It’s Thursday, so that means yet another installment in Ducati’s 2022 model release series, and this time we head to the race track, for an updated 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 superbike.
Ducati has made a number of improvements for the Panigale V4, all of which are aimed at refining this potent superbike, making it easier to ride, and of course, faster on the race track.
Visually, one can distinguish the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 from its predecessors by the new winglet shape, which is smaller, yet produces the same downforce as before (30kg at 270 km/h).
The bellypan also has two air slits on either side, as well as a series of air slits on the bottom of the bellypan, all of which are to aid in heat transfer for the cooling system.
This improved cooling efficiency helps Ducati push the peak horsepower figure from the Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine to 213hp (158.5 kW), with peak torque coming in at 91.2 lbs•ft (123.6 Nm), for the European market.
In the United States, the EPA knocks those figures down to 207hp (154.4 kW) and 90.6 lbs•ft (122.8 Nm) of torque.
Copying the gearbox on the Ducati Panigale V4 R, this 1,103cc machine sees its first, second, and sixth gears made taller, in order to help with the transistions between those gears, and to increase the top speed by 3 mph.
A new engine calibration also features for 2022, and of note is that the exhaust outlets have been increased in size by 18%.
Replacing the stock exhaust with the aftermarket Akrapovic race exhaust bumps that peak horsepower number to 225hp, while also reducing the weight of the motorcycle by 11 lbs (5 kg). In its stock form though, the curb weight on the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 has already been lowered to 431 lbs (195.5 kg).
Changes to the chassis include a 5mm longer suspension travel in the front forks, for a total of 4.9 inches (125 mm). Ducati says this helps improve front-end feel on the Panigale V4, and keep the motorcycle online while turning.
On the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 S model, the Öhlins semi-active suspension also now uses pressurized damping cartridges, so as to eliminate the chance of hydraulic cavitation.
The swingarm pivot has also been raised by 4mm, to deliver more of an anti-squat effect on acceleration, which should keep the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 on-line during acceleration after the apex.
Ducati has also made numerous changes to the bodywork and seat of the Panigale V4 to make the bike more rider-friendly and less tiring to ride.
The big changes here are the new fuel tank shape and material, which have been altered to make it easier to grip during braking and turning.
The dual-material seat is also designed to help in this regard, and the back of the seat has been made more flat so it is easier to get into a tuck during high speeds.
The 5” TFT dash has been restyled, and the most obvious change is two LED shifter lights at the top of the unit. The digital layout has been changed as well, to make information easier to read at a glance.
The dash also highlights the various rider aids as they are activating, so riders know where to make their changes, if they need to adjust settings back in the pits.
The 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 continues the use of a six-axis IMU, which includes cornering ABS, traction control, slide control, wheelie control, engine brake control, and an up/down quickshifter. The brake-to-slide feature has also been added to the ABS system (on Level 2).
Already a potent superbike before this changes, the Ducati Panigale V4 hopes to impress even further for the 2022 model year.
Pricing for the base model Ducati Panigale V4 starts at $23,295 MSRP, while the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 S will set you back a cool $29,9995 MSRP. Insert joke here about spicy meatballs.
Source: Ducati
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