2020 Ducati Panigale V4 | V4 S | Updated & V4 R inspired

2020 Ducati Panigale V4 & Panigale V4 S

Ducati have announced an updated Panigale V4 and Panigale V4 S for 2020, promising a more rider-friendly and less fatiguing mount that is also able to cut faster laps.

Much of the inspiration for these changes comes from the V4 R, with revisions to the Ride-By-Wire mapping, an updated aerodynamic package and a new front frame designed to improve feel at the extremes.

These changes join updates to the electronic aides which make use of a six-axis inertial platform. Ohlins Smart Electronic Control suspension is found on the up-spec S model.

Both Panigale V4 models boast the 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4 with Desmodromic timing, a counter-rotating crankshaft and Twin-Pulse firing order. Claimed power comes in at 214 hp at 13000 rpm, with 123.5 Nm of torque.

The big update for 2020 is a new Ride-by-Wire system with track-dedicated mapping. Ducati promise smoother, more predictable throttle response. Torque curves have been tweaked in gears one through three for a more linear delivery, and vary according to the Power Mode chosen.

The updated aerodynamics package was co-developed by Ducati Corse and the Ducati Style Centre based on computational fluid dynamic and wind tunnel research.

The 2020 Panigale V4 aerodynamic package includes a taller and more angled plexiglass screen with a taller nose fairing to offer the rider better wind protection, and in doing so reduce arm and shoulder-created drag.

Larger lateral fairings are 38mm wider on each side, and there’s more efficient air vents to direct air through the radiators, with Ducati noting these replaced the more stylish Panigale V4 vents previously seen.

Aerofoils take the cue from the GP16 machine, prior to the current restrictions on foil shapes, meaning these are actually more efficient than those found on the current MotoGP machinery. These aerofoils offer 30kg of downforce at 270km/h, reducing front wheel float and boosting stability.

Also new for 2020 is the ‘Front Frame’ designed to Ducati Corse specifications and offering the bike a higher centre of gravity, increased chain force angle and improved use of the suspension travel available, which Ducati say will ensure an easier machine to lay into corners off the brakes, faster apexes and more neutral handling out of corners.

The front frame is derived from that on the V4 R, with lighter machined sides and greater flexibility, and is joined by a magnesium sub-frame alongside a cast aluminium seat sub-frame.

The 2020 V4 features Showa 43mm Big Piston forks with full adjustability, a Sachs steering damper and fully adjustable shock absorber. In contrast the V4 S features Ohlins NIX-30 forks and a TTX36 shock with Ohlins event-based steering damper, all controlled by the Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 system.

Wheels remain aluminium five-spoke items on the V4, with three-spoke forged aluminium items on the V4 S.

Brakes are also unchanged from the outgoing model, with Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers on 330mm rotors, alongside the Ducati ABS Cornering EVO system.

Electronics are the latest generation package with a six-axis IMU, ABS Cornering EVO, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, Ducati Power Launch, Ducati Quick Shift Up/Down EVO 2, Engine Brake Control and the Ohlins based Ducati Electronic Suspension EVO system. Riding modes offer a range of presets, which on the V4 S include the suspension settings. A 5-inch TFT in full colour is also fitted.