ACKO Drive Awards 2026: Ducati Panigale V4 Rides Off With the 2026 Premium Performance Motorcycle Win

The Premium Performance Motorcycle category at the 2026 TOTMs saw a slew of models fighting it out for the crown, and the jury members all had a great time riding these bikes around the BIC. Here were the contenders for the category:

• BMW S 1000 RR
• BMW S 1000 R
• Honda CB1000 Hornet
• Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade
• Ducati Panigale V4
• Ducati Panigale V2
• Ducati Streetfighter V2
• Ducati Streetfighter V4
• Kawasaki Versys 1100
• Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
• Triumph Speed 1200 RS

From this list, it's plain to see how tough the competition was this year. Ducati was present at the jury round in full force with its entire V2 and V4 families of bikes. The other contender on site was the highly popular BMW S 1000 RR. After riding both bikes, it was a close fight between the two, mirroring a debate that is very common in the world superbike racing circus. The jury was split between these two superbikes, but in the end, it was the Ducati Panigale V4 that won the battle.

The Panigale V4 has always been a great machine, but recent improvements made on the swingarm and the mechanicals have taken its riding dynamics to a new level altogether. Another other big update, which swung the ballot in the Ducati’s favour, is ergonomics improvements. This 200 bhp-plus missile is easier to ride than its predecessor. For the sheer drama, precision, and adrenaline the Ducati Panigale V4 offers, it was the most worthy winner of the 2026 Premium Performance Motorcycle category at the 2026 TOTMs.