Ducati Panigale V4 R from Ducati, the iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer, needs no introduction when it comes to performance machines. Ducati, the iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer, needs no introduction when it comes to performance machines. And at the pinnacle of their lineup sits the Ducati Panigale V4 R, a motorcycle that blurs the lines between street legal and purebred race bike. If youโre a rider with a need for speed, a thirst for adrenaline, and a healthy disregard for comfort, the Ducati Panigale V4 R might just be your dream machine.
If you are looking for a superbike that combines style, sophistication, and performance, look no further than the Ducati Panigale V4 R. This bike is the closest thing to a racing prototype that you can buy, and it offers an exhilarating riding experience that will make you feel like a champion. But before you saddle up and unleash its fury, letโs delve deep into its specifications, performance, features, and everything else you need to know.
Specification
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is powered by a 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale 90-degree V4 engine, which is derived from the MotoGP engine. This engine delivers a staggering 221 hp at 15,250 rpm and 112 Nm of torque at 11,500 rpm. With the optional full titanium racing exhaust from Akrapovic, the power output can reach 234 hp at 15,500 rpm.
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The engine features a rearward-rotating crankshaft, which reduces the gyroscopic effect and improves agility. It also has four desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, which ensure precise valve control at high revs. The engine is liquid-cooled and has an electronic fuel injection system with twin injectors per cylinder and full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies with aerodynamic valves.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R has a six-speed gearbox with a quickshifter that allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts. The final drive is by chain, and the clutch is a hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch.
Highlights of Specification
- Engine:ย 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R V4,ย Euro 5 compliant
- Maximum Power:ย 218 hp (162 kW) at 15,500 rpm (237 hp with Akrapoviฤ full racing exhaust)
- Maximum Torque:ย 118 Nm (87 lb-ft) at 11,500 rpm (112 Nm with racing exhaust)
- Dry Weight:ย 167 kg (368 lbs)
- Fuel Tank Capacity:ย 17 liters (4.8 gallons)
- Wheelbase:ย 1434 mm (56.5 in)
- Front Suspension:ย รhlins NPX 25/30 USD fork,ย fully adjustable
- Rear Suspension:ย รhlins TTX36 shock absorber,ย fully adjustable
- Front Brakes:ย Brembo Stylema R Monobloc calipers,ย 330mm discs
- Rear Brake:ย Brembo Stylema R Monobloc caliper,ย 245mm disc
Performance of Ducati Panigale V4 R
Hold onto your handlebars, because the Ducati Panigale V4 R is a force to be reckoned with. Its Desmosedici Stradale R engine, derived from Ducatiโs MotoGP technology, screams to a mind-blowing 16,500 rpm, churning out 218 hp (237 hp with the racing exhaust). This translates to breathtaking acceleration, lightning-fast lap times, and a top speed that would make a jet blush.
But pure power isnโt everything. The Ducati Panigale V4 R is a finely tuned instrument, meticulously crafted for track dominance. The chassis and suspension are race-ready, offering phenomenal handling, agility, and stability. Brembo Stylema R brakes provide mind-numbing stopping power, while the aerodynamic package keeps you planted at high speeds. This is a motorcycle that begs to be pushed to its limits, rewarding skilled riders with an unparalleled riding experience.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R also has a sophisticated electronics package that helps the rider to control the bike and optimize its performance. The electronics include:
- Cornering ABS EVO, which prevents wheel lock-up during braking while leaning
- Ducati Traction Control EVO 2, which adjusts the level of intervention based on the lean angle and the speed of the rear wheel
- Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, which prevents unwanted wheelies while accelerating
- Ducati Slide Control, which allows controlled rear wheel slides while cornering
- Ducati Power Launch, which enables quick starts from a standstill
- Ducati Quick Shift up/down EVO 2, which enables seamless gear changes without using the clutch
- Engine Brake Control EVO, which balances the engine braking force with the rear brake force
- Ducati Electronic Suspension EVO, which automatically adjusts the suspension settings based on the riding mode and conditions
- Ducati Data Analyzer + GPS, which records and analyzes the riding data and shows lap times and trajectories on a map
The rider can choose from three riding modes: Race, Sport, and Street. Each mode has different settings for the engine power, throttle response, traction control, wheelie control, slide control, engine brake control, ABS, suspension, and dashboard display.
Ducati Panigale V4 R Top Speed
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is not only powerful, but also fast and agile. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds, and reach a top speed of over 300 km/h. It has a dry weight of 172 kg (379 lbs) with the racing kit installed, which makes it one of the lightest superbikes on the market.
Chassis and Suspension
The Ducati Panigale V4 R Rboasts a lightweight aluminum frame with a โFront Frameโ design, optimized for rigidity and torsional stiffness. The รhlins NPX 25/30 fork and TTX36 shock absorber are fully adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension for your specific riding style and track conditions. Every component is built for performance, ensuring precise handling and unwavering feedback, even when pushing the boundaries of physics.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R has a lightweight and rigid chassis that enhances its handling and stability. The chassis consists of an aluminum alloy front frame that is attached directly to the engine, a cast magnesium alloy rear subframe that supports the seat and tail section, and an aluminum alloy single-sided swingarm that houses the chain drive.
The suspension system is provided by รhlins, one of the leading brands in high-performance suspension components. The front suspension is an รhlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork with TiN treatment, which offers excellent damping performance and adjustability. The rear suspension is an รhlins TTX36 shock absorber with a titanium spring, which also allows fine-tuning of the preload and damping.
The suspension system is integrated with the Ducati Electronic Suspension EVO system, which automatically adapts to the riding mode and conditions. The rider can also manually adjust the suspension settings using the buttons on the handlebar or through the dashboard menu.
Design and Build
The Ducati Panigale V4 R has a stunning design that reflects its racing DNA. The bike has a sleek and aerodynamic bodywork that incorporates carbon fiber elements such as the front mudguard, the side panels, the wings, and the heel guards. The bike also has a distinctive LED headlight with a daytime running light, a full TFT color dashboard with a 5-inch screen, and a racing-style fuel tank with a capacity of 16 liters.
The bike is available in a single color scheme: Ducati Red with grey accents and black wheels. The bike also features the Ducati Corse logo and the number 04 on the fairing, which is a tribute to the legendary rider Andrea Dovizioso.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is a feast for the eyes, not just for the soul. Its aggressive, aerodynamic design screams performance, with sharp lines, sculpted fairings, and meticulously crafted carbon fiber components. The attention to detail is astounding, from the lightweight Marchesini forged wheels to the titanium fasteners. This is a motorcycle that looks as fast as it goes, a true work of art for adrenaline junkies.
Riding Comfort
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is designed to offer a comfortable and ergonomic riding position for both road and track use. The bike has a narrow seat that is 830 mm (32.7 inches) high, which allows the rider to easily reach the ground and move around the bike. The seat is also padded with a special foam that reduces vibrations and improves comfort.
The bike has a wide and flat handlebar that is mounted on an adjustable riser, which allows the rider to customize the reach and height of the handlebar. The handlebar also has racing-style grips and levers that are easy to operate. The footpegs are also adjustable in three positions, which enables the rider to find the optimal leg position.
The bike has a large windshield that provides good wind protection, and a pair of aerodynamic wings that generate downforce at high speeds, which improves stability and reduces wheelies. The bike also has a pillion seat cover that can be removed to accommodate a passenger.
Letโs be honest, comfort isnโt a priority on the Ducati Panigale V4 R. Its aggressive riding position, limited suspension travel, and lack of creature comforts are all geared towards performance. Youโll be hunched forward, gripping the clip-on handlebars for dear life, as the wind whips past your helmet. Itโs not a motorcycle for cruising down the highway; itโs a weapon built for the racetrack, and comfort takes a back seat to pure performance.
Technical Features
The Ducati Panigale V4 R comes loaded with cutting-edge electronics, designed to enhance performance and safety. It features a six-axis IMU with cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, slide control, engine braking control, and more. You can also adjust various engine maps and ride modes to suit your riding style and the track conditions. The data logger helps you analyze your performance and improve your lap times.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R has some unique technical features that make it stand out from other superbikes. Some of these features are:
- Desmosedici Stradale R engine: This engine is derived from the MotoGP engine, and it has a smaller displacement (998 cc) and a higher rev limit (16,500 rpm) than the standard Panigale V4 engine (1103 cc and 14,500 rpm). This engine also has a special oil developed by Shell in collaboration with Ducati Corse, which enhances its performance and reliability.
- Aerodynamic package: This package consists of two carbon fiber wings on each side of the fairing, which generate downforce at high speeds, which improves stability and reduces wheelies. The wings also have an integrated cooling duct that directs air to the water radiator.
- Racing kit: This kit includes a full titanium racing exhaust from Akrapovic, which increases the power output to 234 hp and reduces the weight by 6 kg (13 lbs). The kit also includes an open clutch cover in carbon fiber, which exposes the dry clutch and gives it a distinctive sound.
- Biplane wings: These are an optional accessory that can be mounted on the fairing instead of the standard wings. These wings have a biplane design inspired by the MotoGP bike, and they generate more downforce than the standard wings (50 kg vs 30 kg at 270 km/h).
Service and Customization
Owning a Panigale V4 R is a commitment. Regular maintenance and servicing are crucial, and Ducati recommends using authorized dealerships with specialized technicians. Fortunately, the bike features easily accessible components for maintenance. Customization options are available, including a wide range of performance-oriented parts and accessories from Ducati Performance.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R requires regular service and maintenance to keep it in optimal condition. The service intervals are:
- Oil change: every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 12 months
- Valve clearance check: every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 24 months
- Timing belt replacement: every 60,000 km (37,500 miles) or 60 months
The service costs may vary depending on the dealer and the country. The bike also comes with a two-year unlimited mileage warranty.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R can be customized with various accessories from Ducati Performance, such as:
- Carbon fiber parts: such as front mudguard, rear mudguard, heel guards, swingarm cover, etc.
- Racing parts: such as racing seat, racing screen, racing footpegs, racing brake lever guard, etc.
- Protection parts: such as tank protector, frame protector, wheel stickers, etc.
- Electronic parts: such as lap timer, GPS module, data logger, etc.
Ducati Panigale V4 Price
The Ducati Panigale V4 R doesnโt come cheap. Its starting price of โน69.99 lakhs (Ex-Showroom India) reflects its premium materials, advanced technology, and unparalleled performance. However, for those who demand the absolute best, the price tag is a small barrier to entry into the world of elite track-focused motorcycles.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is one of the most expensive superbikes on the market. The price of the bike is:
- MSRP: $40,000 USD / $47,995 CAD
- Racing kit: $6,250 USD / $7,495 CAD
- Biplane wings: $1,500 USD / $1,795 CAD
The price may vary depending on the dealer and the country. The bike also comes with some exclusive benefits for its owners, such as:
- Access to Ducati Riding Experience Racing courses
- Invitation to Ducati events and track days
- Priority delivery of spare parts
- Dedicated customer service
Who should buy the Ducati Panigale V4 R?
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is not for everyone. Hereโs a breakdown of who should consider buying it, and who might be better suited to other options:
Ideal Owners:
- Experienced Track Riders:ย This is the bikeโs natural habitat. If you spend most weekends carving corners on closed circuits and crave the ultimate performance edge, the V4 R shines. Your skills and comfort with high-performance machines are crucial.
- Tech Enthusiasts:ย Appreciate cutting-edge technology? This bike is a rolling showcase of MotoGP-derived innovations, from the engine to the electronics. Be prepared to tinker and understand complex systems.
- Collectors:ย The V4 Rโs exclusivity and potential collectorโs item status might appeal to those who prioritize owning a rare, high-performance machine. Remember, practicality takes a backseat here.
- Financial Comfort:ย Owning and maintaining this beast isnโt cheap. Fuel, tires, maintenance, and track expenses add up quickly. Ensure your finances comfortably accommodate this commitment.
Think Twice Before Buying:
- Street Riders:ย This isnโt a comfortable commuter or weekend cruiser. Its aggressive ergonomics, limited fuel range, and high running costs make it impractical for everyday use.
- New or Inexperienced Riders:ย Mastering this machine demands exceptional skill and experience. If youโre new to motorcycling or havenโt honed your track riding skills, consider starting with a less demanding and forgiving bike.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers:ย The high price tag, coupled with ongoing costs, makes this a significant investment. If budget is a concern, explore more affordable high-performance options that align with your needs.
Competitor
The Ducati Panigale V4 R faces tough competition from other superbikes in its segment, such as the BMW S 1000 RR, the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R. These bikes are also powered by high-revving inline-four engines that deliver over 200 bhp of power and come with advanced electronic rider aids. However, none of them can match the Panigale V4 R in terms of sheer power output, MotoGP-derived technology and aerodynamic design.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R doesnโt exist in a vacuum. It shares the track with other formidable competitors, each vying for the title of ultimate supersport machine. Some of its key rivals include:
- Aprilia RSV4 1100 Factory
- BMW S 1000 RR
- Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
- Kawasaki Ninja H2
- Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
- Yamaha YZF-R1M
Each of these bikes boasts impressive performance and cutting-edge technology, making the competition fierce. But the V4 R stands out with its unique combination of Desmosedici Stradale R engine, advanced aerodynamics, and rider-focused electronics package.
Conclusion
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is a superbike that has no compromises. It is designed to offer the ultimate performance on the track, while still being street-legal and road-worthy. It is a bike that combines the best of Ducatiโs racing heritage with its engineering excellence. It is a bike that will satisfy the most demanding riders who want to experience what it feels like to ride a MotoGP or WorldSBK machine.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is not for everyone. Itโs a machine built for the racetrack, demanding a skilled rider and a deep commitment to performance. But for those who crave the ultimate in speed, control, and riding experience, the Panigale V4 R is a dream come true. Itโs a rolling sculpture of Italian passion, a testament to the relentless pursuit of two-wheeled perfection.
