2025 Ducati Panigale V4 First Look

[Hugh Janus]

Duct’s 2025 Panigale V4 gets a reworked chassis and new electronic rider aids. (Ducati/)

On November 15, 2017, a new era began at Ducati. That day, production of the Panigale V4 started. The Panigale V4 is the result of an engineering project based on the supreme performance of the Ducati V-4 Desmo GP racer, and soon, the V-4 built a new, winning image for Ducati after breaking its V-2 tradition to challenge the world’s best multicylinder superbikes. Vastly renewed in 2022, Ducati’s Panigale V4 now has a new evolution for 2025.

The styling of the new Panigale V4 gets some inspiration from the most iconic Ducati sportbike ever: Maestro Massimo Tamburini’s Ducati 916. The connection clearly appears in the front section with the profile of the main air intake that goes down almost vertically to leave more free space between the front wheel and the body, with a gain in visual lightness.

Related: The History of Ducati: A State of Permanent Revolution

Inspiration for the Panigale V4’s styling comes from the iconic 916. (Ducati/)

The whole body design has been refined in terms of aerodynamic efficiency, improving by 4 percent while providing more protection and comfort to the rider at high speed. The whole of the aerodynamic elements, including the double profile winglets up front, are fully integrated in the design and no longer appear as an added on aerodynamic package. The new headlight cluster was also inspired by the design of the 916, as well as the new seat and tail, that offer more room and comfort for taller riders.

Ergonomics have also been subjected to research to grant best comfort to the rider both when they are crouched tight inside the fairing at full speed, and when swinging from side to side aggressively riding on a track. Among other touches, the riding pegs have been moved inward by 10mm (0.4 inch) to induce a tighter riding position and to improve the ground clearance when cornering hard. The seat-tank assembly offers more longitudinal roominess and the 4.5-gallon tank has been shaped to offer better support to the rider’s knees. It also features a depression at the front to prevent any interference with the rider’s helmet in a tuck.

Aerodynamic efficiency has increased by 4 percent on the 2025 Panigale V4. (Ducati/)

Engine

The mighty 1,103cc V-4 (81mm bore and 53.5mm stroke, compression ratio 14:1) is a masterpiece of engineering featuring a counterrotating crankshaft, twin pulse ignition, and, of course, Ducati’s hallmark desmodromic valve train. In this edition it has been revised in order to make it gain 0.5 hp while conforming to tighter Euro 5+ emission standards. In its European edition it delivers 216 hp peak power at 13,500 rpm and 89.2 lb.-ft. peak torque at 11,250 rpm. The American enthusiasts will receive 209 hp at 12,750 rpm and 89.5 lb.-ft. at 11,250 rpm.

To achieve these impressive performance numbers, the new edition of the 90-degree V-4 received new cam profiles with increased valve lift. About this: It must be remembered that in the past the major limits of the desmodromic valve train was that it could not use valve lift beyond a given limit. Evolution of the latest six variable polydyne cam profiles gave some advantage to the traditional “spring” valve trains. Under guidance of CEO Claudio Domenicali and thanks to the great mechanical vision of Chief Project Engineer Gigi Mengoli, these desmo limits were increased and the latest Ducati valve trains, starting from the great 1199 Panigale V2, have featured impressive valve lifts that are among the reasons of the supreme power levels reached by the Ducati V4 GP—in combination with the total desmo control of the valves dynamics at extreme rpm.

The Akrapovič accessory exhaust boosts the peak power for track use to 228 hp. (Ducati/)

The new Panigale V4 also features improved variable geometry inlet runners that now extend the excursion of their length from 25mm in the shortest configuration (minus 10mm from the previous one) to 80mm in the tallest configuration (plus 5 mm), creating substantial benefits to the consistency of the engine response over a wider range of revs. A Ducati Performance exhaust system by Akrapovič is available for track-only use and it boosts the power to 228 hp.

Chassis

Compared to the 2022 edition of the Panigale V4, the chassis department has been subject to the most relevant revisions based on the winning experience of the Ducati GP racer. The sheet aluminum structure of the “front frame” now is slightly lighter, 7.7 pounds versus 9.3. Consequently, there’s a reduction of its lateral flectional rigidity, down by 40 percent over the 2022 unit. This was derived from the fact that the new radial tires and the latest suspension units demand that the frame flexes in order to perform at their best, returning more confidence to the rider.

The new two-sided swingarm of the 2025 Panigale V4’s is 37 percent less rigid than the previous model. (Ducati/)

This is contrary to all we thought in the past that would be required to make a better frame, but this new technical approach now pays big dividends. The new frame retains unchanged rigidity on the longitudinal axis to cope with the very high power and torque delivered by the engine.

To this purpose of longitudinal rigidity, the classic Ducati single side-arm rear swingarm has been replaced by a new twin-arm unit of rather unique design featuring arms formed by two arched structures called the Ducati Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm. It allows the whole exhaust system to be well tucked away under the engine. The new swingarm features a lateral rigidity 37 percent lower than that of the previous single side-arm unit.

V4 and V4 S Differences

Ducati’s Panigale V4 comes in two levels of execution: the Panigale V4 and Panigale V4 S. The two are separated by some meaningful chassis components. Panigale V4 sticks to the tried-and-true 43mm Showa BPF fork and fully adjustable, gas-charged Sachs rear shock. The V4 S is equipped with a third-generation electronically controlled Öhlins NPX 30 gas-charged fork that offers a wide range of adjustmentment, both for road comfort and for track riding precision. The new Öhlins unit also features faster-responding hydraulic valves managed by Öhlins’ Smart EC 3.0. The same electronic control unit manages the rear Öhlins TTX 36 gas-charged shock absorber, also fully adjustable.

The V4 S gets electronically controlled Öhlins suspension. (Ducati/)

Panigale V4 rolls on cast aluminum wheels while Panigave V4 S rolls on forged aluminum wheels weighing 6.5 pounds and 9.1 pounds, front and rear respectively. The braking system is the same for both versions featuring twin 330mm front discs teamed with the latest Brembo Hypure calipers that not only are lighter than the previous Stylema, but they also disperse heat more efficiently to guarantee a strong and precise response at the lever.

Race eCBS Braking

There’s a new ABS system that Bosch developed in collaboration with Ducati. Called Race eCBS system, it offers a selection of actuation levels, including track-only modes. This combined braking system applies the rear brake autonomously when the front is applied. Depending on the setting, lean angle, and traction the combined rear brake is managed. It will even activate the rear brake after the front is released to tighten the rider’s arc when needed.

The Panigale V4 2025 features slight differences in geometrical measurements compared to the 2022 version: wheelbase has been increased from 57.8 inches to 58.5. Rake was reduced from 24.5 degrees to 24, with trail consequently reduced from 100mm to 98 (a reduction of 0.07 inch). The Panigale V4 weighs 421 pounds with no fuel and Panigale V4 S weighs 412. The V4 S also uses a lithium-ion battery.

With the new Panigale V4, Ducati reaffirms its development of highly sophisticated electronics for more riding pleasure and safety. The 2025 Panigale V4 is equipped with a complete package of electronic aids: Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Ducati Power Launch, Engine Brake Control, and Ducati Quick Shift 2.0. The DQS 2.0 system uses a strategy based solely on the angular position sensor of the gear selector drum, therefore offering the rider a more direct feeling with reduced lever travel.

A host of rider aids, including the new eCBS system, on the 2025 Panigale is said to offer more performance on the track as well as on the street. (Ducati/)

All the controls are managed by an important electronic innovation developed by Ducati called Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO). The Ducati Vehicle Observer simulates the input of over 70 sensors, thus refining electronic control strategies that can achieve unprecedented effectiveness. Thanks to the DVO, control is actuated in an almost predictive manner. The DVO, developed by Ducati Corse in MotoGP, estimates the forces acting on the motorcycle and the consequent limit loads that it can tolerate in various riding conditions, integrating the information from the IMU inertial platform in an even more accurate manner.

The 6.9-inch dashboard, in a 8:3 aspect ratio, offers maximum readability without interfering with the road view. There is a Road and a Track mode display. In Road mode it featured a very clear round tachometer with the indication of the selected gear at the center. On the left side of the screen settings and their different functions are displayed. On the right-hand side are the indications for speed, time, water temperature, and cruise control. When set for Track, the dashboard shows information about the personal performance of the rider, like lean angle, G-meter in acceleration and cornering, and power and torque percentage used in real time. Taking advantage of the GPS system, the dashboard displays lap times and the new DDL data acquisition completes the official rider experience.

The 2025 Ducati Panigale V4 gets a new 6.9-inch TFT dash. (Ducati/)

Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 s come as a single-seater and double seat is only available as an option. Ducati Panigale V4 will arrive in dealerships starting September 2024

2025 Ducati Panigale V4 / V4 S Specs

MSRP:	$25,995 / $33,895
Engine:	Desmosedici Stradale liquid-cooled, 90° desmodromic V-4; 16-valve
Displacement:	1,103cc
Bore x Stroke:	81.0 x 53.5mm
Compression Ratio:	14.0:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Claimed Horsepower:	209 hp @ 12,750 rpm
Claimed Torque:	89.5 lb.-ft. @ 11,250 rpm
Fuel System:	DFI w/ 34mm throttle bodies; ride-by-wire
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate slipper; hydraulic actuation
Frame:	Aluminum
Front Suspension:	43mm fully adjustable Showa BPF (base) / 43mm Öhlins NPX 30, electronically adjustable for compression and rebound; 4.9 in. travel (S)
Rear Suspension:	Fully adjustable Sachs shock (base) / Öhlins TTX 36, electronically adjustable for compression and rebound (S); 5.1 in. travel
Front Brake:	Brembo Hypure radial-mount 4-piston calipers, 330mm discs w/ Bosch Race eCBS
Rear Brake:	Brembo 2-piston caliper, 245mm disc w/ Bosch Race eCBS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Die-cast aluminum (base) / forged aluminum (S); 17 x 3.5 in. / 17 x 6.0 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP-V4; 120/70-17 / 200/60-17
Rake/Trail:	24.0°/3.9 in.
Wheelbase:	58.5 in.
Seat Height:	33.5 in.
Fuel Capacity:	4.5 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight (no fuel):	421 lb. / 412 lb. (S)
Contact:	ducati.com

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