Panigale V4 R
$45,495
*Product specifications and price may vary; this is an approximate reference.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R V4 |
| Displacement | 998cc |
| Power | 218 HP @ 15,500 rpm (237 HP with Racing Exhaust) |
| Torque | 112 Nm / 83 lb-ft |
| Weight | 193.5 kg / 427 lbs |
| Seat Height | 850 mm / 33.5" |
| Fuel Capacity | 17L / 4.5 gal |
| Transmission | 6-speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up/Down EVO 2 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Electronics
Rider Modes
Performance & Efficiency
- Top Speed
- 198 mph
- 0-60 mph
- 2.8 sec
Reliability & Ownership
Reliability As a WSBK homologation special, the V4 R is a precision instrument. While build quality is exquisite, the 998cc engine is high-strung. The Desmoservice (valve clearance check) is required every 15,000 miles, but for riders frequenting the track, Ducati recommends much shorter intervals to ensure the titanium connecting rods and DLC-coated rockers remain within tolerance. It is remarkably reliable for its power density but requires strict adherence to service schedules.
Maintenance Oil and filter every 7,500 miles or 12 months; Desmo valve service every 15,000 miles.
Comfort & Ergonomics
Comfort is a secondary concern to lap times. The ergonomics are aggressive, featuring high-set adjustable rear-sets and low, wide clip-ons that pull the rider into a full tuck. Heat management is improved over earlier V4 models via new fairing vents, but the rear cylinder bank still radiates significant warmth in stop-and-go traffic. The seat is thin and designed for weight shifting rather than long-distance touring.
Overview
" The Stradivarius of Speed "
The 2025 Ducati Panigale V4 R is not just a motorcycle; it is a legal loophole on wheels. Designed to meet WSBK engine displacement regulations, its 998cc heart is a masterpiece of mechanical engineering, utilizing titanium components and 'gun-drilled' rods to reach a stratospheric 16,500 rpm redline in sixth gear. While the 'standard' V4 S uses a larger 1103cc engine for more street-able torque, the R is built for the podium. With its carbon fiber winglets generating 37kg of downforce at high speeds and a chassis tuned for surgical precision, it represents the absolute pinnacle of internal combustion performance before the industry pivots toward electrification. For the collector or the serious track enthusiast, there is simply no substitute.
WikiMoto Verdict
"The closest experience a civilian can have to a World Superbike grid start."
In-Depth Review
Engine: The Heart of a Champion
At the core of the 2025 Panigale V4 R lies the Desmosedici Stradale R. Unlike the 1103cc unit found in the V4 S, this 998cc powerplant is designed specifically for the racetrack. The reduction in stroke allows for a higher ceiling, and when fitted with the full Akrapovič titanium racing exhaust and dedicated Shell oil, the power figures swell to a staggering 237 HP. On the track, the delivery is linear yet explosive. Below 10,000 rpm, it is surprisingly manageable, but once the needle sweeps past the 12,000 mark, the V4 R enters a different dimension of acceleration. The sound is a mechanical symphony—a raspy, high-pitched V4 howl that mimics the Desmosedici GP bikes. The gearbox, featuring the same ratios as the WSBK machines, is crisp, with the EVO 2 quickshifter providing seamless transitions even at full lean.
Handling: Surgical Precision
Ducati has refined the ‘Front Frame’ chassis to offer better feel at maximum lean angles. The 2025 model continues to use the Ohlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork and TTX36 shock, but with revised valving that handles mid-corner bumps with more composure. What sets the R apart is its agility. The forged magnesium wheels (often an upgrade or standard on R models) reduce unsprung weight, allowing the bike to tip into corners with minimal effort. The aerodynamics are equally vital; the carbon fiber winglets are more efficient than ever, pinning the front wheel to the tarmac during high-speed acceleration and providing much-needed stability under heavy braking into Turn 1. The Brembo Stylema R calipers offer a level of bite and consistency that never fades, even after a full day of hot laps.
Tech: The Digital Crew Chief
Ducati’s electronics suite remains the industry benchmark. The 6-axis IMU governs everything from the Cornering ABS to the Slide Control. The new ‘Track Evo’ display mode is a direct lift from MotoGP, prioritizing the gear indicator and lap times while providing real-time feedback on electronic interventions. You can adjust engine braking (EBC) for each gear, allowing for a custom entry profile into specific corners. The 2025 model further refines the Power Modes, with a ‘Full’ mode that allows the engine to express its full potential without electronic torque dampening in the lower gears—a mode reserved only for the bravest riders on the stickiest slick tires.
Verdict
The Panigale V4 R is a demanding mistress. It is physically taxing, eye-wateringly expensive, and utterly overkill for the street. However, as a piece of engineering, it is flawless. It offers a level of communication between the rider and the road that few machines can match. It isn’t just about the speed; it’s about the way it makes that speed accessible to those with the skill to exploit it. While the price tag is high, the V4 R holds its value as a genuine homologation special. It is, quite simply, the finest internal combustion superbike ever to come out of Borgo Panigale.