Ducati will release its updated 2022 Panigale V4 and V4 S in February, priced rideaway from $34,000 and $43,600, respectively.
The new Ducati Panigale V4, as well as its higher-spec V4 S sibling, have both received significant enhancements for 2022, with power-boosting engine upgrades, chassis and brake revisions, refreshed styling and aerodynamics, and new technology features.
Motivating the Italian supersports model is a familiar 1103cc V4 engine, however, a new lubrication system and exhaust has bumped peak outputs to 158.5kW and 123.6Nm, up 1kW compared to the outgoing model.
If fitted with the optional Akrapovic racing exhaust, the new Ducati Panigale V4’s outputs jump to 170kW and 131Nm, and drops five kilograms of overall weight to a svelte 198kg (wet).
While not a huge departure from the current model, the 2022 Panigale’s styling has been updated with a more aerodynamic fairing, and ‘more comfortable’ ergonomics have been achieved via a new tank and seat design.
“Thanks to this new ergonomics, the rider is also completely integrated into the
bike and therefore more comfortable when riding in general,” claims Ducati in a recent press release.
“Even the contact area of the arms during hanging off, namely when leaning completely outside the curves, has been enhanced.”
With a focus on racetrack performance, Ducati engineers have adjusted the bike’s gearbox ratios to make it easier to approach tight corners in first gear, as well as adding 5km/h of top-speed in sixth.
Distinguishing the top-spec Panigale V4 S variant is Ohlins NPX semi-active front suspension, and an Ohlins TTX36 rear shock, both of which have been updated for 2022. The standard Panigale V4 uses a more conventional Showa/Sachs suspension system.
Also unique to the V4 S is three-spoke aluminium wheels shod in racey Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres, while Brembo Stylema brakes (330mm front discs, 245mm rear) carry over.
The new Panigale’s six-axis electronics suite sees adjustments to its power modes and fuel mappings, while a new Track Evo rider mode joins the carry over Race A, Race B, Sport and Street setups as an optional extra.
Track Evo adds a more comprehensive level of adjustment to various traction control parameters, and changes the TFT dash layout to suite track riding with a stopwatch, laptimer and horizontal scale for the tachometer.
Both the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 and V4 S will hit local showrooms in February in the ‘Ducati Red’ colour scheme.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
