Ducati is one of the masters of exhilarating power. If a liter-plus-sized superbike pretty much plucked from the MotoGP paddocks is what you are after then the 2020 Ducati Panigale V4 and/or its variants like the S or R models are likely on your radar. These machines ooze praiseworthy performance thanks to a 90-degree 1,103cc V4 engine (998cc for the World Superbike homologation V4 R)—our findings on our dyno and the S’s claiming of the Cycle World’s Best Superbike of 2018 are proof of that. Two years ago Ducati introduced the Panigale V4 platform, and this model and its brothers continue to be track-derived weapons with its aerodynamic package, ride-by-wire mapping changes, and chassis improvements.
Ducati’s 2019 Panigale V4 S spun its rear wheel on our in-house dyno, producing gobs of power: 186 hp at 13,320 rpm and 79.6 pound-feet of torque at 11,310 rpm in fact. If that’s not enough for you, then look toward the homologation special superbike, the 2019 Panigale V4 R: 203.99 hp at 15,820 rpm and 76.65 pound-feet of torque at 12,300 rpm is eyes-pushed-to-the-back-of-your-skull, skin-peeling power.
Other bikes that really deliver the beans include the BMW S 1000 RR, Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Kawasaki ZX-10R, and Yamaha YZF-R1M.
Updates to the Panigale V4 include revised bodywork (with aerodynamic winglets), Ducati Quick Shift and Traction Control algorithms, improved ride-by-wire mappings, and new torque delivery control settings. The S model differs from the base with its semi-dynamic Öhlins suspension (conventional Showa/Sachs are on the base model), lighter forged alloy wheels, a lithium-ion battery, and stickier hand grips. The Panigale V4 and S are available in Ducati Red with a dark gray frame and black wheels. The base model has an MSRP of $21,995, add $6,400 for the S, and add a whopping $18,005 more for the WSBK homologation special R model.
