The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4R features technical solutions from the MotoGP and Superbike World Championships. Track riders get the full dose with this bike.
The Panigale V4R is Ducati’s homologation bike for the Superbike World Championship, which is why the displacement of the V4 engine called Desmodieci Stradale R is 998 cc. This new engine can be turned in the first five gears up to 16,000 rpm, in sixth gear the electronics even allow 16,500 rpm.
In the Euro5 configuration, the Stradale R delivers 218 hp at 15,500 rpm. The engine only unfolds its full potential with the racing exhaust system and filled with an engine oil developed in cooperation with Shell: 240.5 hp at 15,500 rpm.
This engine oil reduces mechanical friction by ten percent. It was specially developed for high-revving racing engines with dry clutches and increases maximum power by 3.5 hp. This oil can only be used in dry clutch engines. The added additives to reduce friction would cause an oil bath clutch to slip.
Gun drilled conrods are installed in a street motorcycle for the first time. The titanium connecting rods are provided with a longitudinal bore. This bore, with a diameter of 1.6 mm, serves as an oil duct through which pressurized oil flows from the connecting rod bearings to the gudgeon pin bearing. This design is not new, but it is extremely complex to drill such a small hole through the entire length of a titanium connecting rod, which is why this has only been done on hand-made racing engines so far.
Also for the first time on a street motorcycle, the Stradale R’s piston skirts feature a friction-reducing DLC coating. In addition, the pistons are five grams lighter than on the 2022 model.
The intake camshafts have more aggressive cam profiles with 1mm more valve lift. In addition, the variable intake funnels are 5 mm shorter at high speeds. As in 2022, a gearbox with longer ratios for gears 1, 2 and 6 will be installed. The longer first gear is intended for use on the racetrack, the smaller translation difference between first and second gear allows the quickshifter to work more efficiently. On 2023, a new dry clutch with a smaller diameter will be installed, which is 800 grams lighter.
The 2023 V4R adopts the power mode logic already successfully used in the Panigale V4 and V4S, but with special calibrations for the Desmosedici Stradale R engine. There are four engine strategies: Full, High, Medium, Low. Full and Low have been completely retuned, while High and Medium configurations have been revamped.
In full power mode, the engine has full power from second gear.
A new ride-by-wire map management system has been developed for the Medium and High power modes, with a special calibration for each of the six gears, which ensures that the driver receives optimal propulsion every time he opens the throttle. The Power Mode Low, on the other hand, was developed for riding on the road or on surfaces with little grip. It limits the maximum power of the bike to 160 hp and offers a particularly controllable throttle response.
The motorcycle’s operating parameters are easier to read thanks to the new graphics on the display, where the positions of the warning signals have been revised. The main change in the Panigale V4R is the new info mode developed by the MotoGP riders called «Track Evo», which is added to the already existing «Road» and «Track» options. This mode was already introduced in the V4S of the current model year.
To improve driving stability, precision and directional stability during braking and corner entry, and to allow the driver to define the best electronic engine configuration for each track, the Panigale V4R features Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO 2. This electronic engine brake management enables different calibration of the individual gears in each of the three selectable levels. The strategy was developed to optimize engine braking intensity in relation to rear wheel downforce.
The Panigale V4R also features a new quickshifter strategy that improves shifting at any throttle opening. There are different strategies for shifting with partially or fully open throttle valves.
When shifting gears with the throttle valves partially open, which occurs primarily when driving on the road, abrupt ignition interruptions are prevented by stopping the injection instead.
The shifter strategy has been refined for the shifting processes that are typical on the racetrack under full load. The gear changes are therefore more harmonious, which has a positive effect on the driving stability of the motorcycle. The result is better lap times.
In addition to these changes, the strategy for controlling the cooling fans has also been updated, which now allows better management of operating temperatures while reducing the heat build-up typical of the end of track sessions. In addition, this strategy guarantees greater thermal comfort for the driver at the speeds typical of road use.
For those who only use the Panigale V4R on the track, the special Ducati Performance DTC EVO 3 software has been developed for slicks and rain tires (available as an accessory, which means that the V4R is no longer road legal). The rear light can be activated for driving in the rain, which is mandatory in many racing series. Riding Mode Street is replaced by Riding Mode Rain, specially designed for use on wet roads.
In order to improve the driver’s feeling when opening and closing the throttle valves, a new 50% more compact throttle valve control has been introduced, which features radial and axial play reduced to a minimum and virtually no idle travel. There is also a pit lane limiter to limit the speed into the pit lane.
In order to improve manoeuvrability, driving feel and grip, the chassis of the Panigale V4R also follows the evolutionary direction that was taken with the Panigale V4/V4S from model year 2022, with no electronic/semi-active chassis being installed on the V4R.
The height of the swingarm pivot can be varied in four positions in 2mm increments. Up front, the Öhlins NPX25/30 USD forks have 5mm more travel compared to last year’s model. In conjunction with the Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber, which has been lengthened from 312 to 316 mm, and the standard setting of the swingarm pivot to the +1 position, the rear end is 20 mm higher. This results in a higher center of gravity and thus greater maneuverability when entering curves and changing direction.
Using a softer shock absorber spring (from 105 N/mm to 80 N/mm) and increasing the fork’s travel increases weight transfer. This makes better use of the rear suspension sag, improving grip and feel when entering corners. At the same time, the increased suspension travel on the front wheel improves its contact with the tarmac under full acceleration.
The new position of the swingarm pivot increases the anti-squat effect (you don’t want the bike to bottom out or lift out of the rear under full acceleration), improving stability and precision and making it easier to hold the line exiting corners. , improved. The hydraulic spring preload adjuster on the shock absorber simplifies tuning.
The ergonomics have also been revised: the tank made of brushed aluminum now holds 17 liters and has a profile on which the driver can better support his arms and legs. The flatter seat allows more freedom of movement in the longitudinal direction.
The aerodynamics package has also been revised and complies with the regulations of the Superbike World Championship: the new, two-piece winglets (main wing + flap) guarantee the same aerodynamic downforce, but are more compact and thinner (by 40% and 50% respectively) than on the previous model. To improve engine cooling, the air vents in the lower fairing have been modified. There is a new air intake on the left side for cooling the quickshift sensor.
For track use, Ducati Performance offers a wide range of accessories. The announced 240.5 hp are achieved following installing the titanium exhaust system from Akrapovic with double silencer under the seat, and another 5 kg are saved from the 172 kg dry weight. The exhaust comes with a special mapping that adapts the electronic driving assistants to the higher power.
A further weight reduction is possible thanks to the fitting of magnesium rims, which guarantee a weight saving of 0.7 kg (-10%) compared to the already light forged rims of the original equipment and which, above all, improve maneuverability at the corner entry and when changing direction.
Adjustable aluminum rider footpegs, developed by Ducati Corse in collaboration with Rizoma, are available to better adjust the riding position. They are equipped with foldable brake and shift levers to minimize the risk of breakage in the event of a fall. They can be combined with the standard quickshifter, which can be configured in street or racing gears.
The Pit Stop accessory package includes tire warmers and repair stands. For use with slick or wet tires, the DTC EVO 3 software is available with specific calibrations of the electronic controls.
To further enhance the Panigale V4R, there are a variety of carbon parts. Among other things, the rear fender, protections for the frame, the swingarm and protectors for the sprockets and crankcase can be retrofitted in carbon. In order to improve the performance of the brakes on the race track, there are cooling ducts for the front brake system.
The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4R is instantly recognizable by its carbon winglets and MotoGP-inspired paint job. The Panigale V4R is produced in a numbered series. The consecutive numbering and the model name are engraved on the fork bridge. The Panigale V4R is available in Germany from EUR 43,990 (Switzerland from CHF 45,690), exclusively in red and only as a single seater.
