DUCATI NEW PANIGALE V4 2020
The Science of Speed
REDLINE MAGAZINES
PANIGALE
PANIGALE V4S
DUCATI
Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (Italian pronunciation: [dukati]) is the motorcycle-manufacturing division of Italian company Ducati, headquartered in Bologna, Italy. The company is owned by German automotive manufacturer Audi through its Italian subsidiary Lamborghini, which is in turn owned by the Volkswagen Group.[2] In 1926 Antonio Cavalieri Ducati and his three sons, Adriano, Marcello, and Bruno Cavalieri Ducati founded Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati in Bologna to produce vacuum tubes, condensers and other radio components. In 1935 they had become successful enough to enable construction of a new factory in the Borgo Panigale area of the city. Production was maintained during World War II, despite the Ducati factory being a repeated target of Allied bombing. Meanwhile, at the small Turinese firm SIATA (Societa Italiana per Applicazioni Tecniche Auto-Aviatorie), Aldo Farinelli began developing a small pushrod engine for mounting on bicycles. Barely a month after the official liberation of Italy in 1944, SIATA announced its intention to sell this engine, called the “Cucciolo” (Italian for “puppy,” in reference to the distinctive exhaust sound) to the public. The first Cucciolos were available alone, to be mounted on standard bicycles, by the buyer; however, businessmen soon bought the little engines in quantity, and offered complete motorized-bicycle units for sale. In 1950, after more than 200,000 Cucciolos had been sold, in collaboration with SIATA, the Ducati firm finally offered its own Cucciolo-based motorcycle. This first Ducati motorcycle was a 48 cc bike weighing 98 pounds (44 kg), with a top speed of 40 mph (64 km/h), and had a 15 mm carburetor (0.59-inch) giving just under 200 mpg‑US (1.2 L/100 km; 240 mpg‑imp). Ducati soon dropped the Cucciolo name in favor of “55M” and “65TL”. When the market moved toward larger motorcycles, Ducati management decided to respond, making an impression at an early-1952 Milan show, introducing their 65TS cycle and Cruiser (a four-stroke motor scooter). Despite being described as the most interesting new machine at the 1952 show, the Cruiser was not a great success, and only a few thousand were made over a two-year period before the model ceased production. In 1953, management split the company into two separate entities, Ducati Meccanica SpA and Ducati Elettronica, in acknowledgment of its diverging motorcycle and electronics product lines. Dr. Giuseppe Montano took over as head of Ducati Meccanica SpA and the Borgo Panigale factory was modernized with government assistance. By 1954, Ducati Meccanica SpA had increased production to 120 bikes a day. In the 1960s, Ducati earned its place in motorcycling history by producing the fastest 250 cc road bike then available, the Mach 1.[4][5][6] In the 1970s Ducati began producing large-displacement V-twin motorcycles and in 1973, released a V-twin with the trademarked desmodromic valve design. In 1985, Cagiva bought Ducati and planned to rebadge Ducati motorcycles with the “Cagiva” name. By the time the purchase was completed, Cagiva kept the “Ducati” name on its motorcycles. Eleven years later, in 1996, Cagiva accepted the offer from Texas Pacific Group and sold a 51% stake in the company for US$325 million; then, in 1998, Texas Pacific Group bought most of the remaining 49% to become the sole owner of Ducati. In 1999, TPG issued an initial public offering of Ducati stock and renamed the company “Ducati Motor Holding SpA”. TPG sold over 65% of its shares in Ducati, leaving TPG the majority shareholder. In December 2005, Ducati returned to Italian ownership with the sale of Texas Pacific’s stake (minus one share) to Investindustrial Holdings, the investment fund of Carlo and Andrea Bonomi.
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Over View
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he 2020 version of the new Panigale V4 boosts performance even further and takes track riding to the next level for amateurs and pros alike. A series of refinements make for an easier, more userfriendly, less fatiguing ride while simultaneously making the bike faster not just on individual laps but over entire timed sessions. The Aero Pack provides enhanced airflow protection and improves overall vehicle stability, enhancing confidence. The Front Frame, instead, modifies stiffness to give better front-end ‘feel’ at extreme lean angles. Ducati and Ducati Corse engineers have crunched the feedback/data numbers from customers all over the world and Superbike World Championship events. Their analysis has led to a series of aerodynamic, chassis, electronic control and Ride by Wire mapping changes: designed to increase stability and turn-in speed, these changes make it easier to close corners and ensure riders enjoy more confident throttle control. The S version comes with Öhlins event-based electronic control; this uses the secondgeneration Öhlins Smart EC (Electronic Control) system that, exploits the full potential
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Design and Aerodynamics
Aerodynamic package by Ducati Corse Co-developed by Ducati Corse and the Ducati Style Center, the new Panigale V4 2020 aerodynamics package now mirrors that of the Panigale V4 R. The result; fairings that - in true Panigale style - meet official Ducati Superbike requirements in full. Cycle World said in spite of being a V4, the new Panigale is only slightly wider than the V-twin 1299.[11] Ducati claimed weight is 4.5 kg (10 lb) heavier than the 1299, with foot pegs 10 mm (0.39 in) higher.[11] Unlike the prior 1199 and 1299 where the engine is the primary element of the frame, the engine is surrounded by a more conventional aluminum perimeter frame.[12] The new Plexiglas screen - higher and more angled provides better airflow protection for riders, especially in the helmet and upper shoulder areas. The screen works in concert with a new nose fairing that is higher and wider (+15 mm per side) in the arm-shield zone to reduce arm and shoulder-induced drag on the straights.
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As in MotoGP, aerodynamic development involved a series of preliminary CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) studies, followed by optimisation on a full-scale wind tunnel model. The Panigale V4’s electronics include a wheelie control system derived from the 1299 Superleggera, along with traction and drift control.[13] The brakes have a new ABS designed for high speed cornering.[13][10] Ducati and Brembo designed 70 g (2.5 oz)-lighter brake calipers than the 1299’s.[14] The bike’s tires, the Diablo Super Corsa SP developed by Ducati and Pirelli, have a new rear compound.[13] The lateral fairings have been widened considerably (+38 mm per side) with the dual aim of reducing on-rider airflow impact and maximising aerofoil efficiency. On the sides, the stylish air vents of the new Panigale V4 2020 have been replaced by more efficient ones that increase air through-speeds on water and oil radiators by 6% and 16% respectively.
The aerofoils take their cue from those on the GP16, designed before regulations led to restrictions on foil shapes. Consequently, aerofoils of the new Panigale V4 2020 are even more efficient that those currently employed in MotoGP. These monoplane single-element foils have a trapezoidal layout and a profile that tapers from root to tip. Foil performance has been improved thanks to the insertion of the longitudinally arranged strake and the winglet which ‘insulates’ the airflow over its surfaces. To ensure the required strength and stiffness, aerofoils of the new Panigale V4 2020 are made of fibreglass-reinforced thermoplastic. Working in concert with the fairing design, the aerofoils increase overall downforce (+30 kg at 270 kph). Greater downforce reduces both front wheel ‘floating’ at high speed and the tendency to wheel-up while giving a boost to stability during braking at the turn-in point and through the corner.
This dynamic behaviour lets riders - against a small increase in steering torque that stems from the heightened stability - lower lap times as it reduces electronic control intervention, helping riders keep the throttle open longer and brake later, even when cornering has already begun. These monoplane single-element foils have a trapezoidal layout and a profile that tapers from root to tip. Foil performance has been improved thanks to the insertion of the longitudinally arranged strake and the winglet which ‘insulates’ the airflow over its surfaces. To ensure the required strength and stiffness, aerofoils of the new Panigale V4 2020 are made of fibreglass-reinforced thermoplastic. The lateral fairings have been widened considerably (+38 mm per side) with the dual aim of reducing onrider airflow impact and maximising aerofoil efficiency.
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V4
V4 90° layout The new Panigale V4 2020 is powered by the 1,103 cm3 Desmosedici Stradale Desmo: blending tradition and the future Counter-rotating crankshaft “Twin Pulse” firing order
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Engine
V4 90° layout
Desmo
Crankshaft
Twin Pulse
The new Panigale V4 2020 is powered by the 1,103 cm3 Desmosedici Stradale (banked 42° back from the horizontal), a MotoGP-derived 90° V4 with Desmodromic timing, a oneof-a-kind engine featuring a counter-rotating crankshaft and Twin Pulse firing order. The engine can deliver 214 hp at 13,000 rpm and a torque of 12.6 kgm at 10,000 rpm, making for awesome road riding
The new engine is designed around the Desmodromic system, a characteristic that helps make Ducati the fastest prototypes of the top racing class in motorcycle racing. With this high-rotation engine the “Desmo” achieves its maximum technical value, reaching levels of sophistication, compactness and lightness never seen before on a Ducati.
On street bikes the crankshaft rotates in the same direction as the wheels. In contrast, in MotoGP the counterrotating crankshaft that rotates in the opposite direction is commonly used. The Desmosedici Stradale has borrowed this technical solution to compensate for part of the gyroscopic effect produced by the wheels, making the bike more agile and precise when changing directions.
Combined with the V engine layout, this particular shaft geometry allows for a special ‘Twin Pulse’ ignition sequence. The distinctiveness lies in the fact that the two left-hand cylinders fire closely together, as do the two righthand ones. On the timing chart, the ignition points are, then, at 0°, 90°, 290° and 380°. This particular firing order makes the V4 sound just like the MotoGP Desmosedici.
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Development The Panigale V4 is Ducati’s first large-production street bike with a V4 engine, Ducati having primarily used V-twins since the 1960s, except on prototypes and racing motorcycles.[8] They had sold a short run of 1,500 street-legal V4 Desmosedici RRs in 2007 and 2008[9][10] and made two prototypes of the Apollo V4 in 1964. The initial development of the Panigale V4 started with the 2015 MotoGP racing engine. Ducati said the Panigale V4 was designed to combine racing features, while also being an entertaining and rideable motorcycle with a durable engine. [10] This created the challenge of designing an engine that could keep the MotoGP engine’s counter-rotating crankshaft, and large bore diameter, but have the 24,000 km (15,000 mi) service intervals expected on consumer motorcycles. [10] Originally, Ducati was initially keeping the MotoGP bike’s chassis, but later changed to a completely new front frame they said has less weight and more stability.[10]
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he new Panigale V4 2020 mounts Pirelli DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP tyres (120/70 ZR17 at the front, 200/60 ZR 17 at the rear). The latest version of the DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP tyre, in the 200/60 ZR 17 size already popular as a slick option in the FIM World Superbike Championship, is a racing replica milestone.
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nnovative rear tyre profiling maximises the contact patch at maximum leanover and takes full advantage of the employed bi-compound design; the latter adopts the same SC2 compound (used on racing slicks) in the shoulder zone to provide race-grade grip, yet still guarantees the strength and versatility needed for road riding.
The fork mounting has been lowered 4 mm, while the suspension now has two link rods that are shorter by 5 mm. These changes have resulted in a 5 mm higher bike barycentre. The result? The bike is swifter at the drop-in and arrives at the apex faster.
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esigned to work in harmony with the rear tyre, the front tyre has undergone further development: every aspect of handling - from feedback to support solidity, ‘safety feel’ and grip loss predictability - has been optimised by creating a new front profile. Lastly, the DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP tread features a ‘flash’ geometry intended to optimise track performance and reduce wear, plus narrower grooves designed to provide adequate support for stronger side forces.
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Pair of handgrips
Dry clutch kit
Accessori
Rider comfort seat
Adjustable rider footpegs in aluminium
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Ducati e Rizoma insieme per un progetto di partnership finalizzato alla creazione di parti speciali dedicate alle moto di Borgo Panigale. Dalla collaborazione nasce una linea di accessori disegnata in esclusiva per la Casa motociclistica bolognese, proposta agli appassionati con il marchio Ducati by Rizoma.
Rizoma è un’Azienda all’avanguardia, specializzata nella produzione di accessori in alluminio ricavati dal pieno e, come Ducati, rappresenta un’eccellenza del made in Italy. I prodotti Rizoma sono caratterizzati da un design raffinato e da un elevato standard di qualità, ulteriore garanzia per un marchio che ha conquistato la fiducia di appassionati in tutto il mondo.
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achievement
international race victory. I want to thank the CER - Ducati Hong Kong racing team, Ducati China and Ducati Asia for th as Pirelli for always providing us with the most performing tires on the market.” “In preparation of the official launch of the new Ducati Panigale V4 in China I think there was no better way to show capabilities of this new bike.” said Fabrizio Cazzoli - Head of Ducati China. “ Such a successful weekend simply confirms to raise the bar in terms performance, as well as style and sophistication, anytime we launch a new model. I am looking f to be available in China starting from October.” He added “I feel the need to thank our great rider and friend, Alessand Ducati Hong Kong racing team for their amazing support.” The Panigale V4 represents an exciting new chapter in the Ducati story, a new “symphony” of all Italian performance and is the first mass-produced Ducati bike to mount a four cylinder engine, derived directly from the MotoGP Desmosedici. technology, style and performance. The Panigale V4 has been developed in close collaboration with Ducati Corse, draw and technology from the racing world to provide a road bike that is the closest thing possible to its MotoGP counterpart The philosophy followed by the Panigale V4 development team mirrors the approach taken by Ducati when developing a r of engine, chassis and rider. Development has involved Ducati Corse technicians and riders, making the Panigale V4 a p comes close to being a MotoGP prototype, built for both excellent on-track performance and outstanding on-road ridab The Panigale V4 engine is the only one to use technology such as the counter-rotating crankshaft and twin pulse ignit positive impact on bike dynamics, making it more agile during changes of direction, fast and stable on the straight and corner torque handling. This great result confirms once again the fruitfulness of Ducati’s integration between its racing and R&D departments th
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A few days before of the official launch of the Ducati Panigale V4 in Asia, the official Ducati test rider Alessandro Valia scores an outstanding result on the Chinese circuit of Zhuhai at the Pan Delta Series, the Chinese Superbike Championship. A production motorcycle accessorized with Ducati Performance parts, ridden on the track by Alessandro Valia, racing against internationally renowned WSBK-spec bikes and riders, achieving the pole position on Friday and the first place in both races on Saturday and Sunday. Valia as part of the CER - Ducati Hong Kong racing team - felt immediately comfortable on the new Panigale V4 S powered by the new Desmosedici Stradale engine. Constantly improving his lap time and achieving pole position on the starting grid of Zhuhai International Circuit with a lap time of 1:34:53, 1:08 second faster than the second one. Thanks to two impeccable races, the Panigale V4 was able to cross the finish line in first place both on Saturday and Sunday. The motorcycle entered in the Chinese Superbike competition - closely followed by the public and the media - is a stock Panigale V4 S accessorized with Ducati Performance parts, challenging motorcycles specially configured with the technical specifications allowed by WSBK regulations. The “Pan Delta Series” is divided into two classes of competition: the “Open A”, where there are no restrictions in terms of modifications and the “Open B” class, in which only stock bikes can participate. Ducati decided to enter the Panigale V4 S in the Open A class to prove its racing capability. “Both races were very hard due to the extremely hot weather here in Zhuhai during this weekend, but the characteristics of the Panigale V4 enabled me to ride smoothly in first place from the beginning to the end of both race 1 and 2.” said Alessandro Valia official Ducati test rider. “ Being the main test rider for the Panigale V4 I have always been confident about its performance and I knew from the beginning that we would have been extremely competitive. It is also a huge satisfaction for me to be able to bring the Panigale V4 from its first stages of development to its very first
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