Ducati Panigale V4S 2025 – Road & Track Test

In an extensive test, I rode the Panigale V4S both on the open road and at the Slovakia Ring, revealing what this motorcycle is truly capable of, where its limits lie, and why it can be convincing in everyday use despite its radical nature.

Right from the first ride, it becomes evident: The Ducati Panigale V4S is a thoroughly sport-oriented machine. The newly shaped tank provides better knee grip, and the slim design eases the integration of the rider's body into the bikes line. Despite the sporty seating position, the knee angle is surprisingly practical for everyday use, with even taller riders finding ample space. Only the weight on the wrists and clutch work in city traffic remind you of its racing focus.

The engine is more refined than expected. With 216 horsepower and 120 Nm, the power delivery at lower revs is impressively controlled. Even at slower speeds, the V4 remains calm with no hint of jerking. The engine truly comes alive around 6,000 to 7,000 rpm, where the Ducati starts to push assertively, and really kicks in at 9,000 rpm. However, this range is rarely reached on the road. Why? The first gear is extremely tall, topping out at 160 km/h, which makes sense on the track where you can utilize first gear, but becomes impractical for tight corners on the road. Here, a shorter overall gearing would be beneficial.

The electronically controlled Öhlins suspension proves to be a real advantage in everyday riding. In a comfortable setting, it smooths out even rough road sections with ease. The bike remains stable, never feeling overdamped. Switch to sport mode, and you'll immediately notice the sharper response, perfect for dynamic rides on twisty roads. Overall, the revised electronic suspension management also offers good automatic modes that adjust damping on the fly according to the riding situation, taking the adjustment work off the hands of the casual rider.

Ducati has really delved into their bag of tricks with the electronics. The large 6.9-inch TFT display clearly presents all active systems, from traction and slide control to wheelie control. A standout feature is the new eCBS, an intelligent combined braking system that automatically activates the rear brake when braking, even if the rider has already released the brake. This provides extra stability, especially when leaning into a turn, allowing the rider to choose a tighter line.

In summary, the Panigale V4S presents itself as a surprisingly manageable motorcycle on the road with immense potential. Despite the power surge at higher revs, the Ducati remains well-controllable in everyday use. However, its clear: this bike wants to be pushed, and thats only partially possible on public roads.

At the Slovakia Ring, the Panigale V4S reveals its true calling. On this challenging circuit with fast crests, long straights, and tight corners, the V4 engine performs at its peak. From 8,000 rpm, the engine consistently delivers over 200 hp, right up to the limiter at 15,000 rpm. This eagerness to rev, combined with remarkable smoothness, allows you to use each gear with full forcewithout any nervous reactions or erratic throttle response. This makes the 216 hp very manageable.

The effect of the counter-rotating crankshaft is particularly noticeable. It actively helps keep the front wheel down during hard accelerationa genuine boost to safety and performance. This feature is especially beneficial in the lower gears, where aerodynamics aren't yet fully effective due to low speed. At speeds over 200 km/h, particularly over the crests of the Slovakia Ring, the front end feels calmingly stable thanks to aerodynamics and engine balance, enabling much of the power to be effectively converted into forward motion. What might still be excessive is gently managed by the electronics, showcasing their capabilities. The rider aids engage sensitively, without being intrusive. The eCBS is especially impressive during hard braking before tight corners, where the bike remains calm and stable thanks to the additional rear brake. Even while leaning, a residual braking moment remains, enhancing handlingan advantage on both the track and the road.

The new chassis setup with altered stiffness and the lighter double-sided swingarm prove their worth on the racetrack. The bike remains stable over bumps, absorbs shocks better when leaned over, and provides excellent rear grip, especially with big-size racing tires. While the new swingarm functions well, many will likely mourn the iconic single-sided swingarm that has defined Ducati's look for decades. But everything comes to an end eventuallydid you ever imagine 10 years ago that Ducati would no longer use V2 engines in their superbikes?

The semi-active suspension is ideally adaptable with Track 1 and Track 2 modes. While Track 1 targets crisp performance, Track 2 offers a slightly more comfortable yet equally sporty setupperfect for circuits with more irregularities. Switching to big-size Pirelli tires further enhances cornering enjoyment at the apex, supporting tight radii without needing manual geometry adjustments.

The combination of all components makes it clear: The Panigale V4S is a sharp, yet controllable tool on the racetrackprecise, demanding, and immensely powerful.