Ducati Panigale V4 S (2018+) Maintenance Schedule
This is the Ducati Panigale V4 S maintenance schedule and service intervals — sourced from the owner’s manual, also referencing parts diagrams.
The Ducati Panigale V4 S is an up-spec version of the Ducati Panigale V4 (base model). It has better suspension components and wheels, and comes in different livery options.
Here are all the Ducati Panigale V4 models:
- Ducati Panigale V4 (base model)
- Ducati Panigale V4 S (including Corse, Speciale) — active Öhlins suspension, Marchesini wheels
- Ducati Panigale V4 R (998cc) — smaller engine, lighter components
- Ducati Panigale V4 SP — race spec but with the 1103cc engine
The Ducati Panigale V4 S is, like its stablemate, based on the Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, which is Ducati’s four-valve-per-cylinder V4 engine. It is a 90-degree liquid-cooled V4 engine with a desmodromic valve train that has chain-driven cams.
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Service Intervals for the Ducati Panigale V4S
Overall, the Ducati Panigale V4 S’s Desmosedici Stradale motor has service intervals of 7500 miles or 12000 km.
Every service, change the oil and filter, and do a comprehensive check of the motorcycle (see the list below).
The Panigale V4S’s valve inspection service interval is 24000 km or 15000 miles. Not as generous as the most wide intervals in the twin motors, but not bad. But as the V4S has a Desmosedici Stradale motor, there are 16 valves, each with both an opening and closing cam… so 32 measurements and potential adjustments to make.
Since the Panigale has a hydraulic clutch and brake, you may find it convenient to change brake and clutch fluid at the same time on both.
Further, as the Panigale V4 has a liquid-cooled motor, the coolant needs to be replaced periodically.
The Ducati Panigale V4S has high-spec active Öhlins suspension. Ducati recommends as part of the maintenance schedule that you replace the fork fluid every 3 years, with no specific distance interval.
Finally, keep the chain clean and lubricated.
What you need to service your Ducati Panigale V4 S
Ducati specifies fluids that aren’t easy to get online. Even dealers often give substitutes. But here’s what they recommend, plus some alternative suggestions.
| Part | Ducati Panigale V4 S spec |
|---|---|
| Engine oil | Ducati recommends “Shell Advance DUCATI 15W-50 Fully Synthetic Oil”, or another oil that is the 15W-50, meets API standard SN, and/or JASO standard MA2. A common alternative is Mobil 1 15W-50 Full Synthetic. |
| Oil filter | The V4 engine uses the same oil filter as many other high-end Ducatis, and you can use a HifloFiltro HF159 as an easy-to-obtain replacement. |
| Spark plugs | Standard spark plugs are NGK LMDR10A-JS (easiest to get from a dealer). |
| Air filter | Ducati part number for the air filter is 42610671A. A popular replacement is the Sprint Air Filter for the Panigale V4/S/R with part number P08F1-85. |
| Brake fluid/ Clutch fluid | Ducati specifies using DOT 4, so use something high quality like Castrol DOT 4 full synthetic. |
| Front brake | The V4S has Brembo Stylema calipers. Part # for the front brake pad set is 61341271A. You can also use EBC HH brake pads FA447HH. |
| Rear brake | Part # for the rear brake pad set is 61340381A. You can also use EBC HH brake pads FA266HH. |
| Chain management | Ducati doesn’t specify a chain lube, so use something well-liked like Motul chain paste, or maybe clean it with a Motul chain care kit. |
| Coolant | The manual recommends ENI Agip Permanent Spezial antifreeze, or an equivalent. If you track the bike, many prefer Redline Water Wetter and distilled water. |
| Battery | Dead battery? If it hasn’t happened, it will happen. The replacement you need is a Yuasa YT7B-BS (12V – 6.5Ah 10HR) (common to many Ducati motorcycles) |
Regular maintenance for the Ducati Panigale V4 S
This is maintenance that you can do yourself on your Panigale V4 S.
Ducati recommends that if you ride your motorcycle under harsh conditions (e.g. track, or if the Ducati Panigale V4 S is your kick-ass farm bike) that you service it more often.
Every 1000 km/500 miles OR 6 months (whichever comes earlier), perform the following maintenance on your Panigale V4 S:
| Panigale V4 S — Regular maintenance |
|---|
| Check engine oil level, top up if necessary (Motul 300V 15W-50) |
| Check brake fluid level, top up if necessary (Castrol DOT 4) |
| Check tyre pressure and wear, adjust if necessary |
| Check the drive chain tension and lubrication (lube with Motul chain paste) |
| Check brake pads and replace if necessary (FA447HH, FA266HH) |
Ducati Panigale V4 S Maintenance Schedule Table
Below is the maintenance schedule for the Ducati Panigale V4 S.
This maintenance schedule is in the same format as in the manual, though altered to fit this screen.
A few notes about maintaining a Ducati Panigale V4 S
- The cams are chain driven, which means no belts to replace. Hooray!
- Some items like brake/clutch fluid, coolant, and fork fluid, need to be replaced periodically (every 2, 3, or 4 years).
- Some of the below items can only be done by a Ducati mechanic (marked [D]) as they need Ducati diagnostic equipment or resources
| km x 1000 | 1 | 12 | 24 | 36 | 48 | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mi x 1000 | 0.6 | 7.5 | 15 | 22.5 | 30 | (months) |
| Annual maintenance checklist (see below) — Perform | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 12 |
| Change engine oil (Motul 300V 15W-50) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 12 |
| Change oil filter (HF159) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 12 |
| Change engine oil mesh filter assembly | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Check and/or adjust valve clearances | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Visually check for wear of the chain timing system | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Visually check the wear of the oil pump drive chain | ✓ | |||||
| Change spark plugs (LMDR10A-JS) | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Clean air filter | ✓ | ✓ | 12 | |||
| Change air filter (P08F1-85) | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Change brake and clutch fluid (Castrol DOT 4) | 24 | |||||
| Check and lubricate the rear wheel shaft | ✓ | ✓ | 24 | |||
| Check steering bearings and lubricate, if necessary | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Change front fork fluid (Shell Donax TA) | 36 | |||||
| Change coolant (ENI Agip Spezial) | ✓ | 48 | ||||
| Replace the fastening screws of clutch cover, clutch protection cover, generator cover, and oil sump | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Check front and rear wheel hub bearings | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Check the cush drive damper on rear sprocket | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Visually check the fuel lines | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| Check secondary air system operation | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| [D] Reset the variable-length intake manifold system (VIS) using DDS 2.0 | ✓ | ✓ | ||||
| [D] Adjust the Bowden cable of the exhaust valve opening through the DDS 2.0 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Annual maintenance checklist
Below is the annual maintenance checklist for the Ducati Panigale V4S. Perform it according to the schedule above.
| Ducati Panigale V4S annual maintenance checklist |
|---|
| [D] Read the error memory with DDS 2.0 and check software version update on control units |
| [D] Check the presence of any technical updates and recall campaigns |
| Check brake and clutch fluid level Fluid level drops with wear of the brake and clutch. Top up with Castrol DOT 4 or similar |
| Check brake pads. Change if necessary |
| Check the proper tightening of brake calliper bolts and brake disk flange screws |
| Check front and rear wheel nuts tightening Front: 63 Nm / 46 lb-ft Rear axle (sprocket side): 230 Nm / 170 lb-ft |
| Check the proper tightening of final drive front and rear sprocket nuts Front sprocket: 55 Nm / 41 lb-ft Rear sprocket: 44 Nm / 32 lb-ft |
| Check final drive chain tension and lubrication (Motul chain care kit) |
| Check final drive chain sliders for wear |
| Visually check the front fork and rear shock absorber seals |
| Check for proper tightening of the frame-to-engine fasteners and swinging arm Front frame to engine fastener: 90 Nm / 66 lb-ft Rear suspension upper to lower mount to engine fastener: 35 Nm / 26 lb-ft Rear lower suspension support to engine fastener: 35 Nm / 26 lb-ft |
| Check the freedom of movement and tightening of the side stand |
| Check rubbing points, clearance, freedom of movement and positioning of hoses and electric wiring in view |
| Lubricate the levers at the handlebar and pedal controls (Lithium soap-based grease) |
| Visually check the coolant level and sealing of the circuit |
| Check electric fan operation |
| Check tyre pressure and wear (See below for standard tire pressures) |
| Check idling |
| Check the battery charge level |
| Check the operation of all electric safety devices (side stand sensor, front and rear brake switches, engine kill switch, gear/neutral sensor) |
| Check lighting devices, turn indicators, horn and controls operation |
| [D] Reset the Service indication through the DDS 2.0 |
| Final test and road test the motorcycle, testing safety devices (e.g. ABS and DTC) |
| Softly clean the motorcycle |
| [D] Fill out that the service was performed in on-board documentation (Service Booklet) |
Ducati Panigale V4S Chain Maintenance
If you ride your Ducati V4S in a “standard” way, then Ducati recommends cleaning and lubricating the chain every 1000 km / 600 miles or 6 months, or earlier if you ride in adverse conditions. But if you ride aggressively, e.g. at the track, then you’ll need to service it more often.
Ducati recommends Shell Advance chain lubricant, but you can use any high-spec chain lube, like Motul chain lubricant for example.
Ducati recommends checking the chain tension / clearance as part of the standard annual service. too. This is how you do so.
To check the chain slack on the Panigale V4 S, measure the distance between the chain and the sliding guard.
- Put the motorcycle on its side stand.
- Push the finger down with a finger and release it.
- Measure the distance between the centre of the chain pins and the chain sliding guard.
Target chain slack for the Ducati Panigale V4S: 23-25 mm (0.9-1.0 inches)
If the chain slack is out of spec, you need to release the two pinch bolts at the rear on the eccentric hub, use an eccentric wrench to adjust the slack, and then tighten the pinch bolts again. (20 Nm / 14 lb-ft).
Tire sizes and pressures for the Ducati Panigale V4 S
The manual says that the Ducati Panigale V4 S arrives shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP “tubeless” tyres, same as on the standard Ducati Panigale V4.
Here are the tire sizes and recommended pressures.
| Wheel | Tire size | Tire pressure (cold) |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 120/70-ZR17 | Road: 2.3 bar (33.36 psi) Track: 2.3 bar (33.36 psi) |
| Rear | 200/60-ZR17 | Road: 2.1 bar (30.46 psi) Track: 1.8 bar (26.10 psi) |
The manual also has suggested tire pressures for if you have a pillion. But that’s a fairly uncommon situation.
About the Ducati Panigale V4 S
The Ducati Panigale V4 S is the latest generation of Ducati Panigale superbike.
In 2018, when Ducati released the Panigale V4 and the V4 S, they overturned decades of a legacy of building high-performance V-twins. A long time ago (in the 90s and 2000s), they dominated WorldSBK with their high-performance liquid-cooled twins, which, thanks to their power delivery and expert riders, did better on the track than their four-cylinder competition.
But 2018 changed everything for the Ducati. These days, there are V4 engines not just in the Panigale superbikes, but also in the Multistrada, Streetfighter, and who knows what else soon.
The Ducati Panigale V4 S, together with the Panigale V4 base model, is the latest in a series of Panigale-branded superbikes that started with the Ducati 1199 Panigale. Even though the V4 engine layout is new, Ducati has kept the Panigale name for the V4 bikes.
The Ducati Panigale V4 S’ engine is a 1103cc 90-degree V4 engine with 4 desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder. The compression ratio is 14.0:1. The engine is liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, and run by full ride-by-wire.
The same engine is used in the Ducati Panigale V4 base model, V4 S, and V4 SP. Only the V4 R has a different engine.
The power output of the 1103cc V4 engine is monstrous — 157.5 kW (214 hp) at 13,000 rpm, and 124 Nm (91.5 lb-ft) @ 10,000 rpm.
To help you keep this in check, Ducati has many rider aids to make sure you don’t loop the thing. The heart of the rider aids is the Bosch 6-axis IMU, giving traction control and ABS, all with lean angle as an input.
There are many other rider aids/safety features too, like wheelie control, slide control, riding modes, brake control, and automatic tyre calibration.
Ducati has released a number of motorcycles to date under the Ducati Panigale V4 moniker.
Here’s how the specs of the Ducati Panigale V4 models compare in a nutshell:
| Model | Panigale V4 | Panigale V4 S, Speciale (Tricolore), Corse | Panigale V4 R | Panigale V4 SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine capacity | 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 | 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 | 998cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 | 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 |
| Peak power | 157.5 kW (214hp) @ 13000 rpm | 157.5 kW (214hp) @ 13000 rpm | 162 kW (221 hp) @ 15250rpm; 174 kW (234 hp) @ 1550 rpm with racing exhaust | 157.5 kW (214hp) @ 13000 rpm |
| Peak torque | 124 Nm (92 ft-lb) @ 1000 rpm | 124 Nm (92 ft-lb) @ 1000 rpm | 112 Nm (83 lb-ft) @ 11,500 rpm – 119 Nm (88lb-ft) @ 11,750 rpm with full-racing exhaust | 124 Nm (92 ft-lb) @ 1000 rpm |
| Clutch | Wet | Wet | Dry | Dry |
| Compression ratio | 14.0:1 | 14.0:1 | 14.0:1 | 14.0:1 |
| Front suspension | Fully adjustable 43mm chromed steel USD Showa BPF fork | Fully adjustable 43mm TiN treated USD NIX30 Öhlins fork, electronic compression/rebound adjustment | Fully adjustable Ø 43 mm Öhlins NPX25/30 pressurized fork with TiN treatment | Fully adjustable 43mm TiN treated USD NIX30 Öhlins fork, electronic compression/rebound adjustment |
| Rear suspension | Fully adjustable Sachs rear shock | Fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 damper, electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment | Fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 unit. Aluminium single-sided swingarm. | Fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 unit. Aluminium single-sided swingarm. |
| Front braking | 2 x 330mm semi-floating discs, Brembo Stylema (M4.30) 4-piston calipers | 2 x 330mm semi-floating discs, Brembo Stylema (M4.30) 4-piston calipers | 2 x 330mm semi-floating discs, Brembo Stylema (M4.30) 4-piston calipers | 2 x 330mm semi-floating discs, Brembo Stylema R calipers, Self-bleeding Brembo MCS19.21 master cylinder with “remote adjuster” |
| Steering damper | Adjustable Sachs | Öhlins, electronically controlled | Öhlins, manually controlled | Öhlins, electronically controlled |
| Wheels | 5-spoke light alloy | 3-spoke Marchesini alloy (“Tri-W”) | 3-spoke Marchesini alloy (“Tri-W” | 5-split spoke carbon fiber (ex-Superleggera) |
| Dry weight | 175 kg (385 lb) | 174 kg (384 lb) | 172 kg (379 lb) | 173 kg (381 lb) |
| Kerb weight (90% fuel) | 198 kg (436 lb) | 195 kg (430 lb) | 193 kg (425 lb) | 194 kg (427 lb) |
The Ducati Panigale V4 S, V4 Speciale, and V4 S Corse all share the same basic specs — though differ significantly in livery.
What distinguishes the Ducati Panigale V4 S from its regular stablemate is three things:
- Suspension — The S version of Ducati superbikes has always benefited from Öhlins suspension, ever since the 999S. But the V4 S get electronically controlled suspension. The fork and rear shock’s compression and rebound damping settings are modified by the Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 event-based computer. This computer also adjusts the damping. Note that not even the R gets electronic suspension (though the Ducati Panigale V4 SP does)
- Wheels — the Panigale V4 S gets lightweight three-spoke (a.k.a. “Tri-W”) wheels that are also on the Ducati Panigale V4 R
- Livery — You can get the V4 S in some of the more special colour schemes, like the Corse or Tricolore colour scheme of the Speciale
Apart from that, the V4 S is identical to the other 1103cc Panigale V4 superbikes.
Ducati Panigale V4 S Owner’s Manual
The above info was sourced from the owner’s manual for the Ducati Panigale V4, also consulting parts fiches and other references.
You can download it from the Ducati website here.
