Ducati Panigale V4

Which model year is on sale in France?

The 2025 model year. Unveiled on 25 July 2024 at World Ducati Week in Misano, this Panigale V4 reached dealers in September 2024, according to Ducati’s press release. In October 2026, Ducati France’s configurator still lists the base model as a 2025 model year (code D37000125), while the V4 R is already shown as a 2027 and the V4 S Corse livery as a 2026. Ducati calls it the seventh generation of its superbikes, a line that began with the 851 in 1988.

How much does it cost, and which version should you pick?

Ducati France lists the base Panigale V4 from €28,390 including VAT, in Ducati Red only (Urban Grey frame, black wheels). The V4 S costs €35,190, or €37,190 in the Corse livery inspired by the 2025 Desmosedici GP; the configurator also offers Carbon (€41,090) and Carbon Pro (€45,990) pre-configurations. In the US, Ducati lists the base bike at $27,795 plus destination.

The S adds Öhlins semi-active suspension (Smart EC 3.0), an Öhlins steering damper, forged wheels that Ducati says save 2.17 kg, and a lithium battery: it weighs 187 kg without fuel, against 191 kg for the base bike. Engine, frame, brakes and electronics are identical. The Panigale V4 R (998 cc engine) and V4 Tricolore (limited series) are separate models, not covered here.

What’s new with this generation?

The most visible change is the end of the single-sided swingarm: the Panigale now uses a hollow double-sided swingarm (the Ducati Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm), with 37% less lateral stiffness than the old single-sided arm. The aluminium ‘Front Frame’ (the front section bolted to the engine, which acts as a stressed member) loses 40% of its lateral stiffness and drops from 4.2 to 3.47 kg. The idea comes from MotoGP: a chassis that flexes slightly at lean gives more feel and grip at the 60-plus degree angles today’s tyres allow.

Geometry changes too: 1,485 mm wheelbase, 24° rake and 98 mm trail, against 1,469 mm, 24.5° and 100 mm on the 2022-2024 generation (Ducati USA spec sheet). The 916-inspired fairing now integrates the winglets and, according to Ducati, cuts drag by 4% without losing downforce.

How good is the engine?

The Desmosedici Stradale is a 1,103 cc 90° V4 (81 x 53.5 mm, 14:1 compression), tilted back by 42°, with desmodromic valve actuation (the valves are closed mechanically rather than by springs), a counter-rotating crankshaft and a ‘Twin Pulse’ firing order. Euro 5+ compliant, it claims 216 hp (158.9 kW) at 13,500 rpm and 120.9 Nm at 11,250 rpm, 0.5 hp more than before with 1 kg less weight. The North American version is rated at 209 hp.

MCN notes that peak power now arrives 500 rpm higher and that peak torque is slightly down. Cycle World describes a very smooth power delivery with no peaks or valleys, and 1000PS a strong push from the midrange. The six-speed gearbox comes with the DQS 2.0 up/down quickshifter as standard. Wet mode caps power at 160 hp.

How does it handle?

The base model uses a fully adjustable 43 mm Showa BPF fork and Sachs shock, a Sachs steering damper and cast wheels with Y-shaped spokes. Braking relies on twin 330 mm discs gripped by Brembo Hypure calipers, fitted to a production bike for the first time here, and a 245 mm rear disc. Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP-V4 tyres come in 120/70 and 200/60 ZR17 sizes.

No review we found covers the base model on its own: the press rode the V4 S, which differs only in suspension, wheels and battery. The verdict on stability is unanimous. Visordown no longer needed to short-shift through Vallelunga’s fast sweepers, and MCN found the bike stays predictable even as the tyres go off. RevZilla found the chassis a little soft when accelerating at lean, and 1000PS points to a very tall first gear, good for 160 km/h, that is awkward on tight roads.

What electronics does it have?

The six-axis IMU is backed by the Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO), a Ducati Corse algorithm that simulates more than 70 sensors so traction and wheelie control can act almost predictively. Slide control (DSC), engine brake control (EBC), launch control and a pit limiter complete the package. Cornering ABS includes Race eCBS, a combined braking system developed with Bosch that, in its track settings, keeps applying the rear brake after you release the lever to tighten your line; it has seven levels. Five riding modes (Race A, Race B, Sport, Road, Wet) and four power modes are shown on a 6.9-inch TFT.

Cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, the DDL data logger and Bluetooth connectivity (DMS) are not standard: the bike is only pre-wired for them.

Fuel consumption and maintenance

Ducati claims 6.5 L/100 km and 151 g/km of CO2. With 17 litres, theoretical range is around 260 km. We found no measured fuel consumption for this model year.

Ducati specifies an oil change every 12,000 km or 24 months, an annual service and a valve clearance check (the ‘Desmo Service’) every 24,000 km. The warranty runs for 24 months with unlimited mileage.

Who is it for?

With 216 hp, it requires a full A licence and cannot be restricted for A2. It is a track bike made road-legal, delivered as a single-seater (passenger kit available as an accessory). 1000PS finds it usable every day with some compromises, such as weight on the wrists and clutch work in town. MCN sees the base bike as the right starting point for riders planning to fit race suspension and wheels. Its direct rivals are cheaper: the BMW S 1000 RR starts at €21,500, the Aprilia RSV4 at €22,100 and the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade at €22,749.

Where does it come from?

Launched in 2018 with 214 hp, the Panigale V4 was, as MCN puts it, Ducati’s first non-V-twin flagship since the 1970s. In 2020 it gained the V4 R’s winglets, followed by Euro 5 compliance in 2021. The 2022 model year brought 215.5 hp, longer gear ratios and a swingarm pivot raised by 4 mm. Motorcycle.com calls the 2025 generation the biggest evolution of the model since its launch.

Recalls

One recall covers this model year (Safety Gate SR/01270/25, published on RappelConso; NHTSA 25V013 then 26V050 in the US): the heat-reflective sleeve on the rear brake hose may be misplaced near an exhaust header, letting heat damage the hose and cause a loss of rear braking. It concerns Panigale V4 and V4 S bikes built between 20 May 2024 and 2 September 2025; dealers refit or replace the heat shield. Another 2025 recall (SR/03438/25, rear wheel axle) only covers the 2018-2024 generation.