2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R breaks cover
The 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R has been revealed which uses the 998 CC Desmosedici Stradale R engine that pushes 218 PS and 114.5 Nm of peak torque.
- A 998 CC Desmosedici Stradale R engine
- The engine pushes 218 PS and 114.5 Nm of peak torque
- Uses the conventional double sided swingarm
- A top speed of 318 kmph which can be increased to 330 kmph
A lot has changed for the new Ducati Panigale V4 R, for the first time a corner sidepods have been introduced on a road approved motorcycle, which Ducati brought to MotoGP for the first time in 2021, and the Ducati Racing Gearbox (DRG) with Ducati Neutral Lock (DNL).
At the heart of it is the 998 CC Desmosedici Stradale R, 90-degree V4 engine that comes mated to a six-speed racing gearbox. The engine pushes 218 PS and 114.5 Nm of peak torque. And if that does not quench your thirst for power, the racing exhaust accessory coupled with Ducati Corse oil can hike the power to 238 PS. The Ducati Panigale V4 R is capable of a top speed of 330 kmph when the bike uses racing exhaust configuration.
The new Panigale V4R inherits the Front Frame and "Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm" from the seventh generation of Ducati sports bikes, which was 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.
In terms of aerodynamics, the fairing design features new, larger wings capable of generating greater downforce. The load increases by 25 per cent, which translates into an increase in downforce of 4.8 kg at 270 kmph and 6 kg at 300 kmph.
A dynamic front air intake developed with Ducati Corse increases the amount of air drawn into the engine. This increases the intake air pressure and the power by 1.3 PS at maximum speed.
Compared to the outgoing model, the combination of seat/tank and footpegs have been positioned 10 mm further inward. This makes it easier for the rider to assume the aerodynamic position, push further on the footpegs and improves control while braking.
The new Desmosedici Stradale R is equipped with new pistons that are even lighter (-5.1 per cent) and a new crankshaft with increased inertia. This solution makes the engine response more progressive. And the The new Panigale V4 R is equipped with a racing-style gearbox layout which positions neutral under the first gear, rather than between first and second. 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.
The standard equipment on the Ducati Panigale V4 R includes a 6.9-inch TFT dash with two display modes - Track and Road, a Grip Meter on the dash, forged steel crankshaft, new dynamic air intake, Ducati Racing Gearbox, Ducati Neutral Lock, titanium intake valves, 17-litre aluminium fuel tank, Ohlins steering damper, forged aluminium wheels, riding modes, and all LED lighting to name a few.
The rider aids include cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, slide control, power launch, engine brake control, and a quickshifter as well.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R rivals the likes of the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP and the BMW M 1000 RR to name a few.