Ducati Panigale V4 R 2026 — Specifications

The Panigale V4 R is Ducati’s ultimate performance fantasy, a motorcycle that embraces superlatives, beauty, and uncompromising demands. With this 3rd generation, Ducati introduces once again state-of-the-art technological solutions to transform the rider into an absolute weapon.

Thanks to constant and close collaboration with Ducati Corse, the Panigale V4 R introduces for the first time on a road-homologated race motorcycle, such as the Corner Sidepods, which Ducati brought to MotoGP in 2021, and the Ducati Racing Gearbox (DRG) with Ducati Neutral Lock (DNL).

The heart of the Panigale V4 R, the 998 cm³ Desmosedici Stradale R engine, offers more sustained torque and power curves across the entire operating range, as well as superior acceleration. The power curve confirms a maximum value of 218 hp, but is more sustained with an average gain of 4 hp from 4,000 rpm to maximum power, thus regaining the advantage over the previous model, which displayed the same value at a top speed of 16,000 rpm.

The torque curve, for its part, is higher than that of the previous model, with a gain of 7% at 6,000 rpm and 3 on the maximum value of 114.5 Nm at 12,000 rpm. These values are the result of the remarkable work of 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 reaches a top speed of 318.4 km/h, which reaches 330.6 km/h in racing exhaust configuration. Until yesterday, this speed was the exclusive domain of MotoGP.

On the track, this engine expresses its full potential thanks to the racing exhaust, which allows it to reach 235 hp, and 239 hp with Ducati Corse Performance Oil.

The new Panigale V4 R is equipped, for the first time on a production motorcycle, with corner winglets, a solution introduced by Ducati in MotoGP in 2021. This innovative aerodynamic device, for two wheels and spoilers, was introduced in MotoGP in 2010 by the Borgo Panigale manufacturer. Designed to operate at significant lean angles, the corner winglets generate a ground effect, ensuring better tire grip and thus allowing higher speeds and therefore shorter lap times. In riding, especially at high speed, the rider clearly feels that the motorcycle, from the apex of the corner, has naturally moved towards the inside. Maintaining tighter trajectories. This means that the acceleration phase out of the corner takes place along a tighter radius.

The V4 R’s fairing, introduced with the Panigale V4 2025, features new, larger winglets capable of generating greater downforce. The load increases by 25%, which translates to an increase in downforce of 4.8 kg at 270 km/h and 6 kg at 300 km/h, with significant gains in terms of stability during acceleration and precision at high speed.

The new Panigale V4 R is equipped with a competition-type gearbox. The Ducati Racing Gearbox (DRG) positions the neutral point below the first gear, and not between the first and second, exactly as on MotoGP and factory Superbikes. Thanks to the Ducati Neutral Lock (DNL) system, this solution eliminates the risk of accidentally engaging neutral and finding yourself without engine braking in the final, most delicate, phase of braking, entering the corner in first gear.

Furthermore, the absence of a neutral point between first and second gear makes gear changes faster, smoother, and more repeatable than with a traditional gearbox. The Ducati Neutral Lock system, patented by Ducati, can be deactivated by actuating the lever located on the right handlebar. To shift to neutral, the rider must therefore perform the same maneuvers as MotoGP and Superbike official riders.

The new Panigale V4 R retains the chassis concepts of the Panigale V4 2025, including the front frame, redesigned to reduce lateral stiffness (-40%), and especially the hollow symmetrical swingarm. These two solutions were strongly desired by Ducati Corse to optimize the grip of the current slick tires and to transmit maximum engine performance to the ground. The new frame and new swingarm allow the motorcycle to better adjust trajectories, improving traction out of the corner and rider feel during acceleration.

The Panigale V4 R is equipped with an Öhlins NPX25/30 pressurized fork with 43 mm sliders and an Öhlins TTX36 mechanical damper, with specific settings for the new generation. Furthermore, the V4 R is equipped with the new Öhlins SD20 steering damper, a first on a production motorcycle, which offers better damping and a wider range of settings.

Designed for competition, the V4 R offers numerous adjustment possibilities to adapt to the characteristics of different circuits and the rider’s riding style. The swingarm height is adjustable in 4 positions by increments of 2 mm. As on the Superbike version, the rear height is adjustable via the suspension linkage over a wider range (32.4 mm versus 13 mm of travel) than on the previous V4 R. Finally, the rear damper is designed to accommodate a linear suspension travel sensor (optional).

The new Panigale V4 R is equipped with five-spoke tangential forged aluminum alloy rims, shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP v4 tires measuring 120/70 ZR 17 at the front and 200/60 ZR 17 at the rear. For the track, the Pirelli slicks used in Superbike are identical.

The new Panigale V4 R’s electronic package has evolved considerably compared to the previous model, thanks to the Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO) algorithm, developed directly by Ducati Corse, and the application of CorneringABSavec combined braking, which debuted on the Panigale V4.

Compared to the Panigale V4, the V4 R’s electronics are distinguished by new performance-focused combined braking strategies, called Race Brake Control, and the application of extended DVO to engine braking control. A product of internal development at Ducati, the logic of Race Brake Control allows reproduction of professional rider techniques with results even superior to those of the Panigale V4.

The new electronic package is managed via the 6.9-inch dashboard, already introduced on the Panigale V4, which offers two display modes, Track and Road, as well as a graphic interface displaying information on performance and vehicle status. The version equipping the Panigale V4 R is equipped with a specially designed track display, called Grip Meter, which assists the rider in their quest for maximum performance by graphically displaying the available grip at that instant.

All this without a price increase. Ducati is limited by Superbike regulations, which impose a ceiling price for motorcycles used to homologate competition bikes. The price remains quite stifling but the reward in lap times and riding has what it takes to lose your mind.

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