BMW S 1000 RR 2019 vs. Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018

The BMW S 1000 RR 2019 and the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 are both high-performance supersport motorcycles that offer impressive specifications and features.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW S 1000 RR 2019 is equipped with an in-line four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 999cc. It produces a power output of 207 HP and a torque of 113 Nm. The engine features a DOHC valve system with four valves per cylinder. On the other hand, the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 is powered by a V4 engine with a displacement of 1103cc. It delivers a higher power output of 214 HP and a torque of 124 Nm. The engine utilizes a desmodromic valve system with four valves per cylinder.

In terms of suspension, both motorcycles feature upside-down telescopic forks in the front and a monoshock suspension in the rear. The BMW S 1000 RR 2019 has a front fork diameter of 45mm, while the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 has a slightly smaller diameter of 43mm. Both motorcycles offer adjustable compression, preload, and rebound settings for the suspension. The rear suspension of both bikes is made of aluminum.

BMW S 1000 RR 2019

The chassis of the BMW S 1000 RR 2019 is constructed with an aluminum twin-tube frame, while the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 features an aluminum monocoque frame. The rake angle of the BMW S 1000 RR 2019 is 66.9 degrees, while the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 has a slightly smaller rake angle of 65.5 degrees. The trail of the BMW S 1000 RR 2019 is 93.9 mm, while the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 has a trail of 100 mm.

Both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes in the front, but the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 has a larger diameter of 330mm compared to the 320mm of the BMW S 1000 RR 2019. The front brakes of the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 also utilize a radial and monoblock technology, which enhances braking performance.

In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both motorcycles offer ABS. Additionally, the BMW S 1000 RR 2019 provides riding modes, launch control, ride by wire, quickshifter, and traction control. The Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018, on the other hand, does not have as extensive of an electronics package as the BMW S 1000 RR 2019.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW S 1000 RR 2019 has a front tire width of 120mm and a rear tire width of 190mm. The Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 has a slightly wider rear tire width of 200mm. Both motorcycles have a wheelbase of around 1450mm and a seat height of around 830mm. The kerb weight of the BMW S 1000 RR 2019 is 197 kg, while the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 weighs slightly less at 195 kg.

Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles feature LED headlights.

In terms of strengths, the BMW S 1000 RR 2019 offers a very linear power delivery, wide rev range, and excellent shift assistant. It also has high-quality details such as the frame, swingarm, and display. On the other hand, the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 has a dreambike image, excellent brakes, and impressive engine power that is finely controllable. It also offers an ingenious handling that allows riders to finish the bend early and accelerate.

However, the BMW S 1000 RR 2019 does have some weaknesses. It has lost a certain amount of "thrill" due to its linear power delivery, and the menu navigation takes some time to get used to. On the other hand, the Ducati Panigale V4 S 2018 has a seat that warms up noticeably, which can be uncomfortable in summer. The seat-tank combination also offers little grip in the braking zone, and stability at the limit may require caution with tuning measures and discipline with seat position on fast and bumpy sections.