Ducati PANIGALE V4 SP

Desmosedici Stradale engine

The 1103 cc, 218 hp Desmosedici Stradale engine brings technology developed through Ducati experience in MotoGP to the Panigale V4. The 90° V4 architecture, rotated backwards by 42°, is combined with the Desmodromic valve system, counter-rotating crankshaft and Twin Pulse firing order.

Further refinements to the intake, exhaust and lubrication system increase power at high rpm, while the rev limit is raised by 500 rpm to 15,000 rpm in second to fifth gears, allowing the Desmosedici Stradale’s performance to be exploited for longer. In combination with a longer final drive ratio (17/42 vs the previous 16/41), the Panigale V4 reduces the number of gear changes through more technical sections of the circuit, turning the performance gain into a tangible advantage on track.

The Panigale V4 SP is equipped with a race-configured gearbox, with neutral positioned below first, rather than between first and second, eliminating the risk of losing engine braking when entering first-gear corners, thanks to the Ducati Neutral Lock system. Furthermore, removing neutral from between first and second gear makes shifts between these two gears faster, smoother and more consistent than with a road-configured gearbox. To prevent unintended shifts from first gear into neutral when downshifting, the gearbox incorporates the Ducati Neutral Lock (DNL), which can be deactivated using a lever on the right handlebar. To engage neutral, the rider must do exactly as factory MotoGP and Superbike riders do. The engine drives the rear wheel via a DID ERV7 chain, paired with a dedicated front sprocket and rear sprocket. This is the top-of-the-range racing chain, used by factory teams around the world and 0.140 kg lighter than the chain on the V4 S.

The Desmosedici Stradale is equipped with the STM EVO-SBK dry clutch. With the use of Ducati Corse Performance Oil, power increases by 3.5 hp.

Note: The actual power output and overall torque may vary depending on manufacturing tolerances, ambient conditions, fuel quality, the state of maintenance, running-in conditions and the measurement method used. Consequently, results obtained using different testing equipment, including chassis dynamometers (rolling-road dynamometers), may not be directly comparable with the data presented here.

Carbon fibre wheels

The Panigale V4 SP flaunts carbon fibre wheels with a five split-spoke design. These make for a weight saving of 0.95 kg (-0.25 kg at the front and -0.70 kg at the rear) with respect to the forged aluminium wheels of the Panigale V4 S.

Electronics package

Derived from the Superleggera V4 Centenario, the electronics package on the Panigale V4 SP introduces new control strategies developed to improve precision, stability and performance on track. The new features include Race Brake Control, with dedicated track strategies, and Dynamic Engine Brake Control, which evolves the engine brake management in corner entry. Ducati Quick Shift uses the calibrations of the V4 R. All the controls exploit the Ducati Vehicle Observer, the algorithm developed by Ducati Corse that allows for more precise intervention and an even more efficient response when riding at the limit. The new Dynamic Engine Brake Control (DEB) evolves the traditional engine brake control by combining engine management with automatic rear-brake activation. Thanks to the Ducati Vehicle Observer, stability, precision and control into the corner are heightened, boosting a rider’s confidence when braking at the limit.

Winter Test livery

All-black character with the Winter Test livery. The matte black of the fairings and carbon wheels contrast with the shine of the brushed aluminium fuel tank, while the bright red details and seat recall the red of Borgo Panigale sports bikes.