EICMA 2018: Ducati Panigale V4 R officially unveiled

- The motorcycle gets race-oriented engine and cycle parts

- Its 998cc engine generates 218bhp and 111Nm

- It will be launched by early 2019

Ducati has finally unveiled the race-spec version of its flagship superbike, the Panigale V4 R, at the Ducati World Premier in Italy. The motorcycle is a more powerful version of the standard Panigale V4 and it gets engine and components suitable for WSBK. It was first seen doing rounds of the Brands Hatch circuit in the UK.

The biggest change executed in the motorcycle is on its engine, which is a 998cc unit, as opposed to the standard bike’s 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine. This is due to the homologation requirements of the WSBK. Despite having lower capacity, this motor generates 218bhp of power and 112Nm of peak torque. The power figure can be enhanced further by the fitment of race exhaust and accessories which hike it up to 230.7bhp.

The race-spec bike also gets reworked chassis and frame and comes with adjustable swingarm pivot. For lending it better aerodynamic properties, Ducati has employed bigger windscreen and front fairing which gets winglets for better downforce. It also gets shark fins on the fairing for better air flow and heat management.

The Pangiale V4R gets improvised electronics as well, with the inclusion of pit limiter and lap timer. Other gadgetry include Bosch cornering ABS, traction control, slide control, wheelie control, launch control, bi-directional quickshifter and engine brake control. Furthermore, it also incorporates mechanically adjustable race-spec Ohlins and forged Marchesini wheels. 

The motorcycle will be officially launched by early 2019 and the price will be announced at the same time. It will also be launched in India next year.