Motorcycle description sheet Ducati1000 Panigale V4 R 2023 At the prototype's limit

the Panigale V4 R was created with a single goal in mind: to dominate the WSBK championship with a MotoGP-like machine transposed to the Superbike format. A purely sick machine, driven by a level of performance that would make any tracker drool. With the arrival of the Euro5 standard, Ducati has taken the opportunity to revamp the bike's mechanics and make it even crazier.

let's start with a piece of choice: the engine. The V4 from Bologna is only available in this sub-1000 cc displacement in the Panigale V4 R - FIM regulations oblige. However, it's in its 998 cc that it develops the most power. Two symbols: from 218 hp to 240.5 hp! Let's see how and why.

with the new standard in force, the Desmosedici Stradale R block started its day with an insult: losing power. The castration removed 3 hp, giving the bike a quiet 218 hp at 15,500 rpm. This still makes it the strongest sports bike on the road. But this camouflet has upset the engine, and it intends to take revenge.

a blow from the engine department and everyone gets back to work: new piston geometry (5 grams saved), higher intake camshaft lift, shorter intake cones, DLC-coated piston skirts, drilled connecting rods to improve oil flow and a dry clutch that's 800 grams lighter and more compact.

the V4 needs to be released to show its progress. It needs the full Akrapovic titanium line to allow 237 hp to flow from the block. Even better: by giving it Shell's new special oil (designed for dry-clutch-equipped engines) armored with racing additives, the force rises to 240.5 horsepower! After that, let's not go into the question of pollution and noise; in this configuration, the Panigale couldn't care less.
Nota bene: fitting the Akra makes the bike 5 kg lighter, and the dedicated microchip recalibrates the electronic assistances.
Bologna also worked on the gearbox, lengthening 1st, 2nd and last gears for a more racing-like configuration.

this power output, its appetite for victory and its sculpted design are all reasons why the new paint scheme proudly displays the number 1 on the fairing. Ducati has contented itself with make-up for this second chapter of the Panigale V4 R. A few touches of MotoGP-style graphics, the grafting of the new winglets introduced by the Panigale 2022 family, number plates and a more ventilated engine cowling. The brushed-aluminum fuel tank, whose capacity has been increased by one liter (17 L), is a welcome addition. More exuberant without becoming vulgar, the V4 R still identifies with a fantasy: sporty, absolute, limitless and on the frontiers of savagery.

the customs officers on this frontier are numerous, and are called DTC, DWC, DSC, EBC and other hieroglyphic terms. Electronic assistance in every sense, essential for harnessing the full potential of this fascinating monster. The electronic evolutions of the Panigale my22 are also found in the V4R, with redesigned Power Modes adapted to the D16 Stradale R engine, calibration adapted to each gear ratio, EBC EVO 2 engine brake management, the new Track Evo display on the 5-inch TFT color dashboard, and improved shifter.

an R is also an extremely accomplished chassis. The semi-perimetrical "Front Frame" and its swingarm buddy, both in aluminum, retain their layout, and welcome the evolution of the elements around them. In the Panigale V4 family, this is the only one equipped with manually adjustable Öhlins suspension (all the others have a semi-active solution). The NPX 25/30 pressurized inverted fork has 5 mm more travel.

the rear gets more attention. The standard setting for the swingarm pivot point is +1 (adjustable in 4 positions, in 2 mm increments). With its new geometry, the V4 R's stern is raised by 20 mm. The Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber increases its center distance from 312 mm to 316 mm, and features a less rigid spring.

these little extras result in a higher center of gravity for greater agility as the rider enters the corner, a better feel when entering the corner, greater absorption of load transfers while boosting grip, and improved corner exits. To help the rider move during these trajectory phases, the shape of the tank and the flatter seat (cool, a piece of wood...) with its new covering will be a good help.

almost at the top of the range in terms of price (only the special series are more expensive), the Panigale V4 R Mark II is subject to a particular kind of inflation: not that of GDP or the cost of living, but based on World Superbike regulations. This defines a maximum price for a production wheel, set at 40,000 euros since 2018 then re-indexed to 44,000 euros in 2023. The Ducat' is thus aligned with this limit... with 10 bales less.

any savings left? The reds have thought of that. The machine can cost you 51,525 euros if you take it with the racing kit. It gets the full Akrapovic line, finished off with under-seat mufflers, the crazy power that goes with it, and an openwork carbon cover to embellish the dry clutch.
The "Corsica" shelves also feature even lighter magnesium wheels (-700 grams), Rizoma adjustable footrests, stand stands, a tank bag - for real, part no. 96781981AA - and DTC EVO 3 performance software for racing tires. The latter replaces the Street driving mode with a Rain mode. With this software, traction control is even more powerful and predictive. When it rains, it activates the flashing tail light, just like in a race.

for the first time in the long tradition of Ducati R models, this ultimate missile will not be produced in limited editions. However, all Panigale V4 R models will be numbered, with their progressive number and name laser-engraved on the fork crown. Ducati's ultimate weapon is right in front of your eyes!

M.B - Manufacturer's photos