• The Panigale V4 R features the latest evolution of the 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, delivering a maximum power of 208.4 hp
• Designed for Superbike racing, the R’s engine has been developed according to Ducati Corse’s specifications and boasts more torque at mid-range revs and greater top-end speed
• The new Panigale V4 R features MotoGP Corner Sidepods and the Ducati Racing Gearbox, with a neutral position below first gear, for the first time on a production motorcycle
• By adopting the non-approved racing exhaust, the new Panigale V4 R is capable of a top speed exceeding 205 mph, a value previously reserved for MotoGP bikes

With a new episode of Ducati World Première 2026, the Borgo Panigale manufacturer presents the new Panigale V4 R (Ducati World Première Episode), 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 that had never been seen on a road-approved motorcycle.

The new Panigale V4 R continues a legacy that began with the legendary 996R from 2001. These motorcycles have always been the foundation for Superbikes racing in the World Championship, making them the most prestigious of Ducati’s sport 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 race-bred solutions. These include 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. In the United States, the power curve has a maximum power of 208.4 hp. Still, it is more sustained with an average gain of 2.6 hp from 4,000 rpm to maximum power, regaining the advantage over the previous model in top speed, at 16,000 rpm.

The torque curve, however, is higher than that of the previous model, with a 7.3% increase at 6,000 rpm and a 2.4% increase of 84 ft-lb at 12,000 rpm. The Panigale V4 R can reach a top speed of 197 mph, which rises to 205 mph with the racing exhaust configuration. Until yesterday, this speed was reserved for 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 maximize the performance of the current slick tires used in the World Superbike Championship.

• Aerodynamics

The new Panigale V4 R includes, for the first time on a production motorcycle, Corner Sidepods, a feature Ducati introduced in 2021 in MotoGP. This innovative aerodynamic element, as well as wings, was first seen in MotoGP back in 2010 by the Borgo Panigale manufacturer. Designed to perform at high lean angles, Corner Sidepods create a ‘ground effect’ that improves tire grip, enabling higher speeds and shorter lap times. When riding, especially at high speeds, the rider noticeably feels that the bike, as it reaches the apex of the corner, naturally moves to the inside, allowing for tighter lines. This results in an acceleration phase after corner exit that follows 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%, resulting in an increase in downforce of 10.5 lb at 167 mph and 13.2 lb at 186 mph, with significant benefits in terms of stability during acceleration and precision at high speeds.

To achieve optimal performance in racing, the Panigale V4 R is equipped with a dynamic front air intake, developed in collaboration 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, facilitates an aerodynamic riding position, allowing the rider to push on the footpegs and increase control when braking and in the middle of corners, particularly when leaning 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 cc 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 rpm in the other gears) and delivering a maximum power output of 208.4 hp at 13,250 rpm.

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.

The new Desmosedici Stradale R maintains the same maximum power as its predecessor while delivering a more consistent torque curve at medium RPMs. Its full potential is showcased on the track with the racing exhaust, which allows it to reach 235 hp, increasing to 239 hp with Ducati Corse Performance Oil.

Ducati engineers have completely redesigned the intake side and consequently defined exhaust cams with a different profile that optimizes 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 features a racing-style gearbox layout. The Ducati Racing Gearbox (DRG) positions neutral below 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 losing engine braking in the final and most delicate phase of braking, particularly when entering corners in first gear.

Furthermore, the absence of a neutral position between first and second gear allows for faster, smoother, and more repeatable shifting between these two gears compared to 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 maneuvers 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 maximize the grip of the current slick tires and transfer the engine’s maximum performance to the ground. The new frame and swingarm enable the bike to track trajectories more accurately, also improving traction when exiting corners and enhancing the rider’s feel during acceleration.

The Panigale V4 R features a pressurized Öhlins NPX25/30 fork with 43 mm stanchions and a mechanical Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber, both with specific settings tailored for the latest generation. Additionally, the V4 R features the new Öhlins SD20 steering damper, making its debut on a production motorcycle, which offers improved damping and a broader range of adjustments.

As a bike built 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 broader 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 aluminum alloy wheels featuring five tangential spokes, fitted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V4 tires in sizes 120/70 ZR 17 for the front and 200/60 ZR 17 for the rear. For track use, the same Pirelli slick tires used in the Superbike World Championship can be fitted without 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 tires, 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 heat dispersion efficiency, offering more consistent performance and, therefore, greater effectiveness and safety for the rider as they push 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 enables significantly greater rear brake usage compared to the Panigale V4, thanks to a more precise calculation method that allows for increased pressure to be applied at various roll angles. This allows the rider to move the braking point further forward, as the system enables greater deceleration in the final phase of the braking distance, up to the rear wheel lock-up limit, similar to MotoGP and Superbike riders. The new engine brake control system also contributes to this, allowing for more accurate management of the forces applied to the tire thanks to the use of DVO , which makes 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 tires.

Ducati Performance accessories also include the Ducati Data Logger, carbon fiber rims (-2 lb 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.com website. Using the configurator , you can customize your Panigale V4 R and share the configuration with your trusted dealer.

• Pricing and Availability

Pricing of the 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R in the United States will be $49,995 and will arrive in dealerships in March 2026.

The dynamic video of the new Panigale V4 R is available on Ducati’s YouTube channel. The press kit with all product info and the pictures of the bike is available, upon registration, on Ducati Media House.

Panigale V4 R

• Color
  • Ducati Red
• Main standard features
  • Desmosedici Stradale R engine, 998 cc
  • Maximum power of 208.4 hp at 13,250 rpm (235 hp at 15,500 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 aluminum 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
  • Wet weight without fuel: 411 lb
  • Front Frame
  • 4.5-gallon 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 aluminum wheels
  • Lithium battery
  • Braking system with Brembo Hypure™ monobloc calipers
  • Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V4 tires with 200/60 rear
  • MotoGP-derived corner sidepods
  • Larger biplane wings (+20 mm vs. Panigale V4 S, +25% downforce at 167 mph)
  • 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