Motorcycles are joy; full stop. If you're reading RideApart, you probably already at least suspect this to be true. But beyond even that basic observation that we like to treat as fact, there's an extra-special, super-secret (or maybe not-so-secret) joy in the forbidden.
The kind of joy that only comes from doing something you've been told repeatedly that you shouldn't do. Maybe that's just riding motorcycles in the first place, but maybe that's making a bike do something it wasn't made for. Like, say, taking a Honda Gold Wing out and flogging it as an enduro bike. Or launching a Suzuki Hayabusa to conquer Hell's Gate. Chances are excellent that you've seen one or both these things if you've been around the moto Internet in the past couple of years.
And if you're this specific type of reader, then you probably already know that Matt Spears is the guy behind both those builds, as well as their ensuing videos.
What you may or may not know is that he's got a new trick up his sleeve, and it's appropriately wild. I mean, if the thought of a Ducati Panigale V4 snowbike doesn't make your ears perk up, I'm really not sure what will. But Spears did it, with the help of his buddies at CMX, and here's the proof:
It may not be a Diavel, but it is positively diabolical; of that, I have no doubt. Lucky for us, Matt Spears was kind enough to answer a few questions about the build for us. If you want to know more than what you see in the video above, read on.
How loud is that SC Project exhaust? It sounds great in the video, but is it crazy loud?
The SC Project exhaust is incredibly loud—so much so that it constantly overwhelms the camera microphones. I have to wear earplugs while riding, though fortunately, the snow helps dampen some of the noise. Without a doubt, this is the loudest bike I have ever ridden.
Everyone has different thresholds, so what are your personal points where you decide that you need expert help on a build? What things are you comfortable tackling yourself, vs. pulling your friends at CMX into the mix?
That’s a great question! For this build, I relied on experts because the geometry setup is crucial. I don't fully understand the intricate calculations they use, but the angle at which the kit mounts to the bike is make-or-break. If it’s even slightly off, the kit will dig into the snow and cause the bike to get stuck almost immediately.
How different is the Ducati Panigale V4 snowbike's handling on trails vs. deep powder?
The Ducati Panigale V4 snow bike feels unpredictable on packed trails but much more stable in deep snow. The front ski has three skags—metal bars that carve into the snow to provide steering traction. On firm trails, these skags tend to grab aggressively, making the bike feel unsettled.
How does it compare to other snowbikes you've ridden? Also, how does it compare to a snowmobile?
This snow bike is incredible—significantly lighter than my Hayabusa snow bike while boasting four times the power of my 450 snow bike. It’s a completely different experience from riding a snowmobile. The Ducati's power-to-weight ratio surpasses most snowmobiles, making it exceptionally fast.
Has Ducati reached out about this project?
Ducati has not reached out to me—at least not yet. Maybe one day!
What was the hardest part about the build to get right?
The biggest challenge so far has been designing an intake system that works in deep snow. The stock intake was never meant for these conditions, and I’m still figuring out the best solution.
Is there anything you'd do differently, knowing what you've learned from this build, for whatever build comes next?
This build required a lot of traveling, which delayed my timeline considerably. Moving forward, I need to stay closer to home to have more time for filming and less time on the road.
Unrelated to the Ducati, what is your take on EVs as enduros, particularly since you've spent time with the Stark Varg?
EVs are fantastic for enduro riding. I had a Stark Varg briefly, and it felt like a preview of the future. It’s an amazing bike, but I know the next generation of EVs will be even better—especially in terms of battery weight and range.
Do you know (or are you) someone building something insane? Would you like to talk to RideApart about it? Go ahead and drop us a line, or tell us more in the comments!
