Ducati Panigale V4 R fetches two bookings in India; priced at Rs 51.80 lakhs

- Deliveries of the Panigale V4 R are set to commence next month

- It is the WSBK race-spec version of the standard Panigale V4  

- Is powered by a 998cc engine which produces 219bhp

Ducati had launched the Panigale V4 R in India in November last year. The motorcycle is a WSBK race-spec version of the standard Panigale V4 and it comes with a mind-boggling price tag of Rs 51.80 lakhs! Sure, the pricing is benumbing, but what's even more surprising is that the homologation-special bike has already fetched two customers in India, and the deliveries are set to commence next month. 

To justify the premium price tag, there are some components and electronics which make the Panigale V4 R a maniac track tool. Starting with the aesthetics, while it majorly looks similar to the standard Panigale V4, the winglets and air vents on the fairing along with the golden forks signify of it being the ‘R’ version. Propelling this behemoth is a 998cc, Desmosedici Stradable R motor which is down from the base variant’s 1103cc displacement. That’s because the motor is directly lifted from the WSBK race machine which needs to be under-1000cc, as per the race guidelines. Despite the lesser cubic capacity, the motorcycle pumps out a staggering 219bhp. And if that’s not enough, the power output can be raised to 233bhp by installing the race kit. 

The premium components package on the V4 R comprises of forged Marchesini wheels, race-spec Ohlins suspension with mechanical adjustment and an aluminum swingarm. Furthermore, the chassis and frame of the motorcycle have also been tweaked for sharper handling. Now, to tame this beast, Ducati has bestowed the motorcycle with a slew of electronic wizardry including cornering ABS, traction control, slide control, wheelie control, launch control, engine brake control and a two-way quickshifter. 

For those who are tempted by the package that the Panigale V4 R is, and even have the money to buy it, you need to hurry as Ducati has allotted only five units for India. In terms of competition, the motorcycle goes up against the MV Agusta F4 RC which is priced at Rs 50.87 lakhs.

(All prices are ex-showroom)