Ducati Panigale V4 R vs MV Agusta F4 RC - Competition check

Ducati has launched the race-spec iteration of its Panigale V4 flagship superbike - the Panigale V4 R. The company has allotted only five units for our country and the deliveries are set to begin in the first half of 2019. Looking at its price tag and exclusivity, there's only one bike which competes with it in India, the MV Agusta F4 RC, which is yet another special edition model. Now, let's see which stands stronger when compared in all aspects.

Design

Being Italians, both bikes are profoundly gorgeous. The Panigale V4 R retains the Ducati's heritage sportsbike design but the inclusion of winglets, gill-like air intakes and larger fairing take the sporty quotient a notch higher. The MV Agusta F4 RC is no different. While the standard model is already known as the most beautiful sportsbike, the addition of WSBK Reparto Corse bike's livery make it all the more dramatic and alluring.

Engine

The MV Agusta F4 RC houses a 998cc, in-line four cylinder, Corsa Corta mill derived from the WSBK machine. It produces 205bhp of power and 115Nm of torque. However, a race kit is also offered by the company which hikes the power up to 212bhp. The Ducati Panigale V4 R uses a 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine that is in line with the WSBK regulations and generates 218bhp and 112Nm in the stock setting itself. Fitment of race exhaust and accessories bump the power to a whopping 230.7bhp.

Cycle parts

The MV Agusta F4 RC is held by CrMo steel tubular trellis frame and is suspended on Ohlins upside-down front forks and monoshock suspension at the rear. Stopping power comes from 320mm double floating disc on the front and 220mm single disc at the rear with dual-channel ABS as standard. The kerb weight of the bike is 183kg.

Now, the Ducati Panigale V4 R gets reworked chassis and frame for sharper handling than that of the standard bike. Suspension chores are handled by fully-adjustable Ohlins 43mm upside-down front forks and monoshock at the rear. A pair of 320mm discs with four-piston caliper on the front and a 245mm disc with dual-piston caliper at the rear handle the braking duties. With 193kg kerb weight, the Panigale V4 R is slightly on the heavier side.

Features

Both bikes are loaded with electronics to the brim. The F4 RC gets MVCIS (motor vehicle control integrated system) technology which consists of four riding modes (normal, sport, rain and custom), ride-by-wire throttle, eight-level traction control and electronic quickshifter. It also gets Bosch 9 Plus ABS with race mode and rear wheel lift mitigation for better safety.

The Panigale V4 R is also loaded with electronic aids which include Bosch cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, slide control, engine brake control, riding modes and power modes. Moreover, it also gets pit limiter and lap timer as added race-oriented features.

Pricing

Both the motorcycles demand an over the top pricing. Limited to only 250 units worldwide, the MV Agusta F4 RC is priced at Rs 48.94 lakhs in India. Meanwhile, the Ducati Panigale V4 R carries the price tag of Rs 51.87 lakhs. (both prices are ex-showroom, Mumbai)