Looking for a street-legal World Superbike? Ducati’s all-new Panigale V4 R may be your ticket to ride.
Check out Rider’s Guide to New/Updated Street Motorcycles for 2019
The 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R provides the technical platform for the official Ducati Superbikes that will compete in the 2019 WSBK season. It combines the essence of the Panigale V4 S with changes requested by Ducati Corse to make it race-competitive. The 1,103cc 90-degree V4 engine has been replaced with the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 R, bringing it within the displacement limits established by WSBK championship rules. The bike features a modified front frame, a new fairing incorporating wings elements of MotoGP origin, race-caliber Öhlins suspension with mechanical adjustment and an aluminum swingarm with an adjustable four-position pin. Electronic controls borrowed from the Panigale V4 S have revised threshold levels to make them more compatible with pro rider requirements.
Unlike the 1,103cc V4, designed to provide fluid power delivery and excellent low-rev pulling power for optimal road use, the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 R version offers more extreme performance with the track in mind. The V4 R features lighter internal components and greater air intake efficiency for faster engine rev-up and a higher redline. Claimed output is 221 horsepower at 15,250 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque in a 379-pound machine (claimed dry weight).
Read our 2019 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro first ride review
In addition to racing-inspired livery, the Panigale V4 R features an eye-catching aerodynamics package requested by Ducati Corse, including a windscreen screen, nose fairing and side fairings to reduce drag as well as specially shaped air vents to keep things cool during intense racing use. GP16-derived carbon fiber wings augment stability at all times, reducing electronic control intervention and boosting rider confidence.
Features of the 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R:
- Color: Ducati Red “R” livery with aluminum tank
- 90-degree Desmosedici Stradale V4, R version, 998cc, 221 hp at 15,250 rpm
- Forged steel crankshaft with reduced stroke
- Molded aluminum pistons with single compression ring plus oil ring
- Titanium con rods
- Titanium intake valves
- Oval throttle bodies (Ø 56 mm equivalent) and aerodynamic throttle openings
- Dedicated variable-height air intake horns
- Exhaust manifolds of optimized length
- Cylinder heads with larger intake ducts
- High-permeability Sprintfilter P08 air filter
- Lightened, optimized-stiffness aluminum alloy front frame
- Pressurized Öhlins NPX 25-30 forks with manual adjustment
- Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber with manual adjustment
- Öhlins steering damper with manual adjustment
- Single-sided aluminum swingarm with adjustable pivot height (4 positions)
- Total Black Marchesini forged aluminum wheels
- Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres (rear 200/60)
- Braking system with Brembo Stylema Monobloc calipers
- Aero Pack with carbon fiber wings
- 16-litre aluminum fuel tank with racing lay-out
- Carbon fibre front mudguard
- Carbon fiber rear manifold heat guard
- Dedicated seat
- 15/42 final transmission with 520 chain
- Full-TFT 5-inch screen
- Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Street)
- Electronics package with 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU) including: ABS Cornering Bosch Evo; Ducati Traction Control (DTC) Evo; Ducati Slide Control (DSC); Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) Evo; Ducati Power Launch (DPL); Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Evo; Engine Brake Control (EBC) Evo
- Pit Limiter
- Lap Timer Evo
- Keys for fast selection of controls
- Ducati Multimedia System (DMS)
- Full-LED headlight with DRL
- Single-seater configuration
- Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA+) with GPS module
- Lithium-ion battery
- Supplied: aluminum mirror hole covers, plate holder removal kit
Check out Rider’s Guide to New/Updated Street Motorcycles for 2019
Source: RiderMagazine.com