Ducati Panigale V4 R launched at Rs 51.87 lakh

The most powerful Ducati bike – the Panigale V4 R  – is on sale in the country at an introductory price of Rs 51.87 lakh (ex-showroom, India). It is Rs 6000 dearer than the top-of-the-line V4 Speciale. Only five V4 R bikes will be available in India. If you want one in your garage, book one through any of its authorized dealerships in the country before November 30 and Ducati will deliver the bike starting Q1 of 2019. For all bookings after November 30, deliveries of the bike will commence after Q2 of 2019.

Showcased first at the EICMA 2018, the Panigale V4 R gets top drawer material from the factory racing team and the aero pack has been designed by Ducati Corse and Ducati Style Centre. The front fairing of the bike is made of carbon fibre.  You will also notice that the fairing sports wing elements similar to that of the MotoGP bike to improve stability. Specially shaped air vents on the fairing help to dissipate the heat away from the engine and improve cooling.

The main highlight of the bike is that the Desmosedici Stradale 1103cc engine is replaced by a 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R, within the limits set by WSBK rules. The engine makes 217.24bhp at 15,250rpm and 112Nm of torque at 11,500rpm and comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a bidirectional quickshifter. The bike tips in the scales at just 172kg (dry). While the power is up by 6bhp, it is available over a wider rev range, 2250rpm more than the 1103cc engine. However, torque is down by 12Nm but it is spread over a wider rev range – 1500rpm more than the 1103cc engine.

Suspension is optimized for track use, says Ducati. The steering damper and Ohlins suspension mounts can be mechanically adjusted. The bike also features new NPX 25/30 front forks , while the rear suspension is an Ohlins TT36 monoshock unit, with adjustable aluminium swingarm (±3mm). The V4 R also borrows a lot of tech from the V4 S.

On the launch of the Panigale V4 R, Sergi Canovas, managing director of Ducati said, “Riding on track is becoming more and more popular here in India. I myself saw firsthand some top talent participate at our DRE as well as the recent National cup. Panigale V4 marked an important era in Ducati’s racing journey globally and Panigale V4 R is the true embodiment of Ducati values: style, sophistication and performance. After the overwhelming response of Panigale V4 in India, we are confident that the Panigale V4 R will disrupt the racing and riding experience of biking enthusiasts in India. Merged with the essence of the Panigale V4 S and Ducati’s racing DNA, Panigale V4 R is an ultimate road-legal race bike which will definitely set a new paradigm in the motorcycle industry.”