Electronic Nannies Put to Test

How good are the electronics on Ducati's Panigale V4S? Here is the answer following a ride in wet conditions on an Italian racetrack and subsequent minute data analysis

- Story: Adam Child 'Chad'

TODAY'S SUPERBIKES ARE AWASH WITH SOPHISTICATED electronics and rider aids and none showcases the most advanced and fiendishly cunning systems better than Ducati's new 2025 Panigale V4 S. The rider aids and electronics on this, let us not forget, road-going machine have been developed, tested, and proved in MotoGP and World Superbikes. It embraces the technologies used by Stoner, Rossi, Dovizioso, Bagnaia in MotoGP, not forgetting the likes of Bautista in WSBK. It is easy to be dismissive and write off this direct connection with racing as marketing hyperbole, but ask Ducati's highly regarded and straight-talking lead development rider, Alessandro Valia, how advanced the Panigale V4 S systems really are is, and he says, 'If we are talking about the DAVC (optional Race Pro software) suite (DTC, DWC, DSC), then we are at a level much higher than in MotoGP 10 years ago.' Ducati are not messing about here. The Bologna factory recently launched the 2025 V4 S at the Autodromo de Vallelunga circuit north of Rome, with every intention of confirming Alessandro's claim. We had a full day in the saddle to test every key rider aid installed on the machine and, back in our pit-box, assess the benefit it delivered to the rider via data analysis with Ducati's top technicians.