Panigale V4: from the track to the street

NORMALLY IF YOU'RE buying a 'track-inspired' vehicle, you expect to be driving away in a rough approximation of something really quick. It may look like the racing version, but underneath it couldn't really hack it in a true sprint. Not so with this week's test - a new Ducati Panigale V4 that, even at its base version, could in theory line up in a professional competition. The Panigale V4 is the first mass-produced Ducati motorcycle to be equipped with a four-cylinder engine, derived from the Desmosedici of the MotoGP - an authentic celebration of the famed Italian brand's racing spirit. Now, you can probably tell where we're going with this. It's super fast, it looks like... well, you can see the pics, and we had the UAE's superior roads on which to test it. Did we like it? Is Italian gelato the best in the world?
Awesome in every sense of the word
You're in the new Sheikh Zayed showroom, they're giving you the low down on what you're about to ride and it hits you: is this too much bike? As beautiful as it is, it does look intimidating. Fear not, however, as the urge to get onboard ASAP will be stronger than any trepidation. And once you've found your feet in about ten minutes, you're going to want to push that 1,103cc, 214hp engine to the max. But do so safely, okay!
What's it like?
On the bike, or simply sat there staring at it, because both are wonderful experiences. We'll get more into the riding than gazing and that was every bit as premier as you'd imagine. Normally the most obvious issue with a sports bike is the seat comfort, or lack thereof, especially on long trips. With this Panigale, though, we found it to be perfectly tolerable. As with every drive in the UAE you can't exactly go for six hours straight or you'll end up in another country, so that test was out, but two hours was a breeze. For the serious rider, perhaps the greatest enhancements with this model are the driving modes and controls. The addition of DSC, or Ducati Slide Control, is inspired and, although we could go into the tech talk, ultimately all you need to know is the Paginale is now so clever it moderates the torque when coming out of a corner to keep you safe and upright.
Speed and sound
The high-pitched scream of a MotoGP bike at showroom prices. You can't beat that. Acceleration is blisteringly quick resulting from the aforementioned engine specs and it weighing in at 175kg. The bike is obviously at its best at high revs. The redline is between 14,000 and 15,000rpm and the smart counter will flash yellow when approaching the limit.    
Is it too smart?
In no way. Even with the controls and modes, the dashboard that goes from white to black depending on the light - all the modifications enhance the superb time every ride brings rather than get in the way. Magnifico.
Specs
Engine: 1,103 twin pulse V4
Power: 214hp
Weight: 175kg
david@khaleejtimes.com