Ducati Evolves Panigale V4 and V4 S for 2022
If you enjoy releasing your inner speed demon, Ducati is getting ready to bring you a treat. The company has announced the devilishly red 2022 models of its Panigale V4 and V4 S sport bikes.
According to the Italians, this iteration of the Panigale V4 is the most significant evolutionary step since the bike’s birth. Ducati says it’s harnessed the experiences acquired from its race bikes and applied them to produce a unique production motorcycle. As a result, the 2022 Panigale V4 has received changes in five major areas—aerodynamics, ergonomics, the engine, the chassis, and electronics. Let’s see just how much the bikes have evolved.
Aerodynamics
The 2022 Panigale V4 has received an updated fairing that provides a steady vertical load of up to 81 pounds at 186 mph. The fairing achieves this through thinner and more compact design of the wings with a double profile.
In addition, Ducati has redesigned the extraction sockets on the fairing’s lower part. The design is intended to improve the cooling system and subsequently engine performance.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of the bike received a small update for 2022. The seat of the bike is now flatter and has a new coating, which together aim to support the rider and make it easier to move in the saddle.
In order to keep the rider more firmly anchored to the bike during braking, the rear portion of the fuel tank has been reshaped. All in all, the changes to the ergonomics should make riding more comfortable and increase contact area with the bike, says Ducati.
Engine
Like with the previous models, both the Panigale V4 and V4 S are powered by the MotoGP-derived 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine. The powerplant has received a few updates, though.
First of all, the bike featured a new SBK gearbox with lengthened first, second, and sixth gears (by 11.6%, 5.6%, and 1.8% respectively). Alongside the new torque management strategy, the bike delivers optimal thrust when opening the throttle in all riding situations. Ducati also says the new gear box gives the Panigale V4 superior top speed over the 2021 model.
A new Power Mode logic on the 2022 Panigale V4 has four engine configurations—Full, High, Medium, and Low. Out of the quadruplets, Full and Low are new options while the High and Medium modes use a new management strategy.
The Full Power Mode removes all electronic filters, except for first gear, allowing you to push the engine to its limits. The High and Medium Power Modes now have a new ride-by-wire map management system for better thrust output. The Low Power Mode is your touring mode—it limits the maximum power to 115 hp instead of 210 hp, and makes throttle response more manageable.
Chassis
The Desmosedici Stradale engine, on top of powering the bike, also forms a structural element of its chassis. It’s directly connected to the aluminum front frame.
The standard Panigale V4’s chassis remains similar to 2021. The bike features, among other things, a 43mm fully-adjustable Showa Big Piston Fork, a Sachs steering damper and monoshock (also fully adjustable), and cast aluminum rims with a five-spoke design.
The performance-oriented Panigale V4 S, however, has received a whole slew of chassis upgrades. To begin with, it sports the new Öhlins NPX 25/30 electronically controlled pressurized fork, with a pressurized cartridge damping system and 125mm of travel.
The bike now also has the Öhlins TTX36 rear shock and a steering damper from the same manufacturer, both with an event-based control system. With the control, the rider can customize suspension for a variety of riding situations.
For 2022, the single-sided aluminum swingarm of the Panigale V4 S is positioned 0.2 inches higher than earlier to improve acceleration stability. The bike has three-spoke forged aluminum alloy wheels and comes fitted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires (120/70 ZR17 front, 200/60 ZR 17 rear).
To stop the bike, Ducati has opted for Brembo Stylema calipers at the frost, with four 1.2-inch pistons clamping onto 13-inch discs. In the rear is a single 10-inch disc with a two-piston caliper.
Electronics
The 2022 Panigale V4 comes with a latest-generation electronics package, controlled by a six-axis inertial measurement unit, that powers the bikes four riding modes. The riding modes include the same Race A, Race B, Sport, and Street options as last year. However, controlling the ride modes is now easier due to a new dashboard which redistributes the functions of external lights. The dashboard also features the new Track Evo info mode. The Track Evo screen moves certain visual elements. It positions the tachometer horizontally to the top of the instrument panel, while the gear indicator appears in the center of the screen.
On the right side are four differently colored sectors indicating active electronic controls. On the left side reside a stopwatch, a lap counter, and the speedometer. Finally, Ducati has installed a new green gear change indicator LED. The light resides on the left side of the dashboard.
Look & Pricing
The appearance of the 2022 Panigale V4 has also received a slight update. For a more aggressive look, the bike has a new graphic design including black logos on full-red fairings and a double fabric saddle.
The V4 S model instead receives a two-tone saddle and a red tag on the black rims. The full colorway of the bikes is the familiar red.
The 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 S will be available from U.S. retailers from February 2022. The MSRP for the Panigale V4 is $23,295, while the V4 S sells for $29,995.