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  • 12 Ducati Panigale V4 S race livery bikes will be auctioned off in conjunction with the World Ducati Week 2018.

  • These race-prepped bikes are designed based on the Ducati riders from MotoGP and WorldSBK.

  • The riders will compete in the Race of Champions tomorrow before the bikes will be publicly-auctioned on eBay.

There are a lot of things that can be said about the latest-generation Ducati Panigale V4. Out of all these things, one thing is for sure; we love it. A LOT. So, what is Ducati’s plan to make their first-ever full production V4 superbike even more special? By coming with 12 special editions! (more…)

  • Rumours about Ducati possibly unleashing Ducati Streetfighter V4 is currently being discussed by motoring experts.

  • The next-generation Ducati Streetfighter powered by the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine does sound amazing.

  • Based on reliable sources, the possibility of a Ducati Streetfighter V4 is not a question of if but more on when.

It was only at the end of last month when we were presented with the golden opportunity to test out Ducati’s first-ever full-production V4 superbike which is the 2018 Ducati Panigale V4 S (read our review HERE). While the news on the latest-generation Panigale is still as hot as the burning sun, talks about a streetfighter version are already underway. (more…)

  • As more cars are being fitted with anti-collision systems, Ducati is also developing theirs.

  • Developed together with Audi, the system uses the 5G network.

  • The system will warn the rider about upcoming danger but may apply the brakes automatically in the future.

Every motorcyclist knows that a collision with another vehicle sucks, but we push the thought to the back of our minds, like smokers who are aware of the dangers of smoking. Ducati aims to reduce the number of collisions with a new technology they developed together with Audi.

Called the Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) tech, it builds a picture of vehicles in the vicinity to provide situational awareness. It works over the developing 5G mobile network.

Ducati and Audi recently demonstrated the system’s controlled collision avoidance by using a Multistrada and two cars. The vehicles communicated with each other to avoid the impending disaster. There were two types of assistance, called Intersection Collision Warning and Across Traffic Turn Collision Risk Warning.

Key points of C-V2X

  • Ducati Advanced Radar Assistance System reads the road and monitors multiple vehicles simultaneously.
  • It senses slowing vehicles and warns the rider of a potential problem. It may reduce speed or brake automatically in the future.
  • A rear radar system detects obstructions in the rider’s blind spot and highlights it in the rear-view mirror.
  • Ducati and Audi say all vehicles will communicate with each other in the future and avoid collisions autonomously.
  • The technology also seeks to communicate with roadside obstacles such as traffic lights, road signs and speed limits.

The system provides warning to the drivers and rider of the dangers at this moment, but further development could see vehicle autonomy being gradually fitted to motorcycles. Autonomous cars are starting to come into the market as we reported previously (click on the link below for more information).

Self-riding Motorcycle to Test Autonomous Vehicles

The systems in cars automatically applies the brakes to avoid a potential collision even before the driver is aware of a problem. This solution is not only available in luxury cars as the new Perodua Myvi is equipped with an earlier iteration of the system.

While pundits may be scoff about autonomy, remember that the ABS was also derided when it first came into the market. But it is now the single component that had saved the most lives.

  • The new Ducati Panigale V4, V4S, V4 Speciale mark the manufacturer’s departure from their trademark V-Twin sportbikes.

  • The Panigale V4 is set to bring the Superbike World Championship title back to Italy.

  • We tested the Panigale V4S during the Ducati Racing Experience (DRE) at SIC.

Standing before the Ducati Panigale V4S in the Sepang Circuit pitlane, am having trouble inserting my earplugs. It had seemed like my ear holes constricted in the last 30 seconds.

I looked at my hands. They were quivering, while the blood red Ducati seemed to squint and taunt, “Ride me if you dare.”

It’s probably a well-known fact to the extent of being passé now. The Ducati Panigale V4 is the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer’s weapon for reclaiming the coveted Superbike World Championship title.

Ducati had dominated the production-based championship with the V-Twin engine. Beginning with Raymond Roche’s first title win on the 851 in 1990 and the last by Carlos Checa on the 1098R in 2011, Ducati won 14 rider and 17 manufacturer titles during those 24 years.

However, rule changes in the series had swung the favour back towards 4-cylinder motorcycles. Current Ducati riders kept finding themselves outgunned on many occasions and had resorted to over-committing to compensate for the lack of power.

Well, Ducati isn’t one to sit still while allowing their supremacy being stomped on.

In terms of out-and-out power production for a specific capacity, the V-Twin had reached the end of its development path. Ducati had probably tried all the possible solutions in wringing the last bit of performance over the years, apart from retaining the engine format as a signature, but there’s just no way to push on something that will not yield.

So, turning to their race winning experience in MotoGP, Ducati decided to go the V-Four route.

  • There will be two engines, one for road use and another for racing which will be unveiled later for the 2019 SBK season. The former which we tested here is hence called “Desmosedici Stradale” meaning Desmodromic 16-valves (“sedici” in Italian) Road.

  • The Desmosedici Stradale displaces 1103cc and produces a whopping 214 bhp @ 13,000 RPM (226 bhp with race kit) and 124 Nm @ 10,000 RPM. That’s a great 3,000 RPM spread between peak torque and horsepower, meaning that the engine has a flexible power curve, instead of being peaky like the 1299 it replaces.

  • Being a 90o V4 means it has a natural balance it and doesn’t incur power and weight penalties from using balancer shafts. It also makes the engine much more compact, allowing the engineers to place the engine for more optimal weight distribution within the frame.

  • The crankshaft counter-rotates, spinning “backwards,” opposing the rear tyre’s rotation. This is a direct influence from Ducati MotoGP’s bikes. The spinning and reciprocating masses inside and engine create their own inertia and gyroscopic effect, adding to the rear tyre’s. Having a counter-rotating crank hence negates some of these forces, resulting in a bike that is easier to turn and rein in that raw power from inducing wheelies. GP aficionados will tell you that Honda did exactly this on their NSR500 two-stroke GP beast.

  • Ducati calls the new engine’s firing order “Twin Pulse” as it fires first the left bank of cylinders, then the right, replicating a V-Twin’s. It gives the bike a unique aural and handling character.

  • Ducati wanted a compact engine despite gaining two extra cylinders, so they turned to magnesium alloy covers for the cylinder head, clutch, stator and oil sump. They ended up with an engine that’s only 2kg heavier than the V-Twin 1285cc Superquadro.

  • Other features include variable length intake funnels, dual injectors per throttle body and oval throttle bodies.

The chassis department has also received changes, accordingly.

  • Instead of the monocoque design used by earlier Panigales, there is a now an aluminium “beam frame.” But it only extends a short way from the headstock.

  • A peek inside sees the engine being rotate upwards (by 42o). As such, the entire engine could be moved further forward, allowing for a longer swingarm. A longer swingarm promotes stability by keeping the front tyre on the road longer, allowing the bike to hug the chosen line even when power is applied.

  • Since this is the “S” version, it uses the electronically-controlled Öhlins suspension front and rear. The system monitors suspension movements and damping up to 100 times per second. Sure, that’s what most electronic suspensions do these days, but here’s the main difference. Instead of just letting the ECU choose the rates based on ride mode, the Panigale V4S’s system lets you work on objectives i.e. what do you want to achieve. For example, you could specify more stability under eye-popping hard braking, plus more stability in mid-corner, less rearward weight transfer under hard acceleration, etc. On a “manual” suspension, on the other hand, you could only tune the suspension for one, maybe two characteristics while the rest are compromises at best.

  • The rear shock has been moved to the traditional central position, since there’s more space.

  • The front brakes use the latest Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers that are 70g lighter per caliper, yet more rigid. They grip massive 330mm discs.

Enough. Enough of tech talk (yaaawwwnn), let’s ride.

I took a long hard breath to calm my nerves and stuck the earplugs in, at last. Riding a sub-200 bhp superbike is already crazy enough, this one is above 200 bhp.

Sitting position is bang-on Panigale, so you won’t feel out-of-place if you switched over from the V-Twin. The seat was much suppler, however.

The V4 fired up and sounded… wait, have DRE put me on the wrong bike? Why did it sound like a Twin? I looked down and my gaze met a massive aluminium structure below the top triple clamp. Owh, it was the V4. When Ducati said the engine fires like a V-Twin times 2, they weren’t joking. The ride mode was set to “SPORT.”

My group’s Ducati Racing Experience (DRE) instructor, one uproarious Spanish racer named Carlos Serrano flashed a thumb’s up and we were underway.

The bike pulled hard but err… smoothly from the pit exit and we leaned into Turn One without touching the brakes. Turn Two had always scared me due to the bumps at the braking point/entry and the blind apex, so I approached it with some trepidation, but the Panigale V4S ran over those bumps and holes like a sport-tourer. What the…? I had expected to be bumped around the seat and my arms punched into the shoulder sockets.

Through the faster turns, i.e. 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 13, I had already gone faster than I even did before, but it was as if those were just straights with the bike leaned over. I fed in power smoothly as on other bikes but the bike actually yawned!

There were still a few wet patches hugging the inner parts of the turns but the bike flew over them as if they weren’t there.

Down into hard braking areas such as Turns 1, 4, 9, and 15, a single-finger pull on the brake lever was enough to haul the bike down from insane speeds. I found myself constantly over-braking and too early in the first session.

And did I mention the bike actually felt… comfortable? Where were the mid-corner bumps in Turns 2 and 9? Did SIC resurface the track last night?

I felt disoriented as we headed into the pit entrance after 5 laps.

As with every DRE, critique and instructions followed after every session. Serrano commented that we were turning into corners too early. One participant commented that aiming for the apex that late meant that we had to quick flick the bike, risking losing the front. Serrano smiled, closed his eyes and wagged his head, “No, no, don’t worry, this bike can do it. Just snap it over.”

He also mentioned that we were slow in getting back on the throttle. All of us spoke up that it’ll either cause the bike (read: other than the Panigale V4S) to overshoot or slide the rear tyre. Serrano repeated his smile-close-eyes-wag-head routine, “Don’t worry, just open.”

Okay. Flick in late, open throttle early. Got that.

Out on track for the second session, all of us “just open.” Oh my. The bike picked up so much speed in mid-corner that would have other bikes jumping the curbs and headed to KLIA in a hurry.

And I was still braking too hard, too early! Grrrr! I didn’t matter if we were blasting down the back straight at 280+ km/h, braking just after the 200m marker was a waste of time. I had to get back on the throttle by the 50m mark. Besides that, I’d usually trail the rear brake a little to keep the rear in check, but it was optional on the Panigale V4S.

I was upset at myself for being so slow when we went back in again. Truth is, I was sure I had gone faster than ever before yet, I just couldn’t find the limits of the bike. It actually boiled down to being too used to sportbikes that are akin to holding onto The Rock as he thrashes around.

No, it wasn’t about lack of feedback on the V4, for there was plenty. But it was how compliant it felt that fully confused me. Make no mistake, this is a positive point for regular sportbike riders and track day junkies. As opposed to other bikes, the Panigale V4S doesn’t wear you down.

I switch to race mode for the next session. This time, the bike’s acceleration was absolutely brutal, even in mid-corner! Don’t get the wrong impression, though, because while it accelerated like rocket sled, it was incredibly smooth, unlike something which left your brain 100m behind. Now you know why I was confused.

I was confident enough to trail brake into the corners and the feedback at the brake lever and handlebar was solid. The bike waggled a little as I sat up for Turns 15 and 1 but it never ever felt like things were going to get out of hand. Forget the internet, this was way more entertaining.

But we only had the morning session and I almost did an extra lap during the last session as I have having so much fun. I walked away feeling a little unsatisfied, however, as I never managed to sniff, much more explore, the bike’s astronomical limits.

The conclusion I could safely draw is this: The Ducati Panigale V4S is easily the fastest superbike out there, but it’s also the easiest to ride (super) fast.

For more pricing details and to view the bike, please visit Ducati Malaysia.

PICTURE GALLERY

  • Ducati has unveiled new colour schemes for the Supersport range.

  • The standard version will get the new Titanium Grey.

  • The S version will still be sold in Ducati Red and Star Silk Whilte.

The best-selling Supersport gets a new colour. (Please click on the link below for our preview when the Supersport was launched.)

Ducati 900 SuperSport – Ten Things You Should Know

Possibly in a bid to differentiate between the “standard” Supersport and high-spec’ed Supersport S, the former will see the discontinuation of Ducati Red.

In its place is Titanium Grey with red wheels (previously black) and frame. The new colour scheme is reminiscent of the 916 Senna in the mid-1990s. According to a website which published the story, the manufacturer says that the rear seat cover will also be available in Titanium Grey. The new colour will also be available for the plastic inserts for the panniers.

The standard version features fully adjustable 43mm Marzocchi forks and a Sach shock. Owners could add on accessories such as Ducati Quick Shift later, later on.

As for the S-version range, the present Red and Star White Silk paintwork are continued. Standard features are fully-adjustable 48mm Öhlins forks with TiN-coated slider tubes, fully-adjustable Öhlins monoshock with remote reservoir, quickshifter and passenger seat cover.

The engine remains the same 937cc, Testastretta 11o, 90o V-Twin (Ducati insists on calling it “L-Twin”) which produces 110 bhp @ 9000 RPM and 93.2 Nm of torque @ 6500 RPM.

Price has also remained unchanged.

  • Factory Ducati MotoGP riders Andrea Dovizioso and Jorege Lorenzo will race against other riders in The Race of Champions.

  • The race will take place during the World Ducati Week 2018.

  • The event takes place from 20th to 22nd July 2018.

Ducati has lined up a Race of Champions past and present during the 10th World Ducati Week (WDW).

The race is slated to run from 20th to 22nd July 2018, on the historic Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Twelve riders including current works Ducati MotoGP riders Andrea Dovizioso and Jorge Lorenzo, will line up against Troy Bayliss, Marco Melandri, among others. Besides them, Danilo Petrucci and Jack Miller will also take part in the race.

By “race,” we meant a real race, as the riders will go through free practice, qualifying and all the way to the podium.

Ducati fans are in for a real treat as all riders will ride specially-prepared and limited-edition Ducati Panigale V4 S.

The World Ducati Week is an annual celebration for Ducati owners. It consists of a myriad of activities to celebrate the Ducati brand, including stunt shows, rides on the track, competitions such as engine disassembly and assembly, Ducatistas parade, Scrambler Village, Monster Village, Ducati Service, DRE Safety Academy, DRE Enduro Academy, Ducati factory and Ducati Museum visit at Borgo Panigale, and much more.

Please visit https://www.ducati.com/ww/en/experience/world-ducati-week if you are interested in joing the event.

  • Danilo Petrucci has been named Jorge Lorenzo’s replacement in the MotoGP Ducati squad for 2019.

  • He has signed a one-year contract extension which will see him riding the latest Ducati Desmosedici GP19 with full factory support.

  • Moto2’s Francesco Bagnaia will be replacing him in the Alma Pramac Racing team with the very likely Jack Miller.

It was only yesterday that current Ducati rider Jorge Lorenzo made one of the biggest moves in the history of MotoGP. After conquering Mugello and becoming the first ever rider to win a race on a premier class using Yamaha and Ducati machinery, Lorenzo has announced that he’ll be joining HRC’s Repsol Honda squad in 2019 and 2020. (more…)

Ducati has possibly created the world’s fastest 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak bikes.

These two bikes will compete next month at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb 2018.

Some modifications include OZ Racing magnesium wheels, custom Termignoni exhaust, special Ohlins suspensions, and more.

For this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Ducati is ready to get things going with more than just a normal bike with a normal rider. In order to reclaim the King of the Mountain title, Ducati has essentially created the world’s fastest 2018 Ducati Multistrada 1260 specifically for Pikes Peak. (more…)

Ducati Malaysia has officially announced their latest price list with 0% GST for all of their current models.

The price drops from RM2,881 up to RM27,672 for different models.

These new prices will come into effect starting 1 June 2018 until further notice.

Next Bike Sdn Bhd (Ducati Malaysia) has unveiled their latest price list for all of their current models on offer with 0% GST. This move has been made in accordance with the Ministry of Finance’s announcement regarding the state of Goods and Services Tax (GST) here in Malaysia. (more…)

The Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) organised their first track day session of the year yesterday.

Over 120 Ducati owners joined in the festivities for a fun day out at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

All sorts of Ducatis ripped around the track from the usual Panigale to the brutal Streetfighter.

Last weekend was a day filled with track day enthusiasts tearing up the asphalt. Kawasaki Motors Malaysia (KMSB) organised their own Kawasaki Track Day 2018 yesterday morning and it was followed by the Desmo Owners Club Malaysia (DOCM) in the afternoon. (more…)

Ducati North America has issued two recalls for the latest 2018 Ducati Panigale V4.

All 692 units of the V4, V4 S, and V4 Speciale are affected by two issues related to its fuel breathing system and fuel tank cap.

Both recalls have been issued urgently as they may increase the risk of fire in the presence of an ignition source.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from the United States of America has issued not one but two different recalls for the latest and one of the most highly-anticipated motorcycles to date, the 2018 Ducati Panigale V4. (more…)

Shark Helmets has introduced the Shark Race-R Pro Replica Lorenzo Austrian GP MAT aka “El Diablo”.

Only 1,500 units will be made available around the world.

Interested buyers can head to the Spartan Concept Store located in Bandar Sunway, Selangor.

Remember last year’s MotoGP round in Austria? It was the 11th round of the season where Jorge Lorenzo performed brilliantly throughout the race leading the first 11 laps before crossing the chequered flag in fourth. All eyes were on him and his Ducati Desmosedici GP17 which looked brilliant with his devil-inspired Shark Race-R Pro. (more…)

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