The Ducati V4 S has undergone quite an update for a young model, with refinements making it a better street sportsbike in real world conditions... Test: Jeff Ware Pics: HMC Photography
The latest version of the Ducati Panigale V4 S shares the front frame of the outgoing V4 R, has revised aero and styling, updated electronics and more road user-friendly geometry and suspension with a softer set-up, more flex and lots more feel. The result is quite a surprise…
2020 Ducati Panigale V4 S Updates
The model update includes the V4 S receiving the new ‘machined for flex’ front frame from the V4 R, the forks being 4mm lower, new 5mm shorter dual real linkages raising rear ride height 5mm – a 5mm higher COG. The rake remains 24.5Âş and trail 100mm.
Check out our 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 S Review here…
The Ohlins NIX-30 forks and TTX36 shock have softer spring rates and less preload, with revised damping control. The Ohlins steering damper is the new version and the trio are controlled via the latest Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 system.
The S wheels are Marchesini three-spoke forged items and this year the tyres are Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP items. Brembo Stylema front calipers and 330mm rotors remain, while the new Bosch ABS Cornering EVO is now featured.
The new Panigale V4 S comes in at $40,890 Ride Away. The changes have made the bike one of the best road going sportsbikes we have every reviewed, particularly over fast, bumpy Aussie roads that would normally be completely unsuitable on a superbike – especially a Ducati! We look forward to a track test in the future.
The front brake and the clutch master-cylinders are self bleeding. Also new is a chain guard fin for added safety, the bike is heated grip and Euro 5 ready, and a new RbW system is employed giving a smoother overall power delivery, particularly in the first three gears.
The changes to the chassis have made the Panigale V4 S a much more compliant, forgiving sportsbike on typical Aussie scratching roads. It is also more flickable and yet still very stable, with help from the upgraded electronic damper.
The new Aero package includes redesigned bodywork. The front fairing is wider – a lot wider in fact, 15mm each side. The screen is taller and more angled, while there are new air vents and the fibreglass reinforced thermoplastic aerofoils, plus the side fairings are a whopping 38mm wider each side to hide the rider more from the airflow.
With over 200hp on tap, the sticky back Pirelli doesn’t stand a chance is the top-end of the V4 S is explored…Â
The aerofoils produce, along with the fairing, 30kg of downforce at 270km/h. Electronics have been upgrades to DTC EVO3, DWC EVO, DQS EVO2, EBC EVO, while DSC and DRL remain. Riding Modes has been updated also with Race Modes, Sport and Street. See specifications.
To read about the full updates, tech info and electronic package for the 2020 V4 S, click here
Click here to read the complete technical data of the V4 Desmosedici Stradale engine, click here
The 2020 Ducati Panigale V4 S engine remains the same amazing unit, with no major updates for the model. You can read all about the motor by clicking the link above.
Keep an eye out for our full written review coming up. Click here to find your local Ducati dealership…
2020 Ducati Panigale V4 S Specifications
Price: $40,890 + ORC
Warranty: Two years/unlimited kilometre
Colours: Red
Service: 12k general, 24k valves
Fuel Consumption (Claimed): 14km/L
Fuel Consumption Av (measured): 9.3km/L
Claimed power: 157.3kW [210hp]@13,000rpm (standard exhaust) 214hp (race system)
Claimed torque: 120Nm[91.5ft-lbs]@8,750-12,250rpm (standard exhaust, EU4 countries) 124Nm (race system)
Wet weight: 195kg
Fuel capacity: 16 litres
Engine: Liquid-cooled 1103cc 16-valve DOHC Desmo V4, 81 x 53.5mm bore x stroke, 14.01:1 compression, twin injectors per cylinder, elliptical throttle-bodies, 4-2-1-2 exhaust.
Gearbox: Six speed, DQS EVO2 quickshifter – 1 – 38/14, 2 – 36/17, 3 – 33/19, 4 – 32/21, 5 – 30/22, 6 – 30/24 – straight cut primary, ratio 1.80:1
Clutch: Wet multi-plate slipper, hydraulic actuation with self-bleeding pump.
Final ratio: 16/41
Final drive: Chain
Chassis: Machined aluminium front frame, engine stressed member, aluminium swingarm
Rake: 24.5 degrees Trail: 100mm
Suspension: 43mm Ohlins NIX30 forks, 120mm travel, Smart EC2.0 Semi-active adjustment. Rear: Ohlins Monoshock, 130mm travel, Smart EC2.0 semi-active adjustment. Ohlins electronic steering damper.
Brakes: 330mm Brembo rotors, Brembo four-piston monobloc Stylema calipers, ABS, 245mm rear rotor, twin-piston caliper. Bosch cornering ABC EVO
Wheels & Tyres: Forged alloy Marchesini wheels, 120/70-17, 200/60-17 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP.
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 1469mm
Seat Height: 835mm
Ground Clearance: N/A
Overall Length: N/A
Overall Width: N/A
Overall Height: N/A
Instruments & Equipment: New generation 5in TFT Colour Display unit. Riding Modes, Power Modes, Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control DTC EVO3, Full LED lighting with Daytime Riding Lights DRL, Ducati Electronic Suspension DES EVO, Ohlins Steering Damper, Ducati Wheelie Control DWC EVO, Ducati Slide Control DSC, Engine Brake Control EBC EVO, Auto tyre calibration, Ducati Quickshifter DQS EVO2, Lithium Ion battery, Quick adjustment buttons, Auto cancel indicators, Marchesini wheels, racing grips,
2020 Ducati Panigale V4 S Gallery
The Verdict | Video Review: 2020/2021 Ducati Panigale V4 S
The Mona Lisa!
A host of updates to chassis geometry, suspension settings and rates, tyres, electronics and bodywork have turned the already amazing Ducati Panigale V4 S into an absolute street weapon as we find out in this road only test…
The Author
