What You Wanted to Know About Optimizing a Panigale V4 MY21 but Were Afraid to Ask

Alright, maybe this headline isn’t entirely accurate, but this video series from Ducati is pretty great all the same. If you’re a Panigale owner, a Ducatisi, a gearhead, or someone who just loves to look at bike porn, it’s for you.

The seven-part “tech talk” series, hosted by Ducati test rider Alessandro Valia and Ducati Superbike development team leader Carlo Ricci Maccarini at Misano’s famous Marco Simoncelli circuit, focuses on maximizing your track enjoyment on this red rocket by fine-tuning its electronic controls.

Now, I know you don’t want to scroll through thousands of words on your phone, so I’ve taken the liberty of briefly summarizing each video to save you time and let you get back to riding. I’ve included the links so you can actually see the sub-titled videos, too. You don’t have to take my word for it.

First Things First

It starts with an MY21 Product Overview with track footage that I could only hope to duplicate in my dreams or maybe in a video game. Maybe. It’s short and sweet and includes some notable track times.

Number two is MV21 Product Novelties. Looks at the two race riding modes, self-venting brake pumps, and Ducati Traction Control EVO3. I guess you could say it covers the “go” and the “whoa!”

On the Brakes

Lap three, if you will, is all about Cornering ABS Settings. You can learn the benefits and how it works with the IMU inertial platform to combine performance and safety. You may think it sounds kind of dry from this description, but trust me, it’s entertaining and informative.

We all know that most braking force comes from the front, and the majority of racers don’t even touch the rear brake unless they absolutely must. That’s why video four features a look at Cornering ABS Front Only. It’s a safety net for amateurs – like me! – that helps keep the bike’s weight balanced properly.

The Ups and Downs

That covers braking, but what about suspension? I’m glad you asked because that’s featured in Öhlins Electronic Suspension Control. There are two modes, fixed and dynamic. Fixed is what you’d expect, but dynamic allows for a “soft and intuitive” bike that provides rider assistance when needed.

Suspension and traction control and two sides of the same coin and Ducati Traction Control EVO3 is covered in video six. It will help you in all phases of acceleration, but you can still get the most out of the engine. Rear-wheel steering, anyone?

The Last Lap

The checkers are out, and we’re closing in on the finish line in video number seven. It’s all about Ride Mode Settings. This is a deeper dive into the available modes, showing, for example, how you can customize controls based on your riding style or the track.

All the videos are also available now on the Ducati website. Take a look and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear your thoughts.