DUCATI Panigale V4 R (2023) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Ducati Panigale V4 was a sports bike named after Borgo Panigale and the first large-production machine featuring a V4 engine. The development of the Panigale V4 started with the 2015 MotoGP racing engine.

In 2023, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer launched the Ducati Panigale V4 R, which adopted the Moto GP and Superbike technology, such as titanium connecting rods and DLC treatment.

The 2023 V4 R came with carbon wings and a MotoGP-inspired color scheme. The bike featured a specially designed oil developed by Shell in association with Ducati Corse that provided a 10 percent reduction in friction, which increased the maximum power by 3.5 hp.

For the first time on a road machine, Ducati used gun-drilled titanium connecting rods that allowed oil to pass from the head to the small end for improved reliability and lubrication in extreme conditions.

Also, for the first time on a road engine, the pistons featured a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating used in Formula 1 and MotoGP competitions, reducing friction. The pistons were also featuring a new geometry that made them lighter.

The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R packed several carbon fiber components, including a rear mudguard, swingarm, sprockets and crankcase protectors, frame, and front brake cooling ducts, which improved performance and delivered more efficient stopping power.

The bike took its muscles from a Desmosedici Stradale V4 liquid-cooled engine with 218 hp available at 15,500 rpm and 111 Nm (82 lb-ft) torque with maximum peak force at 12,000 rpm.

The 2023 V4 R came with an MSRP of $44,995 in the US and $52,995 in the Canadian market.