Ducati has unveiled the 2026 Panigale V4 R
2026 Panigale V4 R is developed with WorldSBK specifications and features a race derived engine and gearbox with updated aero elements;
The 2026 Panigale V4 R is the most race-track oriented road bike from Ducati.
Ducati claims the 2026 Panigale V4 R to be the most technically forward and MotoGP derived road bike from the house of Ducati. It offers track-only equipment such as the Desmosedici Stradale R racing derived engine, a race gearbox with a neutral lock and new corner sidepods along with revised suspension all of which have now been homologated for the road along with new rider aids. The latest V4 R is a limited production model that will bear its name and number on the steering head. Let’s take a closer look at everything that’s new on this new superbike.
2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R design
The newest V4 R gets the Ducati Red paint that’s a staple of Borgo Panigale’s homologated machines with a contrasting brushed aluminium finish on the fuel tank alongside the frame and swingarm in matte black colour. In terms of functional design enhancements, the fairing now features what Ducati calls corner sidepods, which sit on either side of the air intake out front. This is the first time these sidepods have been incorporated in a road bike and they enable faster cornering working in tandem with the familiar but larger winglets below the headlights. As usual, Ducati offers a wide variety of carbonfibre components as optional extras to add to the visual appeal and cut-down overall weight. It also features Ducati’s latest 6.9-inch TFT gauge cluster with an exclusive theme.
2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R performance
The V4 R is powered by a 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine that’s based on the Desmosedici race engine, with uprated internals such as 5 per cent lighter pistons and a new crankshaft with a higher inertia. Ducati has also redesigned the air intake ducts to accommodate repositioning of the throttle body injectors from the inner side to the outer side of the ducts. It produces 215bhp at 15,750rpm and 114.5Nm at 16,500rpm. An optional race Akrapovic exhaust and a special Shell engine oil takes peak power output to 235.7bhp. The standard exhaust setup allows for a top speed of 318kmph and the Akrapovic exhaust takes it to 331kmph. Ducati has also baked in new riding aids such as Race Bike Control, Engine Brake Control and Ducati Vehicle Observer.
2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R chassis
The 2026 V4 R is bestowed with a MotoGP-derived chassis that reduces the lateral stiffness of the front frame by 40 per cent, allowing for enhanced agility at even higher cornering speeds. Suspension duties are carried out by Ohlins’ fully-adjustable suspension with NPX25/30 43mm front fork and TTX36 rear monoshock with tie-rod adjustability. It gets 17-inch five-spoke forged aluminium wheels shod in Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP-V4 tyres. Braking is handled by Brembo’s dual 330mm semi-floating front discs with Brembo Monobloc Hypure radial four-piston callipers and 245mm rear disc with two-piston calliper.
The 2026 Panigale V4 R is the latest homologated special equipped with Ducati’s learnings from its racing heritage. It remains to be seen when or if any units will make it to India, though we’ll be glad if it does.