prevent the Panigale V4 from keeping its wheels on the ground and being attentive to European dictates. The engine adapts to E5 while the electronics are updated: DTC evo 3 and Race A and B sub-modes. We'll come back to this in the following paragraphs. Improved controls, optional heated grips, chain guard added to the swingarm and new ignition key are all part of the program.

Intense red, powerful sound, fins on the fairing - it's enough to make you want to take a closer look at this Ducati. Receiving their first evolution, the 1100 Panigale V4 and here V4 S reduce their differences with the V4 R. Apart from the brushed aluminum tank, it's now almost impossible to tell them apart.

This mimicry is also evident in the Panigale's cheek fins. Offering support at high speed to stabilize steering, they are part of the aerodynamic package that Ducati installs on all V4 Panigales - the V2 takes advantage of this to preserve the purer styling of theprevious generation. In addition to the winglets, these hypersports bikes offer increased protection with a larger bubble, a fork head enlarged by 15 mm on each side, and flanks widened by 38 mm. Cooling is optimized with shark gills, with the water radiator 6% more efficient and the oil radiator 16% more efficient.

A closer look at the fins reveals their technical and racing aspects, as well as their plastoc design. Passable on the standard Panigale V4. But frankly petty on the S, which is more premium and costs an arm and a leg - carbon components like on the V4 R would have been in better taste.

Slight chassis tweaks are also in order. The frame is now that of the R, stiffer at the front. A fork lowered by 4mm, a shock absorber 2mm shorter and a few other modifications raise the center of gravity by 5mm. It may not sound like much, but it makes it more responsive and stable under acceleration. A little more preload at the front and softened springs are intended to filter out road imperfections more effectively.

the main difference between the R and the S is in the innards. On the one hand, the engine is calibrated for WSBK, while on the other, it breaks free from regulatory limits with 1103 cm3. It's a violent, road-qualified missile, with a strong desire for the racetrack. In terms of pure mechanics, there have been no changes. It's the electronics that receive updates, with revised mapping, an even faster shifter, and EVO 3 traction control. Even more predictive than its predecessor, it has been fine-tuned to regulate torque mid-corner and enhance efficiency in this phase of riding.

From the outset, the Panigale V4 S sublimates with its exquisite legs. The golden color catches the eye as well as the pituitary gland, especially when you consider the quality of the Öhlins components. The ground linkage 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 the damping to the road and driving conditions, taking into account the chosen Driving Mode. Caviar for a diva.

The V4 provides plenty of power to go around with a vengeance. Its 1103 cm3 means it can't compete (there's the R for that), but it delivers 214 hp and a hefty 12.6 mkg. On the other hand, it has less mass to lift. The Panigale V4 S is 3 kilos lighter than the standard, for a total of 195. This is thanks to the Lithium-Ion battery and Marchesini forged-aluminum wheels.
2021: the year Euro5 comes into force, engines have to adapt, performance goes.....
Will be nothing at all! By using larger catalytic converters in the mufflers and shorter, reduced-diameter exhaust pipes for the rear cylinder bank, Ducati has kept the Panigale V4's strength intact. Maximum torque is even available earlier. Lambda sensors (now 1 per cylinder) have also been added, and the variable intake system has been modified.

No technical changes and no on-board assistance from the V4 to the V4 S - except for the Öhlins Smart EC already described. No need, the machine is already equipped with everything Ducati has to offer. The Panigale V4s benefit from a perimeter-type frame with strong engine support. Braking is assured by the latest generation of Brembo calipers, Stylemas even more efficient than the M50s. The 2021 model brings self-cleaning master cylinders derived from those of the Superleggera.
As for the general dynamics, they are under the driver's control, assisted by a host of lieutenants. They are numerous and active. Stop-start assist, cornering ABS, glide control, and developments in 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 involves little intervention from 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.

It is divided into two sub-modes, to further adapt the riding strategy:
- Mode A is designed for maximum performance on optimum circuit surfaces. Power and suspension are at their most efficient.
- Mode B is better suited to circuits with less than perfect surfaces. Here, the electronics reduce torque in the first 3 gears. Damping settings are revised for less rigorous grip conditions.

sport - By selecting Sport mode, the 214 hp are delivered in a sporty manner, as is the damping. The electronic controls are set to make the drivers a little less sharp, while maintaining efficiency and spectacular driving. 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 to deliver 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.

S versions have long been the magnificence of Ducati sports bikes. With this generation, this new history, this strong identity, the sport takes on a whole new dimension. For those who want to take their devotion to this Superbike up a notch, the brand offers the Speciale version , ready to take on anything that rolls. For pure competition and an even higher level of power, the Panigale V4 R sets new and crazy standards.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos