Preparing our Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 916

The Panigale is a real star. at every Shiftech event, it catches the eye, turns heads and catches the lenses. But beyond its aura, certain technical and aesthetic details left something to be desired. These include its imposing number-plate bracket, its frankly unattractive rear-view mirrors and its original mudguard. Ducati made choices to comply with homologation standards, but now that the bike is ours, we can finally personalise it.

• Akrapovic line, 100% homologated but very expressive
• Compact, discreet Rizoma number plate holder
• Rizoma rear-view mirrors and LED indicators from the same brand
• 100% carbon front mudguards and thermal covers
• Carbon rear wheel arch protected by matt PPF
• Ducati performance air filter

All these parts are there to improve the bike's looks as well as its efficiency. Every detail counts.

Augustin presents his Ducati Diavel 1260S to draw a parallel between two Ducati machines with completely different philosophies. We go from an ultra-honed sports bike to a power cruiser that's as radical as it is unclassifiable. While the Panigale is all about top speed (215bhp claimed), the Diavel is all about torque, with 140Nm (compared to 110Nm for the Panigale). Two experiences, two characters, but one thing in common: raw pleasure.

Add to that a very muscular look, a transparent clutch cover revealing the clutch in motion, and a deep sound to match... The contrast between the two bikes is striking.

All the parts have been carefully assembled by Morgan, our chief technician. A meticulous job that guarantees an impeccable finish. Now it's time to put it through its paces on the dyno with Seb, to get the figures out and get a real feel for the gains achieved with this configuration.

Results: 230 bhp and 135 Nm of torque, not as much as the V4R, but still a fine war machine!

It was on the Val de Vienne circuit that the Panigale was able to express itself. And to be honest, it was its first real outing in the sport. For Médéric, it's the motorbike equivalent of a Porsche 992 GT3 RS: ultra stable, efficient, but capable of insane performance if you dare to wring out the right-hand grip. In road mode, the bike remained timid. Once in Sport mode and with the electronic aids set (thanks to Alex from Ducati Limoges), it transformed itself.

"It's the first time I've had a bike with pilled tyres in the showroom"

A dozen laps later, sensations full in the head, and fear stripes are slowly starting to look like something.

And what about the H2R?

On the same day, Lucien was there with his Kawasaki H2R. There too, the level was high. A friendly duel on the track, where the two machines were able to express themselves. No times, no competition, just two monsters going at it. And even if the H2R is still as impressive as ever, the prepared Panigale has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.