The Technic Ducati Panigale V4 R called my name as soon as I saw the first pictures of it in the reveal article. Normally I comfortably pass by the Technic sets at the local Toys R Us (there is no LEGO® Store on Vancouver Island), but the Ducati intrigued me. Interestingly, I am not a fan of racing style street bikes, yet I still had to have this one. Whether you are a Technic fan, a motorcyle fan, or a LEGO® fan looking to try something new, the Ducati Panigale is worth putting on your list.
DUCATI PANIGALE V4 R SUMMARY
- NAME: Ducati Panigale V4 R
- SET #: 42107
- THEME: Technic
- COST: $99.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 646
- RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2020 (retiring December 31, 2022)
- COST/BRICK: $0.15
- DIMENSIONS: 32cm long x 16cm high x 8cm wide
DUCATI PANIGALE V4 R QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 84% (good value)
- BUILD: 85%
- ENTERTAINMENT: 90%
- OVERALL SCORE: 86% (solid performer)
DUCATI PANIGALE V4 R REVIEW
VALUE: 84%
The Ducati Panigale costs $99.99 at most retailers in Canada. However, I snagged it for $84.99 at Costco.ca where it is still available. This set has 646 pieces resulting in a cost per brick of $0.15 which translates to 76% when compared to other sets reviewed by True North Bricks (system and Technic). The build took much longer than I expected for a 646 pieces set. Granted, I am not a Technic builder so I am likely slower than more avid Technic fans. In the end, the Ducati took me 2 hours and 45 minutes to build at a value of $0.61/minute. This translates to an excellent value score of 92%. Even if you build it in just shy of 2 hours, you will still come in at the average build value of $0.85/minute (80%). Averaging both my scores gives the Ducati an overall value score of 84% (good value).
BUILD: 85%
As a non-Technic builder, there were aspects of this model (and likely any Technic model) that were challenging and others that were really interesting. After opening the box (it has the thumb punch-outs but I used a knife) I was surprised to see the bags were not numbered. The box also includes two rims (same size), two wheels (different size), a sticker sheet (I lucked out and it was flat), and a transparent plastic windshield. Interestingly, by the time I had done about a dozen steps I already opened 5 bags. I needed all the bags open by step 22. This made for a LOT of tiny Technic pieces in my build tray.
I really like that you start the model by creating a frame where you will fit the majority of the pieces. The compact nature of this model is quite astounding. I am not sure I will ever be able to take it apart! You also start building the gear system early on. The gear mechanism uses the LEGO gear driving ring and the changeover rotary catch. You do need to make sure you line these up correctly, but there are detailed photos in the instructions to guide you.
Start your engine!
The two-speed gear box is then connected to the V4-cylinder engine. The engine itself is quite fun to put together and the functionality is really neat. It is built using connecting rods and a crankshaft element to offset the two pairs of pistons.
Both the gear box and the engine are nestled within the frame you build at the beginning. You also add a LOT of other gears of various sizes. It was quite interesting to see how these work together. You then add a layer of beams and to my surprise, more gears! You then add the first of two elastic bands.
Once you complete the steps there is a QR code in the instructions. If you scan it with your smartphone you are taken to LEGO.com to watch a video showing how to shift between gears. No smart phone, no worries. For those who do not have a smart phone, there are physical instructions in the booklet showing the position for 1st gear and 2nd gear.
Rolling along
One of my favourite aspects of the large LEGO® vehicle models are the tires. And the tires on the Ducati Panigale are awesome! The construction of the rear wheel mount is quite specific in terms of how you align the cross axle and pins. True to the real Panigale, the rear tire is fatter than the front tire. In addition, both the front and rear tires are paired with front and rear suspension for realistic movement.
When I first opened the box and saw the transparent windshield, I was curious how it was going to attach to the motorcycle. Interestingly, you use two ninja swords to attach the windshield. And it works great! Just inside the windshield sits the dashboard. It has some nice detail but unfortunately it is a sticker rather than a printed tile.
A spitting image
The last step is to attach the various Technic panels. This includes adding a number of stickers. Generally I am not a fan of stickers, but I decided to apply them to the model to match the decals on the real-life motorcycle. The set also comes with a bike stand. The construction is simple but it looks very similar to the real-life version, and it works great. I am astounded at how similar the finished model looks to the real-life Ducati Panigale V4 R.
Although I struggled a bit with some of the steps, I suspect it is because I am a new Technic builder. I am quite amazed at how the designers are able to create such compact and sleek models filled with so much functionality using a variety of beams, pins, and axles. Overall, I give this set a build value of 85%.
ENTERTAINMENT: 90%
I am not sure how much entertainment value there is in the build experience for non-Technic LEGO® fans. However, there are interesting aspects and there is a lot of entertainment value once you have put the model together. The Ducati Panigale V4 R is loaded with features. It has front and rear shocks, working steering, a two-speed gear selector, and an authentic and functional display stand.
Not only does the stand look like the one on the Ducati website, but it also allows you to display the model more easily. And it looks really sharp on display! It is also easy to remove from the stand which is nice. As you roll the model along you can see the chain going around the gears. You can also switch between the two gears using a small lever. This functionality is a first for Technic motorcycles.
The windshield and tires are two other great features of this set. Both help give it that authentic Ducati Panigale look. I must admit, I am a sucker for awesome tires and I will likely be using these for a future MOC (My Own Creation). The finished model is fun to play with and looks great on display! Overall, the Ducati Panigale V4 R earns an entertainment score of 90%.
OVERALL SCORE: 86%
As mentioned earlier, I had my eye on this set since it was first revealed. Given I am not a Technic builder and won’t be using the parts for a MOC (other than the tires), I am glad I was able to find it for a lower price. That said, if you are a Technic builder, love motorcycles, or like to display your LEGO® models, then the regular retail price of this set is worth it. But get it before it’s too late, as it is set to retire at the end of 2022. The build experience had a lot of interesting features and I like the compact nature of the build even though the model itself is quite large! The final model looks great and has lots of cool features even though it is not motorized. The overall score for the Technic Ducati Panigale V4 R is 86%.
What do you think of the Ducati Panigale V4 R? If you’ve built the Harley Davidson Fat Boy, how does it compare? Tell us below or share your thoughts with us on social media.
Play well folks,
-Krista (she/her)
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