Panigale V4R - Pure racing adrenaline

The new Panigale V4 R embodies the maximum expression of Ducati values: style, sophistication, performance. 

It is the maximum expression of Ducati’s racing DNA, more similar to a racing prototype than any other bike: a forward-looking model that accompanies the rider towards a dimension of advanced riding, made up of curves and straights that run incredibly fast, thanks to the electronics that, like an invisible, magical safety net, allows going beyond the limits.

It is designed to ensure a symphony of emotions, thanks to the new concept of performance: not only acceleration, braking ability and best lap time, but also safety and ease of riding, whatever the level of experience.

In short, pure racing adrenaline under control.

Panigale V4 R: from those who have experienced it!

“I still have a clear sense of the feeling I felt at the Cimini corner in Vallelunga: a double parabolic right turn to be done in one unique lap. The elbow that skims the asphalt, the bike lying on the ground which follows a single line without requiring any kind of adjustment from the rider. Above all, it has the precision of a blade and a stability that reminds me of a 998. Last but not least... what a beauty!” Alessandro Valia, Official Ducati Tester

Ready to get on track
The new Panigale V4 R is a race bike approved for road use and is the technical starting point from which the official Ducati Superbike models derive from and will compete in the 2019 racing season.

Standard equipment

Ducati Safety Pack: Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO. Also includes Riding Mode, Power Modes and Auto tyre calibration

ENGINE
Desmosedici Stradale R: The 1,103 cu. cm 90° V4 of the Panigale V4 is replaced by the 998 cu. cm Desmosedici Stradale R to comply with the displacement limits imposed by the WSBK championship. The reduction in displacement is obtained by keeping the bore size of 81 mm unchanged, whereas the stroke has been changed to 48.4 mm thanks to a new steel forged crankshaft that rotates on main bearing shells and maintains the 70° offset layout of the crank pins.

Performance data: The 998 cu. cm 90° V4 delivers 221 HP (162 kW) at 15,250 rpm and a torque of 112.4 Nm at 11,500 rpm (values referring to EU type-approval). The limiter is set to 16,000 rpm (16,500 rpm on sixth gear). By fitting the full-racing exhaust Ducati Performance by Akrapovič, the maximum power reaches 234 HP (174 kW) at 15,500 rpm and the torque reaches 119 Nm at 11,750 rpm

Lightened components: The Desmosedici Stradale R features lightened internal components that contribute to reaching 16,500 rpm in sixth gear.  The new crankshaft is 1,100 grammes lighter, the shaft is driven by four titanium connecting rods with 104.3 mm wheelbase that allow a saving of 100 grams each. Also the intake valves and the relevant semi-cones are made of titanium. The generator rotor has been lightened as well, with a weight saving of 100 grams.

Intake: The Desmosedici Stradale R engine breathes thanks to the oval throttle bodies with aerodynamic throttles and equivalent diameter increased by 4 mm (56 mm in total), connected to variable height intake funnels with dedicated lengths.  This solution makes it possible to optimise cylinder filling at all rotation speeds with important benefits in terms of power and rideability. The R engine heads have been subject to a fluid-dynamic study which has resulted in the implementation of new oversize intake ducts. The R engine breathes thanks to a high-permeability air filter Sprintfilter P08. 

AERODYNAMICS PACKAGE
Larger windscreen, headlight fairing, and side fairings: Compared to the Panigale V4, the new windscreen, higher and with greater incidence, improves the air protection of the rider in the fairing, with effect in particular on the helmet and the upper part of the shoulders.  The windscreen is combined with a new, wider headlight fairing, both in height and laterally (+ 15 mm per side) in the area known as “arm-shield” to increase the shielding of arms and shoulders of the rider in a straight line, with a consequent reduction in aerodynamic resistance. The side fairings have been significantly widened (+ 38 mm per side) with the double objective of reducing the air impact on the rider and maximising the efficiency of the aerodynamic appendices. 

Aerodynamic appendices: The Panigale V4 R is provided with aerodynamic appendices derived from those used on the GP16, thus with a greater efficiency compared to those currently used in the MotoGP. The trapezoidal single-element monoplan cowling has a tapered profile from the root to the end. The cowling performance is increased thanks to the insertion of the “strake”, a longitudinal bulkhead, and the end element called “winglet”, which insulates the air flows that run on its surface.

Effects on riding: The aerodynamic appendices and the special design of the fairing increase the vertical load to the wheels (overall + 30 kg at 270 km/h). Increased load results in a reduction in the “floatation” of the front wheel at high speeds and of the wheelie tendency, and greater stability during braking, corner entry, and cornering. This dynamic behaviour, against a minor increase in steering torque due to the greater stability, allows to lower the lap time, because it reduces the intervention of the electronic controls and the rider tends to keep the throttle open for a longer time and to brake later into the curve.  

Side extractors: On the sides, the elegant air vents of the Panigale V4 are replaced by more efficient extractors, designed to manage the operating temperatures during the race of the more powerful engine that drives the competition Ducati Panigale V4 R. The extractors increase the speed at which the cooling air crosses the water and oil radiators by 6% and 16%, respectively.

CHASSIS
“Front Frame”: The “Front Frame” of the Panigale V4 R stands out for the lightning on the machined side panels that allow to reach the stiffness target required by Ducati Corse and further reduce its weight.

Adjustable pivot: The modifications to the chassis are completed by the possibility of adjusting the height of the rear swinging arm pivot to 4 positions in steps of 2 mm. The adjustable pivot increases the adjustment possibilities to more precisely adapt the bike to the riding style and the type of track.

Öhlins mechanical suspensions: Considering its special use, almost exclusively on track, the Panigale V4 R is not provided with the Öhlins event-based, semi-active suspensions of the V4 S, but features professional mechanical units of the Swedish company.  The Panigale V4 R is exclusively equipped with the new pressurised fork Öhlins NPX 25/30 of Ø 43 mm, with TiN treatment of the rods, and the damper Öhlins TTX36 on the rear, both with mechanical adjustment. Even the steering damper Öhlins leaves the electronic adjustment in favour of the mechanical one.   

The new NPX 25/30, compared to model NIX 30 of the Panigale V4 S, uses a pressurised damping system derived from that of the racing forks Öhlins WSB. Compared to a traditional system, the pressurised system, minimising the risk of oil cavitation, offers better damping of roughness, ensuring stability and support during braking, that for the rider means more feeling of the front. 
  

As it is the case for Öhlins forks used in the MotoGP, the compression damping takes place in the left rod and uses a Ø 25 mm diameter piston, whereas the rebound damping in the right-hand rod uses a Ø 30 mm piston. The special design and manufacture of the fork blades allow a weight saving of 600 g compared to the forks of the Panigale V4 S.

ELECTRONIC
Electronic package: The Panigale V4 R is equipped with the latest generation electronic package, the one of the Panigale V4, that manages all riding phases, based on the use of the 6-axis inertial platform by Bosch (6D IMU – Inertial Measurement Unit), suitably reviewed in the logic of intervention to better support the professional riders.

TFT Instrumentation: The new Panigale V4 R uses the same cutting-edge, high resolution 5" full-TFT color display (186.59 PPI - 800xRGBx480) as the Panigale V4. Graphics have been revised to reflect the introduction of new functions and the higher engine rev 'red zone'.

Ducati Lap Timer GPS (DLT GPS): The Panigale V4 R is provided with a lap timer integrated into the instrument panel, with evolved functions with respect to the one available for the Panigale V4.

Pit Limiter (PIT): The Pit Limiter makes its debut on the Panigale V4 R: once enabled, by pressing the proper key on the right-hand block, it self-limits the bike speed when riding in the pit lane. The speed limit can be changed through the specific menu from a minimum of 40 km/h to a maximum of 80 km/h.