Ducati Drop Single-Sided Swingarm - Panigale V4 2025

[@element7us]

when I was introduced to the brand in 05' it was all double sided swingarm! I had never seen the 916 body style (even in the Matrix still haven't seen the film till this day) so I never liked to look of the single sided swingarm when the 1098 came out. Till this day my Ducatis are the double sided swingarm.

[@DonnieDesmo]

Then you're perfect with the new Panigale! Also before the 916 there was no single-sided swingarm on Ducatis. The funny thing is when I saw the single-sider for the first time I also didn't like it. It took me years of bike-nerddom to really get into it. But now I'm all over it, it's like the open dry clutch to me 😁 However, I'm also a big fan of the 999, so nothing's carved in stone.

[@joncollins-oj8ve]

Interesting thoughts on the latest 2025 Panigale. I think now that they have integrated the wings into the fairing and come up with what I think is a stunningly designed 'double' sided swing arm, the overall aesthetic is beautifully balanced... in my opinion.... it will sell like hot cakes to those that can afford one. I' am not one of those people! Where the Chinese copy idea comes from, I have no idea.

[@DonnieDesmo]

Fingers crossed you're right! I've read the Chinese copy thing a couple of times on the internet and I can understand it. I think the problem with the design is that it's an evolution of something else with things that had to be changed to go faster and therefore doesn't feel as complete. You can watch how they designed the original Panigale V4 based on a bird of prey. I don't see that coherence of inspiration on the new one. Maybe they'll reveal something later, but so far I haven't heard of any such clear influence.

[@DustyVisorMotorcycles]

This new swing looks like a clone of the Honda Fireblade one from 20years ago.....

[@DonnieDesmo]

@@DustyVisorMotorcycles I don't even think it's ugly for what it is. It just appears like a big step down from the single-sided one visually.

[@DustyVisorMotorcycles]

@@DonnieDesmo I'm indifferent about the swing arm to be honest............ the traditional swing arm looks more "serious" or race ready....

[@DonnieDesmo]

@DustyVisorMotorcycles There is something toy-ish in general about the looks of the new bike to me, the swingarm plays a big role in that. Maybe that's why it looks so much better with the race exhaust: exposed raw tech.

[@shadimagdy8196]

It will sell! The dealer where I live stopped taking down payment for 2025 and we are talking about v4s not v4!

[@DonnieDesmo]

Sounds good! I hope it launches well without any callbacks or anything. It will be weird, though, that it won't compete in WSBK. Imagine the old taking the title while people ride around on the new one.

[@Rgh71fish]

Maybe the return to a conventional swing arm will shut up the 999 haters a little, although thats doubtful. Even 20+ years later, people still love to shit all over what is in my eyes one of the most stunning motorcycles ever sculpted. As for the new Panigale, I'm sure it will be a success both in racing and in sales. The modern consumer seems to be obsessed with functional aerodynamics. Isn't it ironic then that the more functional (for stiffness) conventional swing arm doesn't get the same response? Customers want to have their cake and eat it too. Me, I will happily stick with my pre-panigale era bikes.

[@DonnieDesmo]

Interesting observation about people contradicting themselves! I always wonder how much criticism on the internet translates into real life. The sales numbers will tell! The underappreciation of the 999 is in decline, I think. I actually prefer the 999 over the 2025 Panigale, because it was unique all over. The new bike just takes the design of the previous one removes some of the pretty parts 😄 But as I've always been saying: I hope it keeps growing on me. It certainly looks better than the competition.

[@DustyVisorMotorcycles]

Agree with the 999 comments, people need to really take another look at that bike. I love my 749.

[@DonnieDesmo]

@@DustyVisorMotorcycles Ever since I started posting 999 videos I get a lot of love for that bike. Either the haters just don't come here, or the tide has turned.

[@DustyVisorMotorcycles]

@@DonnieDesmo The body shape was ahead of it's time for sure.... Plus the good engine....... Did you see the video of my 749S?

[@DonnieDesmo]

​@@DustyVisorMotorcyclesJust watched, very nice! I see it's the 2003 version. My 999 is from that year, too. In contrast to a lot of other people I prefer this version because the metal-colour frame, wheels and swingarm stand out more than the red & black type that came later 👍