The 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 S features a variety of technical improvements intended to make riding it easier for novices and experts alike.
Ducati’s Panigale V4 S Superbike ($29,995) is the crown jewel of the Italian brand’s lineup. As such, the Borgo Panigale factory continues to hone the performance of this V-4 powered rocket ship. Faster lap times with reduced rider effort is the name of the game. Will it be enough to keep Ducati atop the podium in the infinitely competitive liter-plus sportbike segment? To find out, we test rode the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 S during its official international press launch event at the Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto racing circuit in southern Spain.
2022 Ducati Panigale V4 S Engine and Transmission
As its model name announces, this Ducati is powered by a rip-roaring liquid-cooled 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V-Four. Inspired as it is by Ducati’s MotoGP prototype, this engine shares the same 81mm cylinder bore, 90-degree configuration, counter-rotating crankshaft (which spins in the direction opposite its forged alloy rims), and-perhaps most importantly to some-the exhilarating intake and exhaust notes that make it a joy to ride.
The engine benefits from an oil pump updated to mitigate pumping power loss. The exhaust outlet was increased 18% to reduce back pressure. The transmission’s first, second, and sixth gears were lengthened by 11.6 percent, 5.6 percent, and 1.8 percent, respectively, to allow greater flexibility in slow turns, as the rider doesn’t have to work the gearbox as much at lower speeds. Like before, an electronic quickshifter makes for immediate up- and downshifts, without the need to squeeze the clutch lever. Another plus is the solid shift feel between cogs and the brighter green shift light, about which more later.
Ducati says the engine is good for 90.6 pound-feet of torque at 11,000 rpm and 210 hp at 12,500 rpm. This is a slight reduction from last year’s Panigale due to current Euro5 regulations. The last time we dyno tested this engine package, it delivered 79.6 pound-feet of torque at 11,310 rpm and 186.01 hp at 13,320 rpm at the business end of the 200-series Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tire. Those yearning for extra speed can opt for a DP3-spec Akrapovič titanium exhaust (closed-course use only). The exhaust emits 105 decibels (102 decibels with the decibel killer fitted) and adds 18 hp while dropping 11 pounds off the 431-pound (claimed fully fueled curb weight) V4 S.
2022 Ducati Panigale V4 S Electronics and Rider Aids
Since the introduction of ride-by-wire throttle, achieving accurate throttle response that’s neither too abrupt nor too dull is no easy feat. But that’s exactly what Ducati has accomplished.
Engineers spent considerable time honing each of the four combined engine power and throttle maps. The latest edition, Full mode, gives expert riders instant throttle response, with reduced electronic intervention in all but first gear. This makes the motorcycle feel like an extension of your wrist, with an astounding level of connection between the twist grip and the rear Pirelli.
The bike drives hard off turns, especially in the lower gears. We were surprised by how peppy it felt off the bottom, especially compared to the Medium power setting. Riders seeking smoother power delivery, especially in the first few cogs, will appreciate the High and Medium power modes.
Another subtle yet important upgrade is the individual torque mapping used in High and Medium modes. These maps are based on individual gear position, rather than being grouped maps (first/second, third, and fourth/fifth/sixth gears). This allows for more accurate torque delivery based on speed.
The Low setting, on the other hand, now limits maximum power to 150 hp with a more tempered throttle response. This is ideal for riders who are getting up to speed. This was especially useful during our initial laps of the 2.75-mile circuit in partly wet conditions, during which the setting made it easier to understand the dynamic of the throttle and judge rear grip on a foreign surface.
A new color instrument panel gains sharper fonts and an updated display layout. In addition to the standard road readout, riders can select a racetrack specific setting, which Ducati calls “Track EVO,” that makes it simpler to adjust traction, wheelie, slide and engine brake control programming on the fly. It also offers a lap timer and counter. We also appreciated the bright green shift light that lets you know when it’s time to grab a gear.
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25 июл 2024
