2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R First Look

Ducati have released one of the most powerful and sophisticated road-legal, race bikes to-date in the new Panigale V4 R. The 2019 version ups the ante from the previous R model, with engine refinements, aerodynamic updates and chassis changes. It will serve as the technical platform for Ducati's 2019 World Superbike campaign and will certainly garner the attention of serious track day riders and amateur racers alike.

The beating heart of the new Panigale V4 R is a 16-valve 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R, 90-degree V4 engine, rated to put out an astounding 221 horsepower at 15,520 rpm and 83 lb-ft of torque at 11,500 rpm. Even more power is available too when riders fit the Ducati Performance exhaust system by Akrapovic, reaching 234 horsepower at 15,500 rpm.

Its bore remains 81mm while the stroke has been decreased to 48.4mm. New, lighter titanium con rods operate by way of a new forged steel crankshaft and the pistons are made from molded aluminum. Four camshafts move the titanium intake and steel exhaust valves and larger intake ducts ensure a rich supply of petrol. Ducati have worked to generate a Twin Pulse firing order, with the left cylinders firing close together and the right cylinders firing close together, in order to produce a sound similar to that of the MotoGP Desmosedici.

Oval throttle bodies and larger throttle openings make use of air from variable-height intake horns to maximize intake throughout the rev range. Ducati have also utilized a new oil pump and lighter alternator rotor for more efficient performance.

The end result is an engine which Ducati states will have power from the moment you open the throttle to the redline. It’s lighter components and improved efficiencies provide quicker movement up the revs too, so you can expect a motorcycle that’s got some serious legs.

Ducati lightened the aluminum alloy frame from the V4 S too, with machined sides aimed to meet stiffness and weight goals indicated by Ducati Corse. Swingarm pivot height has four different positions of adjustment to accommodate the needs of different riders or tracks.

The suspension set-up comes from Ohlins, but rather than the semi-active units used on other V4 models, the new V4 R features mechanical units throughout.

The fork is a 43mm NPX 25/30 with TiN treatment, utilizing a pressurized damping system that is derived from the kit on WSB machines. Compression is similar to the design used in MotoGP, with damping occurring in the left fork tube, while rebound damping happens in the right fork tube. It’s promised to provide better front end-feel.

The shock is an Ohlins TTX36 unit and both front and rear are fully adjustable. There’s a mechanically adjustable Ohlins steering damper used also. Brembo Stylema calipers take care of braking duties.

Aluminum Marchesini wheels are shod in Pirelli Supercorsa SP tires.

The revised aerodynamic package of the V4 R features a taller, more angled screen for better airflow when riders are in the tuck position. The nose fairing is higher and wider too, aimed to prevent fatigue on a riders arms when rocketing down the straights.

Lateral fairings have been widened also, again with the goal of reducing drag on the rider and improving overall efficiency.

New air vents have been designed to handle the high temperatures generated by the engine, Ducati claiming a 6% improvement of air through-speed on the water cooling system and a 16% improvement on the oil system.

The V4 R has winglets too, developed on the basis of the GP16 before regulations were put on foil shapes in MotoGP. As a result, Ducati claim the wings on the V4 R are more efficient than those currently used in the World Championship. The additional downforce provided cuts the tendency for wheelies, adds braking stability and also stability in a straight line at high speed.

The V4 R has the latest, greatest electronics package. This includes Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Slide Control, Ducati Power Launch, Ducati Traction Control EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, Ducati Power Launch, full Ducati Quick Shift EVO system and Engine Brake Control EVO.

The settings for all the various electronics systems are tailored to three ride modes, Race, Sport or Street. All three deliver full horsepower. The Race mode opens the bike all the way, for high grip scenarios. Systems are at low intervention levels in Race mode and ABS is activated on the front wheel only.

Sport mode activates the Slide by Brake function and Cornering ABS fully, though still provides lower intervention levels.

Street mode is for low grip settings, but has a more progressive throttle response and more invasive electronics settings.

Information from all the various elements is available on a five-inch TFT, full-color display. Riders will be able to choose from two layouts; a Track setting with things like lap time information and rev counter or a Road setting with emphasis on information from the Ducati Multimedia System (when present) and a rev scale tailored for on-road use.

There’s also a pit limiter function and lap timer included on the V4 R. And to keep track of all the metrics, a Ducati Data Analyzer + GPS automatically records lap times and other pertinent data like throttle opening, speed, engine rpm, gear, engine temperature and distance travelled.