Ducati Panigale V4 Speciale 2019 — Specifications

Since 10 years, with each new generation of sportbike, Ducati has offered a top-of-the-line version of the newcomer. The Panigale V4 honors this tradition, following the 1199 Panigale S Tricolore and 1098 S Tricolore. Easily identifiable with their patriotic attachment illustrated by Italian colors, these special series claim a pedigree and a choice sportiness. The Panigale V4 does not deviate from the rule, except for the name. It is not called Tricolore but Speciale. And it is truly special.

Partly due to its engine. A V4 cylinder, whereas all previous generations roared under the power of a twin-cylinder. An engine to propel Ducati into another dimension. And the rider into jubilatory satellization, as well as frightening power. Announced at 214 horsepower in this 1103 cm3 configuration, the "Desmosedici Stradale" wants to pulverize everything in its path with the Panigale V4 Speciale. It will be delivered with a full titanium exhaust system, which will allow it to develop a power of… 226 horsepower. And there are only 195 kilograms to pull. It’s no joke anymore, and a good dose of technique and composure will be needed to manage such power. Fortunately, Ducati is one of the brands that implements the most electronic safeguards in its machines. The engine’s fury will thus be tamed by the improved versions of traction control (DTC Evo), anti-wheelie (DWC Evo), Up&Down shifter (DQS Evo) and engine braking control (EBC Evo). To complete the picture, there is the launch control assistant (DPL) and the cornering ABS (Bosch EVO). The Panigale V4 introduces a new member, the Ducati Slide Control (DSC), to control the slip angle based on information sent by the IMU inertial unit. All this electronics is supervised by three riding modes - Race, Sport and Street – each calibrating the settings more or less sportily, with also the suspension management. The Speciale adds an element, the DLT GPS, which complements the DDA+GPS. It allows you to store and view on the dashboard the lap time, the best lap and the maximum speed over a total of 15 consecutive laps. We will also pay even more attention to the high-resolution TFT screen.

The Panigale V4 S and Speciale stand out from the high-end for their damping. Öhlins is always present, with a 43 mm diameter NIX30 inverted fork and a TTX36 shock absorber. These elements are controlled in real time by the Smart EC 2.0 system, more powerful and faster than that of the 1299 Panigale S, in order to continuously adapt the ground connections. The wheels are not forgotten by opting for forged aluminum Marchesini, hence a good part of the weight gain. The Speciale weighs 3 kilograms less than the Panigale V4. Another part of the weight saving comes from the Lithium-Ion battery and special parts. We find here adjustable footrests, an Alcantara seat, racing levers, a brake lever protector, an authenticity plate and some carbon fiber parts: mudguard, heel protector and swingarm cover. But not the fairing… So what?! It’s very petty, especially given the price; and when you think most Ducati “premium” superbikes were dressed in this kind of lightweight robe. Even the “track” kit will have trouble making people swallow the pill, although it is supplied: Ducati Performance by Akrapovic titanium exhaust, racing bubble and tank cap, kit to replace the license plate holder, caps for the rearview mirror locations, and a cover to cover the beauty.

The rest of the bike is identical to the standard version, which is already of a strong caliber. With its large-section perimeter aluminum frame, its huge monobrach swingarm, its Brembo M4.30 Stylema brake calipers (more rigid and lighter than the M50), its speed-cut line and its panther gaze. It is promised in 1500 copies, and will have no trouble finding suitors. We do not want to talk about performance, nor reason, nor passion. And even less about exception. We will just fantasize, and hear the storm that is coming.

M.B - Photos constructeur