2024 Ducati Panigale V4

Ducati just unveiled the latest version of its Panigale V4 superbike, complete with a double-sided swingarm and 916-inspired styling. While the debut of a new Ducati superbike is always a worthy occasion to bring up a bottle of Nebbiolo from the cellar to celebrate, it’s not like the 2024 model is anything like long in the tooth: Its aggressive design still looks arrestingly beautiful, and its performance threshold is a galaxy beyond the skills of 99.9 percent of riders. In its last update in 2022, the Panigale debuted new aerodynamics; revised ergos; a new SBK gearbox with taller first, second, and sixth gears; new ride mode strategies; a new Öhlins NPX 25/30 fork (on the S model); a repositioned swingarm pivot; etc., etc., etc. In other words, Ducati engineers never stop evolving the pride of Borgo Panigale.

Now that we know that 2025 heralds a new era of Panigale, why would you buy a 2024 model? We’ve got about 240 reasons. No. 1: the engine. The Panigale V4′s Desmosedici Stradale is a 1,103cc V-4 (998cc on the V4 R) with a counterrotating crankshaft and desmodromic valve actuation. The base and S models produce a claimed 210 hp at 12,500 rpm and 90.6 lb.-ft. of torque at 11,000 rpm. The homologation-spec V4 R, when fitted with a full exhaust system, pumps out a claimed 240.5 hp at 16,500 rpm. Yes, you read that right. 240.5 hp. 16,500 rpm. Here’s the thing: Ducati’s single-minded, built-to-win superbikes’ value transcends the cool calculation of the stopwatch and the time capsules of technology beneath their fairings. When you buy a Ducati superbike, you’re buying a future classic. See: the 851, 888, 916, 996, 998, 999, 1098, 1198, 1199 Panigale, 1299 Panigale, and every Panigale V4. All legends in their own right. Time marches on but Ducati superbikes never grow old. Plus, if you just have to have a Panigale V4 with a single-sider, now’s the time.

The 2024 Panigale V4 starts at $24,995. The V4 S, which uses Öhlins semi-active suspension and forged Marchesini wheels, is $31,995. The V4 R homologation special, the platform upon which Ducati’s championship-winning superbike is based, is $45,495. The V4 SP2 30th Anniversario 916, limited to just 500 units and costing $45,995, pays tribute to the 916, featuring a unique livery, an STM Evo Superbike dry clutch, carbon fiber wheels, up-spec Brembo braking components, and a smattering of carbon fiber goodies.