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New Ducati Panigale V4 R

The new Ducati Panigale V4 R 2023 is recognizable from first sight thanks to the presence of carbon wings and the MotoGP-inspired livery, which incorporates the white plates with the number “1. For the first time, the motorcycle is produced in a numbered series with the progressive number and model name on the billet aluminum handlebars.

Desmosedici Stradale R

At the heart of the Panigale V4 R is the new 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R, an engine that can reach a maximum speed of 16,500 rpm in sixth gear (16,000 in the other ratios) and delivers maximum power of 218 hp at 15,500 rpm.

Despite all the improvements, the new Desmosedici Stradale R delivers slightly less power than the previous version due to the limitation of the exhaust system complying with the strict Euro-5 homologation standard. However, the full potential of this engine is expressed on the track by the installation of the racing exhaust, which allows it to reach 237 hp, 3 hp more than its predecessor.

Special oil

During the development of the engine block of the new Panigale V4 R, a special oil was also developed by Shell in cooperation with Ducati Corse. The new performance oil guarantees a 10% reduction in mechanical friction and leads to a further 3.5 hp increase in maximum power, rising to +4.5 hp at the limiter. Thus, with the combination of racing exhaust and special oil, the maximum power of the Panigale V4 R can reach 240.5 hp. Gulp!

Titanium connecting rods

For the first time on a street motorcycle, “gun drilled” titanium connecting rods are used, drilled longitudinally (1.6 mm diameter hole). This solution, which allows the passage of oil from the head to the small end, improves lubrication and reliability in extreme conditions.

Diamond Like Carbon

The pistons of the Desmosedici Stradale R have a Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) surface treatment, a solution used in MotoGP and Formula 1 that reduces friction between piston and liner. The pistons also have a new geometry that makes them 5 grams lighter (equivalent to 2% of their weight), reducing inertial forces, which improves reliability.

The other changes involve a more aggressive intake cam profile, characterized in this version by increased elevator (1 mm) and coupled with new variable-length horns, which are 5 mm shorter in the short configuration. This modification improves breathing at high speeds, thus increasing maximum power in the configuration with racing exhaust.

Gear ratios

The Panigale V4 R adopts the same gear ratios as the bikes competing in the WorldSBK championship, as was already the case with the 2022 Panigale V4 S, with an extension of the first (+ 11.6%), second (+ 5.6%) and sixth gears (+ 1.8%) compared to the previous model.

So first gear becomes more usable on the track, with the benefits being better engine control when braking and better acceleration when exiting corners. Moreover, the smaller jump between first and second gear allows the Ducati Quick Shift – the subject of a major evolution of strategy that improves smoothness at each opening degree of the throttle – to work more effectively, increasing the effectiveness of the new racing pattern.

Dry clutch

The Desmosedici Stradale R in the 2023 version is also equipped with a new dry clutch derived from the development of the version used in WorldSBK by the official Ducati team. The diameter and axial length were reduced (-24 mm) and, above all, the weight was reduced by about 800 grams.

Track Evo

The greater effectiveness of the Ducati Panigale V4 R 2023 on the track is also due to the application of all the electronic evolutions already introduced on the Panigale V4 ’22 and ’23, with the extension and evolution of the Power Modes, the new “Track Evo” display on the dashboard, engine maps with calibration for each individual gear, refinements to the Ducati Traction Control and Ride By Wire system, as well as the application of the Engine Brake Control EVO 2 strategy, the new strategy for the DQS and the update of the cooling fan control.

To make the Panigale V4 R even faster and more usable in racing, the Power Mode logic already successfully implemented on the Panigale V4 and V4 S has been adopted, obviously with calibrations specifically for the Desmosedici Stradale R engine.

Four engine block strategies

There are four engine block strategies: Full, High, Medium and Low. Full and Low have been redesigned, while the High and Medium configurations have been revised. In Full Power Mode, the full potential of the engine is expressed with torque curves with no electronic filters except in first gear. For the Medium and High Power Modes, a new Ride by Wire map management system has been developed with specific calibration for each of the six gears, ensuring that the rider always gets optimal drive every time the throttle is opened.

Low Power Mode, on the other hand, is designed for on-road or low-grip riding, limiting the motorcycle’s maximum power to 160 hp and making throttle response particularly manageable.

The motorcycle’s operating parameters can be viewed even better thanks to the new dashboard graphics , distinguished by a revised distribution of the functions of the warning lights outside the screen. The main change on the Panigale V4 R, already introduced on the V4 S, concerns the interface, which evolves with the addition of a new info mode developed by MotoGP riders called “Track Evo,” added to the already existing “Road” and “Track.

Engine Brake Control

The Ducati Panigale V4 R further features Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO 2. This electronic motor brake management system has different calibration per gear at each of the three selectable levels. The strategy was developed to optimize engine brake intensity according to rear axle load.

Ducati Quick Shift

The Panigale V4 R uses a new Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) strategy that improves smooth shifting at every degree of throttle opening, both when partially open and when fully open. With the throttle partially opened, the strategy works both by interrupting the previous strategy and reducing the run-up, making the action smoother when used on the road thanks to the absence of engine shutdown and restart. In full throttle shifting, typical of track use, the DQS strategy has been refined with an evolution of the torque return phase that guarantees the bike more stability and a more homogeneous and therefore more efficient ride in lap time.

In addition to these changes, there is also an update to the cooling fan control strategy, which now allows better management of operating temperatures and also reduces the accumulation of heat typical at the end of circuit sessions. In addition, this strategy ensures greater thermal comfort for the rider at typical speeds for road use.

Special software

For those who use the Panigale V4 R only on the track, the Bologna-based company has developed the specific Ducati Performance DTC EVO 3 software for slicks and rain tires (sold as an accessory, which means the V4 R is not approved for road use), which now also allows the activation of the rear light flashing, as required by racing regulations in case of rain, and replaces the Street Riding Mode with a Rain Mode specifically designed for use on wet surfaces.

To improve ride feel when opening and operating the throttle, a new throttle control system was chosen that is 50% more compact and features radial and axial clearances reduced to a minimum, and has virtually no initial idle stroke. Finally, as with racing motorcycles, there is a pit limiter to limit speed when exiting and entering the pit lane.

Hardware Ducati Panigale V4 R

The Panigale V4 R remains based on the “Front Frame” and single-sided aluminum swingarm of the Ducati Panigale family. It is possible to adjust the height of the rear bridge hinge in 4 positions in 2 mm increments.

Öhlins

To increase agility, rider feel and grip, the Panigale V4 R’s chassis also follows the evolutionary direction taken by the Panigale V4/V4 S with the 2022 model, while retaining fully mechanical suspension tuning. At the front, the Öhlins NPX25/30 compression fork increases its suspension travel by 5 mm over the previous “R”. This technical solution, combined with an Öhlins TTX36 shock whose center distance goes from 312 to 316 mm and a standard setting of the swingarm pivot in the +1 position, increases the rear height by 20 mm. In this way, a higher center of gravity is achieved and thus greater maneuverability when entering turns and changing direction.

Shock absorber

The use of a less rigid shock absorber spring (from 105 N/mm to 80 N/mm) and a lower load on the ground at the front due to the longer suspension travel of the front fork, as well as the improvement in the ability to “copy” the asphalt, accentuates the load transfer by taking advantage of the larger negative stroke of the suspension, increasing grip and feel when entering corners. At the same time, the increased suspension travel of the front fork ensures that the front wheel maintains contact with the asphalt even with stronger load transfer to the rear during acceleration, while the position of the pivot point of the swingarm reinforces the anti-squat effect by providing stability, precision and the ability to maintain trajectory when exiting corners. Finally, to speed up and simplify calibration, the rear shock absorber is equipped with a hydraulic pre-load adjusting screw.

Fuel tank

The superstructure of the Ducati supersport bike has also been updated, with the use of a brushed aluminum tank with a capacity increased to 17 liters and a profile that better supports the rider’s arms and legs when braking and cornering. The changes to the tank come on top of a flatter saddle, with a smaller amount of foam and with a different padding, which on the one hand ensures greater longitudinal freedom of movement and on the other helps the rider become more stable when needed.

Aerodynamic package

On the
Ducati Panigale V4 R
the aerodynamic package has also been revised for greater efficiency: the new two-element wings (main + valve wings) guarantee the same aerodynamic load, but are more compact and thinner (40% and 50% respectively).

To improve the cooling of the engine block and stabilize its performance in extreme track use, the fairing has been modified in terms of the layout of the exhaust hoods in the lower section, and complies with the World Superbike Championship regulations. Also in the lower section, on the left side, is an air intake to cool the Ducati Quick Shift’s sensor.

Accessories

To further increase efficiency in track use, Ducati Performance offers a wide range of accessories to complete and beautify the Panigale V4 R . It starts with the Akrapovič titanium full dual muffler under-seat exhaust system, which improves the V4 R’s already low weight/power ratio thanks to a 5 kg weight reduction over the standard system and the increase in power to 237 hp. The exhaust comes with a specific mapping that adjusts all DTC, DWC, DPL and DSC parameters to the new performance of the motorcycle.

Further relief is made possible by the installation of magnesium rims, which guarantee a saving of 0.7 kg (- 10%) over the already light forged original rims, improving all aspects of dynamics and especially agility when entering corners and changing direction.

Adjustable aluminum footrests

To better adjust the riding position, adjustable aluminum footpegs are available, developed by Ducati Corse in collaboration with Rizoma. They feature hinged brake and shift pedals to minimize the risk of breakage during a skid, and they use the standard DQS, which can be configured as either a traditional shifter or a reverse/racing shifter.

The Pit Stop accessory package includes tire warmers and garage stands so you can approach your track sessions in the best conditions. Those who want to use Slick or Rain tires can opt for the DTC EVO 3 software, which introduces the specific calibrations of the electronic controls.

To further embellish the Panigale V4 R, it is also possible to take one or more of the carbon fiber components for the superstructure, from the rear fender to protections for the frame, swingarm, sprocket and crankcase, and even to details such as the front brake cooling ducts, which improve track performance and make braking more efficient and consistent

Starting price in Belgium and the Netherlands

The price of the new Panigale V4 R is €43,990 in Belgium and €49,790 .
in the Netherlands
. A hefty price tag, then, but you do get a very special machine.