The star of the new Panigale V4 R is the 998 cc 90° V4 Desmosedici Stradale engine that, in its latest evolution, delivers maximum homologated power of 218 hp at 15,750 rpm, reaching a maximum engine speed of 16,500 rpm in sixth gear and 16,000 in other gears, for true race level performance. 

To guarantee this performance, the new Desmosedici Stradale R introduces some important new features: the intake system is completely redesigned, every piston is 5% lighter and the new crankshaft is high inertia.

Like the race bikes, the Panigale V4 R is equipped with a race-style gear pattern. The Ducati Racing Gearbox (DRG) sees neutral positioned beneath first gear, rather than between first and second, to ensure sufficient engine brake in the final and most delicate phase of braking when entering first gear corners. The absence of neutral between first and second also ensures quicker, smoother and more repeatable shifting between these two gears with respect to a gearbox with road configuration. 

To prevent accidental downshifting from first to neutral, the gearbox features the patented Ducati Neutral Lock (DNL), which can be deactivated using the dedicated lever on the right semi-handlebar. To engage neutral, the rider must carry out the same actions as official riders in MotoGP and Superbike.

The throttle body injectors have been moved from the inner part of the intake ducts. In their new position, the spray cone is able to nebulise fuel more efficiently, which allows for improved combustion efficiency. Moving the injectors called for a new intake duct design, a cleaner inner surface offering a slight improvement in permeability with the throttle fully open at maximum valve lift.

The Panigale V4 R features new exhaust camshafts, with a different profile that delays the exhaust valve opening. In terms of performance, the combination of a new intake and new camshaft makes for a higher power and torque curve at all speeds, with delivery that ensures greater acceleration thanks to an additional 4 hp at 16,000 revs.

The new Desmosedici Stradale R is equipped with even lighter new pistons (-5.1%) and a new high inertia crankshaft. This solution, that follows the Ducati MotoGP development strategy, ensures a more continuous engine response, for a homologated production version of that of the Desmosedici ridden by Marc Márquez and Francesco Bagnaia.

The throttle body injectors are repositioned, shifted from the inner part of the intake duct (intrados) to the outer part (extrados), immediately below the throttle valve. In this new position, the injector spray cone can nebulise fuel when cold, for a more homogeneous mix and reduced emissions in the first few seconds of ignition. Combined with the new exhaust cam profile, this solution halves the raw emissions, increasing torque at low- to mid-range without sacrificing performance.

The Panigale V4 R is equipped with the compact SBK dry clutch derived from the version used in the WorldSBK championship by the official Ducati team. Compared to the clutch fitted on other V4 models, the diameter and axial length have been reduced (-24 mm) and, above all, the weight has been reduced by approximately 800 grams.

The Desmosedici Stradale R engine is a 90° V4 with desmodromic timing, complete with counter-rotating crankshaft and Twin Pulse firing order. Ducati is the only manufacturer in MotoGP to use this timing system on both its race bikes and its high-performance road bikes. In addition, the Desmosedici Stradale R flaunts technical solutions that derive directly from the racing world, like the titanium “rifle drilled” rods and piston skirts with DLC coating.

The increased torque curve allows for a longer final drive, which goes from 15/42 to 16/43. This allows sixth gear to be fully exploited, with a resulting maximum speed exceeding 330 km/h in the Racing configuration.

In its latest evolution, the Desmosedici Stradale R delivers maximum homologated power of 218 hp at 15,750 rpm, reaching a maximum engine speed of 16,500 rpm in sixth gear and 16,000 in other gears. Born to race, the Panigale V4 R features the titanium full racing exhaust developed in collaboration with Akrapovič, complete with double under-seat silencer and carbon heat shields, designed specifically for this configuration. With this racing exhaust, the engine reaches 235.3 hp, a figure that can be boosted by another 3.5 hp (4.5 hp at the limiter), for a peak of 239 hp with the use of Ducati Corse Performance Oil, developed by Ducati Corse in collaboration with Shell. The system heightens the power/weight ration of the Panigale V4 R, thanks to a weight saving of 6.6 kg with respect to the standard system and a power increase of 17.3 hp.

The standard exhaust system conforms with the strict Euro 5+ standard and retains the maximum power of its predecessor while offering a higher power and torque curve across the entire range of use.

The new racing exhaust, made entirely of titanium and developed in collaboration with Akrapovič, makes the Panigale V4 R even lighter. Equipped with a double under-seat silencer and carbon heat shields, it reduces the weight by 6.6 kg with respect to the standard system and increases power by 17.3 hp, significantly improving the power/weight ratio and allowing for a maximum speed of 330.6 km/h.

The chassis of the Panigale V4 R derives from the latest generation of Panigale V4 and adopts MotoGP-style technical and design solutions. The Front Frame, with a 40% reduction in lateral stiffness, instils greater confidence at maximum lean angles, improving corner entry and execution with even higher cornering speeds. The new Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm, lighter and flaunting a design with lateral arms and wide openings on the sides, contributes to reducing the overall weight and increasing stability. The result is a sense of compactness and connection between front and rear, similar to that of the Desmosedici GP, which makes for cleaner and more stable corner exits, with no unwanted oscillation.

The 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 requested by Ducati Corse in order to maximise the grip of the current slick tyres and transfer the engine's maximum performance to the ground. 

The new frame and swingarm allow the bike to close trajectories better, also improving traction when exiting corners and the rider's feeling during acceleration.

The ergonomics of the Panigale V4 R match those of the last generation of Panigale and are optimised to improve bike control during the most demanding phases of track riding, improving performance over both a flying lap and extended sessions. The main updates relate to the seat, tank, surfaces of contact between rider and bike, and the position of the footpegs. The new tank design, with a more suitable rear area, facilitates the braking and “hanging off” phases, with better knee anchoring for riders of all sizes. This reduces physical effort and improves a rider’s position when cornering and efficiency when braking.

The Panigale V4 R differs from other Panigale V4 bikes in that it mounts professional Öhlins mechanical suspension with a needle valve in place of the V4 S semi-active unit with spool valve. The Öhlins NPX25/30 Ø 43 mm pressurised fork with TiN-treated stanchions is paired with an Öhlins TTX36 shock complete with hydraulic preload adjuster to facilitate adjustment. The monoshock can be fitted with the rear suspension linear stroke sensor. The Panigale V4 R is also the first bike to be equipped with the new Öhlins SD20 steering damper, more compact and offering a wider range of adjustment, reduced response times and greater damping force thanks to a larger diameter piston. The adjustable pivot extends adjustment options so that the bike can be set up to better suit a specific riding style or type of track.

The braking performance of the Panigale V4 R can be boosted with the Pro and Pro+ front brake packages that include Brembo T-drive finned racing discs – 338.5 mm in diameter and 6.2 mm thick – to ensure maximum efficiency and performance consistency. The Pro package stands out for the Brembo Hypure anodised callipers in an exclusive titanium colour, while the Pro+ adopts Brembo GP4 Sport Production billet callipers with cooling fins on the outer body for better heat exchange, ideal for intense track use.

The Panigale V4 R is equipped with lightweight forged aluminium five-spoke tangential wheels inspired by those of the DesmosediciGP, with a respective front and rear weight of just 2.95 kg and 4.15 kg. Carbon fibre wheels are available as an optional, reducing the weight by 0.950 kg, improving agility in the changes of direction and reducing the riding effort, while also improving the ability to hold the line. The Panigale V4 R mounts Pirelli DIABLO™ Supercorsa SP tyres as standard, with a 120/70 ZR17 front and 200/60 ZR 17 rear. For use on track, it can be equipped with Pirelli slicks, 125/70 at the front and 200/65 at the rear, which position at the top of the Pirelli “Racing” range currently used in the WorldSBK championship, with high-performance compounds like SCX and SCQ.