During the track tests Michele Pirro improved his best lap time by 0,4". The most surprising results came from non-professionals riders: a fast rider improved by 0.8", while an amateur was 1.3" faster, thus reducing his gap from the performance of a professional rider like Pirro.

The new Panigale V4 2020 is easier to ride and more performant both on the single lap and on the overall time. 

Aerodynamic package by Ducati Corse

Co-developed by Ducati Corse and the Ducati Style Center, the Panigale V4 MY2020 aerodynamics package now mirrors that of the Panigale V4 R. The result; fairings that - in true Panigale style - meet official Ducati Superbike requirements in full.

As in MotoGP, aerodynamic development involved a series of preliminary CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) studies, followed by optimisation on a full-scale wind tunnel model.

The Panigale V4 aerodynamics package includes:

• Plexiglas screen, nose fairing and larger lateral fairings
• More efficient lateral vents for radiator through-air
• Aerofoils 

The new Plexiglas screen - higher and more angled - provides better airflow protection for riders, especially in the helmet and upper shoulder areas. The screen works in concert with a new nose fairing that is higher and wider (+15 mm per side) in the arm-shield zone to reduce arm and shoulder-induced drag on the straights.

The lateral fairings have been widened considerably (+38 mm per side) with the dual aim of reducing on-rider airflow impact and maximising aerofoil efficiency.

On the sides, the stylish air vents of the Panigale V4 have been replaced by more efficient ones that increase air through-speeds on water and oil radiators by 6% and 16% respectively.

Working in concert with the fairing design, the aerofoils increase overall downforce (+30 kg at 270 kph). Greater downforce reduces both front wheel 'floating' at high speed and the tendency to wheel-up while giving a boost to stability during braking at the turn-in point and through the corner. 

This dynamic behaviour lets riders - against a small increase in steering torque that stems from the heightened stability - lower lap times as it reduces electronic control intervention, helping riders keep the throttle open longer and brake later, even when cornering has already begun.

New changes for top performances

The Panigale V4 MY2020 features new, specially developed Ride by Wire system mappings with several torque delivery control settings. Track-dedicated RbW mapping aligns rider demand with delivered torque more closely, resulting in smoother, more predictable throttle response. The new torque delivery control strategy lets the rider stabilise more easily on the desired throttle aperture through and out of the corners. Additionally, linearization of torque curves in gears I, II and III varies according to the selected Power Mode to minimise stability loss during acceleration.

MY2020 changes

Major changes on the Panigale V4 MY2020 chassis have seen the introduction of the Front Frame. Built according to Ducati Corse specifications, the latter features a special suspension set-up with a higher barycentre, an increased chain pull angle and improved use of suspension travel. Thanks to these modifications, the bike is easier to lay into the corner when you ease off the brakes, gets to the apex faster, soaks up any pits or ripples more effectively and behaves more neutrally out of the corner.

Front Frame with Ducati Corse specifications

The Front Frame is now the same as the one on the V4 R but differs slightly on account of the lighter, machined sides; these ensure attainment of the stiffness targets set by Ducati Corse for the SBK championship and reduce weight even further.

Greater frame flexibility means less on-track tyre stress and improved front-end 'feel' at maximum lean angles.

Completing the chassis is the light magnesium front sub-frame and the shell-cast aluminium seat sub-frame (attached to the Front Frame at the top and bolted to the head of the rear cylinder bank below).

Higher barycentre and increased chain pull angle

The fork mounting has been lowered 4 mm, while the suspension now has two link rods that are shorter by 5 mm. These changes have resulted in a 5 mm higher bike barycentre. The result? The bike is swifter at the drop-in and arrives at the apex faster.

A higher rear end also increases the chain pull angle: this results in an anti-squat effect and, therefore, greater bike stability during acceleration.

With a 24.5° rake and 100 mm trail, steering geometry remains unchanged.

Improved bike balance

The Panigale V4 is equipped with a 43 mm Showa Big Piston Fork (BPF) that provides fully adjustable spring pre-load and compression and rebound damping. The fork bodies house chrome sliders with Brembo radial caliper mountings. A Sachs steering damper completes the front-end package. At the rear there is a fully adjustable Sachs shock absorber, one side of which is attached to the Desmosedici Stradale engine via a forged aluminium bracket.

The Panigale V4 S, instead, mounts an Öhlins NIX-30 fork, an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock absorber and an Öhlins event-based steering damper. On this version suspension and steering damper are controlled by the second-generation Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 system which, among other things, features the new OBTi (Objective Based Tuning Interface).

On both versions, fork and single-sided swingarm have softer, less pre-loaded springs, resulting in more efficient use of suspension travel to even out pits and ripples on the asphalt. The combination of reduced fork stiffness and higher pre-loading gives better dive control during braking, resulting in easier, more intuitive turn-ins, especially for the less expert rider.

Wheels and tyres

While the Panigale V4 mounts cast aluminium 5-spoke wheels, the Panigale V4 S is equipped with 3-spoke forged aluminium alloy wheels. 

The Panigale V4 mounts Pirelli DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP tyres (120/70 ZR17 at the front, 200/60 ZR 17 at the rear). The latest version of the DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP tyre, in the 200/60 ZR 17 size already popular as a slick option in the FIM World Superbike Championship, is a racing replica milestone. 

Innovative rear tyre profiling maximises the contact patch at maximum lean-over and takes full advantage of the employed bi-compound design; the latter adopts the same SC2 compound (used on racing slicks) in the shoulder zone to provide race-grade grip, yet still guarantees the strength and versatility needed for road riding. 

Designed to work in harmony with the rear tyre, the front tyre has undergone further development: every aspect of handling - from feedback to support solidity, 'safety feel' and grip loss predictability - has been optimised by creating a new front profile. Lastly, the DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP tread features a 'flash' geometry intended to optimise track performance and reduce wear, plus narrower grooves designed to provide adequate support for stronger side forces. 

Braking system with Brembo Stylema® monobloc calipers

The Panigale V4 range features Brembo Stylema® monobloc calipers, developed out of the already high performance M50 calipers.

Stylema® calipers, machined from a solid aluminium alloy block, have lightening zones on the body and attachment bushings; compared to the M50, these zones make them visibly more compact and lighten each caliper by 70 g without affecting stiffness. Other improvements on the internal ventilation front have made for more consistent efficiency.

Because of their extreme stiffness, Stylema® calipers offer outstanding hydraulic efficiency; this means riders can count on excellent braking responsiveness, limited brake lever travel and first-rate 'feel'.

The dual Brembo calipers, each mounting four 30 mm pistons, bite down on 330 mm discs to give exceptional braking power. At the rear, instead, the system mounts a single 245 mm disc with a 2-piston caliper. Braking is aided by the ABS Cornering EVO system, which uses the ultra-light 9.1MP control unit.

Latest-generation electronic controls

The Panigale V4 features a latest-generation electronics package based on a 6-axis inertial platform which instantly detects the bike's roll, yaw and pitch angles.

The electronics package oversees every aspect of the ride: some controls supervise start, acceleration and braking, others govern traction and others again lend a helping hand on corners and out-of-the-corner stretches.

• ABS Cornering EVO
• Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2
• Ducati Slide Control (DSC)
• Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO
• Ducati Power Launch (DPL)
• Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO 2
• Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO
• Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) EVO

The operational parameters for each of these controls are associated by default with the three Panigale V4 Riding Modes. Riders can personalise parameters to suit their riding style or restore Ducati factory settings. DTC, DWC, DSC or EBC control levels can be adjusted quickly via the left switchgear.

Ducati Riding Mode strategy

Riding Modes provide users with three different pre-set riding styles so that Panigale V4 performance can be adapted to the rider, the nature of the track/route and weather conditions. Changing the Riding Modes instantaneously changes the character of the engine, the electronic control parameters and, on the S version, the suspension set-up too. Riders can, of course, personalise parameters to suit their riding style and subsequently restore Ducati factory settings.

Race Riding Mode

As the name suggests, Race RM has been developed for expert riders who want to use all the potential of the Panigale V4 on high-grip racetracks. By selecting Race, the rider can count on 214 hp, with direct Ride-by-Wire throttle response and, on the S version, a very firm suspension set-up to optimise performance. Race mode sets the electronics at a low intervention level, but without reducing safety: to maximise braking performance the ABS kicks in on the front wheel only but the Cornering function remains on at all times.

Sport Riding Mode

Selecting Sport gives the rider 214 hp, with direct sport-style Ride by Wire throttle response and, on the S version, a sport style suspension set-up. Electronic control settings allow even less experienced riders to enjoy effective, spectacular handling. In Sport mode, for example, the Slide by Brake function is engaged, allowing riders to drift into corners safely. Rear wheel lift detection during braking is on and the ABS Cornering function is set to maximise cornering performance.

Street Riding Mode

Street Riding Mode is recommended when riding the Panigale V4 on the road. As with Sport Riding Mode, this RM gives the rider 214 hp and progressive Ride by Wire throttle response; on the Panigale V4 S version it features a suspension set-up that is well suited to bumpy or pitted roads. Electronic control settings ensure grip and stability to maximise safety.

Exhaust systems

Complete titanium exhaust assembly. Made exclusively by Akrapovič with the Ducati experience. It is the most advanced racing assembly available on the market. Each section of the system is manufactured in a special titanium alloy that is both lightweight and resistant to high temperatures, allowing for an overall reduction in the bike's weight. Once installed on the bike, the exhaust dramatically increases the already excellent weight-topower ratio of the Panigale, for breathtaking accelerations and stretches. Thanks to its experience, Ducati Corse has developed the qualities of the motorcycle and exhaust to their maximum levels to create a perfect synergy, specifically for this exhaust, recalibrating the many and fundamental electronic aids: DTC, DWC, DPL and Slide on demand. 

Dry clutch kit

Just like in MotoGP, where the only thing that matters is utmost performance, the dry clutch is made available for the other V4 models (it comes standard on the Panigale V4 R).This is an STM EVO-SBK clutch made from billet aluminium with housing and 48-tooth plate pack. The plates are 9 driven and 9 lined with a diameter of 138 mm. When racing on the track there are important benefits in ease of handling. 

Specifically, the dry clutch ensures a more effective slipper function, even during the most aggressive downshifts, and greater fluidity during all "off-throttle" stages. In addition, the "mechanical" engine brake level can be customized by choosing a different secondary spring from those available from the catalogue. 

Other important advantages are the absence of resistance from the engine oil and cleaner oil since the plate wear dust is not conveyed into the lubrication circuit. The racing character of the dry clutch is an exciting added benefit for the most passionate Ducatistas.

Magnesium rims

The unmatched lightweight performance of forged magnesium meets style – a signature 9-spoke design that combines class, high performance and weight saving. This set of rims is approved for single-seat use only.

Adjustable rider footpegs in aluminium

Developed thanks to the experience of Ducati Corse and the skillful productive care of Rizoma. Made of high quality anodised aluminium alloy that maintains its original appearance over time. Adjustable in multiple positions, they allow the rider to find the position that best suits their build and riding style. Equipped with fold-away brake and gearchange pedals to minimise the risk of breakage in the event of a slip. They use the standard DQS, which can be configured both as a traditional shift and as a reversed/racing shift. An essential accessory for the most demanding riders.

Pair of handgrips

Inspired by the racing world, these handgrips ensure an excellent grip in every riding situation. Built to avoid accidental slipping of the hand and to reduce the vibrations felt.

Carbon tank cover

A splendid detail that embellishes the front of the new Panigale V4 tank in a way that only carbon fibre can. The finishing and lines of this accessory are perfectly integrated into the racing look of the latest bike made at Borgo Panigale.