New Panigale V4 R: the maximum expression of Ducati racing technology
The new Panigale V4 R is a limited-edition motorcycle designed for Superbike racing, featuring a 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine with 218 hp and MotoGP-inspired technology like Corner Sidepods and a Ducati Racing Gearbox. It boasts a top speed exceeding 330 km/h with a racing exhaust and incorporates a redesigned chassis for improved grip and handling. The Panigale V4 R is a direct descendant of Ducati’s successful racing heritage, offering enthusiasts a road-approved motorcycle with unparalleled performance.
The new Panigale V4 R is a limited-edition motorcycle designed for Superbike racing, featuring a 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine with 218 hp and MotoGP-inspired technology like Corner Sidepods and a Ducati Racing Gearbox. It boasts a top speed exceeding 330 km/h with a racing exhaust and incorporates a redesigned chassis for improved grip and handling. The Panigale V4 R is a direct descendant of Ducati’s successful racing heritage, offering enthusiasts a road-approved motorcycle with unparalleled performance.
With a new episode of Ducati World Première 2026, the Borgo Panigale manufacturer presents the new Panigale V4 R (here is the direct link to the video), a model based on the seventh generation Ducati sports bike. The new Panigale V4 R embodies all of Ducati’s successes in MotoGP and Superbike. It was developed to compete in the World Superbike Championship and, at the same time, to offer Ducati enthusiasts the best sports bike, introducing unique features derived from the world of racing, never before seen on a road-approved motorcycle.
The new Panigale V4 R is the latest descendant of a saga which has its origins in the legendary 996R of 2001. These motorcycles have always been the starting point for the Superbikes that compete in the World Championship, and for this reason they are the most noble of Ducati’s sports bikes. The Panigale V4 R is produced in a numbered series, with the model name and serial number proudly displayed on the steering plate.
Thanks to constant and close collaboration with Ducati Corse, the Panigale V4R introduces for the first time on a road-approved motorcycle solutions born in competition, such as Corner Sidepods, which Ducati brought to MotoGP for the first time in 2021, and the Ducati Racing Gearbox (DRG) with Ducati Neutral Lock (DNL).
The heart of the Panigale V4 R, the 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, was designed to compete in the Superbike World Championship and has been developed in this latest version in line with Ducati Corse’s MotoGP philosophy. It offers more sustained torque and power curves across the entire range of use and superior acceleration. The power curve confirms the maximum value of 218 hp but is more sustained with an average gain of 4 hp from 4,000 rpm up to maximum power, regaining the advantage over the previous model of the same value in top speed, at 16,000 rpm.
The torque curve, on the other hand, is positioned higher than the previous model, with a gain of 7% at 6,000 rpm and 3% in the maximum value of 114.5 Nm at 12,000 rpm. These values are the result of the great work done by Ducati engineers to homologate the new Panigale V4 R Euro5+, without sacrificing the pursuit of the best performance on the track. The Panigale V4 R is capable of a top speed of 318.4 km/h, which increases to 330.6 km/h in racing exhaust configuration. Until yesterday, this speed was the exclusive prerogative of MotoGP.
The new Panigale V4R inherits the Front Frame and “Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm” from the seventh generation of Ducati sports bikes, developed in collaboration with Ducati Corse according to specific stiffness values necessary to maximise the performance of the current slick tyres used in the World Superbike Championship.
Aerodynamics
The new Panigale V4 R is equipped, for the first time ever on a production motorcycle, with Corner Sidepods, a solution introduced by Ducati in 2021 in MotoGP. An innovative aerodynamic content for two wheels as well as wings, introduced in MotoGP back in 2010 by the Borgo Panigale manufacturer. Designed to work at high lean angles, Corner Sidepods generate a ‘ground effect’, ensuring a higher level of grip for the tyres and thus allowing higher speeds and therefore lower lap times. When riding, especially at high speeds, the rider clearly feels that the bike, as soon as it reaches the centre of the corner, has already naturally moved to the inside, keeping tighter lines. This means that the acceleration phase when exiting the corner takes place along a tighter radius.
The fairing design introduced with the Panigale V4 2025 on the V4 R features new, larger wings capable of generating greater downforce. The load increases by 25%, which translates into an increase in downforce of 4.8 kg at 270 km/h and 6 kg at 300 km/h, with significant benefits in terms of stability during acceleration and precision at high speeds.
To achieve the best performance in racing, the Panigale V4 R is equipped with a dynamic front air intake, developed with Ducati Corse, which increases the amount of air drawn into the engine. This increases the intake air pressure and, consequently, the power (+1.3 hp) at maximum speed, greatly benefiting performance on straights.
The combination of the seat/tank and footpegs, positioned 10 mm further inwards than on the previous V4 R, provides even better support for the rider in racing use. This ergonomic configuration, inherited from the seventh-generation Ducati sportbike, makes it easier to assume an aerodynamic position, push on the footpegs, and improves control when braking and in the middle of corners, when the rider leans inwards. This makes it easier and less tiring to get the most out of the Panigale V4 R’s performance, both on a single lap and in a prolonged session.
MotoGP-derived Engine
The heart of the Panigale V4 R is the 998 cm³ Desmosedici Stradale R engine designed to compete in the World Superbike Championship. An engine derived from the Ducati MotoGP, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 16,500 rpm in sixth gear (16,000 in the other gears) and delivering a maximum power output of 218 hp at 15,500 rpm (in Euro-5+ configuration), absolute benchmark values in the category for engines of the same displacement.
To create the best possible technical base for the World Superbike Championship, the new Desmosedici Stradale R is equipped with new pistons that are even lighter (-5.1%) and a new crankshaft with increased inertia. This solution, which follows Ducati’s development strategy in MotoGP, makes the engine response more progressive, effectively representing a production, homologated version of the Desmosedici used by Marc Marquez and Pecco Bagnaia.
Despite the limitations imposed by the exhaust system, which complies with the stringent Euro-5+ homologation, the new Desmosedici Stradale R maintains the maximum power of its predecessor while offering a more sustained torque curve at medium revs. The full potential of this engine is expressed on the track by fitting the racing exhaust, which allows it to reach 235 hp, rising to 239 hp with the use of Ducati Corse Performance Oil.
To achieve this performance in compliance with the stringent Euro5+ regulations, Ducati engineers have completely redesigned the intake side and consequently defined exhaust cams with a different profile that optimise combustion. The sub-throttle injectors have been repositioned , increasing combustion efficiency at low revs and duct permeability (+1.5%) in the higher power range. The high-permeability polyester air filter reduces pressure loss compared to a traditional filter, contributing to maximum power delivery.
Racing Gearbox
The new Panigale V4 R is equipped with a racing-style gearbox layout. The Ducati Racing Gearbox (DRG) positions neutral under the first gear, rather than between first and second, exactly like it happens on MotoGP and factory Superbikes. Thanks to the Ducati Neutral Lock (DNL) system, this solution eliminates the possibility of accidentally engaging neutral gear and finding yourself without engine braking in the final and most delicate phase of braking, when entering corners in first gear.
Furthermore, the absence of neutral between first and second gear makes shifting between these two gears faster, smoother and more repeatable than with a traditional gearbox configuration. The Ducati Neutral Lock system, patented by Ducati, can be disengaged by operating the lever on the right handlebar. To engage neutral, the rider must therefore perform the same manoeuvres as the official riders in MotoGP and Superbike.
Frame and swingarm
The new Panigale V4 R is based on the chassis concepts of the Panigale V4 2025, namely the Front Frame, which has been redesigned to reduce lateral stiffness (-40%), and above all the Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm. These two solutions were strongly desired by Ducati Corse in order to maximise the grip of the current slick tyres and transfer the engine’s maximum performance to the ground. The new frame and swingarm allow the bike to close trajectories better, also improving traction when exiting corners and the rider’s feeling during acceleration.
The Panigale V4 R is equipped with a pressurised Öhlins NPX25/30 fork with 43 mm stanchions and a mechanical Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber, with specific settings for the new generation. In addition, the V4 R features the new Öhlins SD20 steering damper, a first on a production motorcycle, which provides better damping and a wider range of adjustments.
Being a bike designed for racing, the V4 R offers extensive possibilities for adjusting the set-up to suit the characteristics of different circuits and the rider’s riding style. The swingarm pivot height is adjustable to 4 positions in 2 mm steps. As on the Superbike version, the rear height is adjustable via the suspension tie rod over a wider range (32.4 mm compared to 13 mm of wheel travel) than on the previous V4 R. Finally, the rear shock absorber is designed for the installation of a linear suspension travel sensor.
The data transmitted by the sensors is integrated with other signals relating to the motorcycle’s operation and is collected via the Ducati Data Logger (DDL), Ducati’s new professional data acquisition system that reduces motorcycle set-up times, also available as a Ducati Performance accessory.
The new Panigale V4 R is equipped with forged aluminium alloy wheels with 5 tangential spokes, fitted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP v4 tyres in sizes 120/70 ZR 17 for the front and 200/60 ZR 17 for the rear. For track use, the same Pirelli slick tyres used in the Superbike World Championship can be fitted without the need for any modifications to the vehicle, in sizes 125/70 at the front and 200/65 at the rear. High-performance compounds are available for these tyres, such as the SC0, the super-soft SCX and the SCQ, reserved for qualifying laps.
As for the brakes, the front brake calipers are the new Brembo Hypure, which work in conjunction with 330 mm discs. The system guarantees excellent braking power and greater efficiency in dispersing heat, offering more consistent performance and, therefore, greater effectiveness and safety for the rider in pushing their limits.
Electronics
The electronics package of the new Panigale V4 R has evolved significantly compared to the previous model, thanks to the Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO) algorithm, developed directly by Ducati Corse, and the application of Cornering ABS with combined braking, which debuted on the Panigale V4.
Compared to the Panigale V4, the V4 R electronics implementation differs in terms of new performance-oriented combined braking strategies, called Race Brake Control , and the application of DVO extended to engine braking control. The Race Brake Control logic is the result of internal development at Ducati and allows the riding techniques of professional riders to be emulated with results even superior to those achieved by the Panigale V4.
Specifically, Race Brake Control allows for much greater use of the rear brake than on the Panigale V4, thanks to an even more precise calculation method that allows greater pressure to be applied at different roll angles. This allows the rider to move the braking point further forward, as the system allows for greater deceleration in the final phase of the braking distance up to the rear wheel lock-up limit, as MotoGP and Superbike riders do. The new engine brake control system also contributes to this, which, thanks to the use of DVO, allows for more accurate management of the forces applied to the tyre , making the engine’s braking action even more progressive and predictable.
The new electronic package is managed through the 6.9″ dashboard already introduced with the Panigale V4, which offers two display modes, Track and Road, and an interface based on graphic views with information on performance and vehicle status. The version fitted on the Panigale V4 R has a view developed specifically for track use, called Grip Meter, which supports the rider in the pursuit of maximum performance by graphically displaying the estimated grip available at that moment.
Accessories
To further enhance the effectiveness of this bike on the track, Ducati Performance offers a wide range of accessories to complete and enhance your Panigale V4 R. The Ducati DAVC Race Pro software , available as a Ducati Performance accessory, was developed in collaboration with Ducati Corse engineers to optimize engine calibrations and control strategies, thus achieving maximum performance in track configuration and with slick or rain tyres.
Ducati Performance accessories also include the Ducati Data Logger, carbon fibre rims (-0.950 grams compared to the already lightweight forged rims) that improve all aspects of dynamics, PRO and PRO+ front brake packages, racing fairings, footpegs and everything else needed to make the new Panigale V4 R even more effective on the track.
A complete overview of accessories is available in the dedicated section of the Ducati.comwebsite. Using the configurator , you can customize your Panigale V4 R and share the configuration with your trusted dealer.
Availability
The Ducati Panigale V4 R will arrive in European dealerships in November 2025. Distribution in other countries, starting with the United States, will begin the following month.
Panigale V4 R
- Colour
- Ducati Red
- Main standard features
- Desmosedici Stradale R engine, 998 cc
- Maximum power of 218 hp at 15,750 rpm (US VERSION: 208.4 @ 13,250 rpm) (235 hp at 15,750 rpm with racing exhaust accessory, 238.5 hp with racing exhaust and Ducati Corse oil)
- Forged steel crankshaft with increased inertia
- New, more efficient front dynamic air intake
- Lighter (-5.1%) cast aluminium pistons with DLC coating on one segment of the skirt plus oil scraper ring
- Ducati Racing Gearbox (DRG) with Ducati Neutral Lock (DNL)
- Gun-drilled titanium connecting rods with controlled shot peening
- Titanium intake valves
- Oval throttle bodies with an equivalent diameter of 56 mm, sub-throttle injector and reversed-opening throttle valves
- Dedicated variable-length intake trumpets shortened by 10 mm vs. MY 2024
- Cylinder heads with optimized intake ducts
- Sprintfilter P08 high-permeability air filter
- Kerb weight without fuel: 186.5 kg
- Front Frame
- 17-litre aluminium fuel tank
- Manually adjustable Öhlins NPX 25-30 pressurized fork with 125 mm travel
- Manually adjustable Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber with 316 mm wheelbase
- Manually adjustable Öhlins steering damper
- Forged aluminium wheels
- Lithium battery
- Braking system with Brembo Hypure™ monobloc calipers
- Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V4 tyres with 200/60 rear
- MotoGP-derived corner sidepods
- Larger biplane wings (+20 mm vs. Panigale V4 S, +25% downforce at 270 km/h)
- Ducati Vehicle Observer Strategy
- Latest-generation electronics package with 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU): ABS Cornering with combined braking and Race Brake Control ; Ducati Traction Control (DTC) DVO; Ducati Slide Control (DSC); Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) DVO; Ducati Power Launch (DPL) DVO; Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0; Engine Brake Control (EBC)
- Buttons for quick level changes
- New 6.9″ full-TFT dashboard with 8:3 aspect ratio
- Riding Modes (Race A, Race B, Sport, Road, Wet)
- Full-LED headlights with DRLs and turn indicators integrated into the headlight*
- Single-seater configuration
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