Ducati Panigale V4 India launch: Top 5 Highlights

Ducati India has announced the launch of the 2022 Panigale V4 range in our market with prices starting at Rs 26.49 lakh. The 2022 model gets several upgrades over its predecessor. These include changes to aerodynamics, ergonomics, engine, chassis, and electronics. The flagship supersport motorcycle from the Italian brand will be sold in three variants – Standard, S, and SP2. Here we list the top five highlights from the India launch of the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4.

Design

The styling cues remain mostly unaltered and the 2022 Panigale V4 range retains the twin-pod headlight, a muscular fuel tank, underbelly exhaust, and a single-sided swingarm. There are, however, changes to the aerodynamics package and the winglets on the 2022 model are compact and thinner than before. Ducati claims these relatively smaller winglets deliver 37kg downforce at 300kmph. Apart from the new winglets, the 2022 Panigale V4 also gets revised ergonomics that are aimed to improve the control of the bike during track sessions. The seat, for example, features a flatter shape and a different coating. Furthermore, the tank gets a new shape in the rear portion as compared to the 2021 version.

Colour and Graphics

The 2022 Panigale V4 and Panigale V4 S are available in Ducati Red colour. Both variants feature black colour for the logos on the full red fairings. Then, the S variant also gets a two-tone saddle and the red tag on the black rims. Further, the more premium SP2 variant of the motorcycle benefits from Winter Test Livery, which is a combination of matte carbon finish with bright red accents. This version also gets unique elements such as a billet aluminium steering stem with the bike’s name and number, a rider seat with dedicated material and the V4 SP2 logo, and an exposed brushed aluminium tank. 

Engine

The 2022 Panigale V4 retains the 1,103cc, V4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, Desmosedici Stradale engine, but with a slightly better power output than before. Linked to a six-speed gearbox, the motor makes 212.5bhp at 13,000rpm and 123.6Nm of peak torque at 9,500rpm. The new model is claimed to boast a 5kmph higher top speed than the 2021 version. The gearbox has been updated too, and the updated transmission provides for lengthening of the ratio for the first, second, and sixth gears.

Features

The 2022 model gets a new Power Modes logic that brings four engine configurations – Full, High, Medium, and Low. In comparison, the old model packed two modes. The Full and Low configurations are new to the list while the existing High and Medium modes use a new strategy. Moreover, the Panigale V4 also packs electronic rider aids such as riding modes, Bosch cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, slide control, engine brake control, power launch, bi-directional quick shifter, and auto tyre calibration.

Hardware

The suspension setup on the base model includes 43mm manually-adjustable Showa BPF front forks and a Sachs rear mono-shock – both fully-adjustable. The S and the SP2 variants further benefit from Ohlins NPX25/30 front forks and Ohlins TTX36 rear mono-shock – both fully and electronically adjustable. The braking setup on both models includes twin 330mm discs with Brembo Monobloc Stylema (M4.30) calipers at the front and a single 245mm rotor with a two-piston caliper at the back. Further, the SP2 version gets several weight-saving measures in the form of Marchesini forged aluminium wheels, STM-EVO SBK nine-disc dry clutch, and carbon fibre wings, heel guards, and front fender. Check out the complete price list (ex-showroom, India) below:

- Panigale V4: Rs 26.49 lakh

- Panigale V4 S: Rs 31.99 lakh

- Panigale V4 SP2: Rs 40.99 lakh

The Panigale V4 range rivals the likes of the BMW S1000RR and the Kawasaki ZX-10R in the litre-class supersport segment of the Indian market.