Ducati has unveiled its 2027 Panigale V4 and Panigale V4 S, concentrating the changes on performance, control and track use. The V4 S enters the Ducati Factory Made programme for the first time, bringing a wider range of personalisation options. Five of the available colours come from the Automobili Lamborghini Ad Personam catalogue, while homologated accessories are fitted during production.

The factory menu includes the Front Brake PRO and PRO+ packages, an STM dry clutch and adjustable footpegs. The V4 S also receives adjustable clip-on handlebars developed for circuit riding. Their mounting point is 10 mm higher, creating a taller riding position that Ducati links to greater leverage at the bars, improved control during direction changes and less physical effort under hard braking.

Electronics and engine updates

The V4 S adds Dynamic Engine Brake for the first time on this model. It takes the place of Engine Brake Control and uses Ducati’s Vehicle Observer algorithm to vary engine braking according to the actual load on the rear tyre. Race Brake Control is another addition to the electronics package, derived from more specialised motorcycles in Ducati’s range.

Both versions use a revised 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale producing 215bhp, an increase of 2bhp. The engine work targets airflow and mechanical friction, with the largest gains concentrated between 12,000 and 14,000rpm. Final gearing changes from 16/41 to 17/42, contributing to an increase of around 7.4mph in top speed.

Ducati has also reworked the exhaust, added a high-flow intake and recalibrated the lubrication circuit to reduce power losses. The intake delivers 0.6 per cent more flow at roughly 186mph. A more extreme specification can use the Akrapovic Full Racing Exhaust PRO, which adds 10.8bhp and 5lb-ft of torque while cutting 6.6kg from the motorcycle’s weight. At Vallelunga, the Panigale V4 averaged a lap time four tenths of a second quicker than its predecessor. European dealers are scheduled to receive both models from March 2027, followed by North American dealers in April.