Ducati has announced the 2023 Panigale V4 R, a street-legal superbike that has now surpassed previous models as Ducati’s closest production model to a competitive motorcycle. With technical solutions derived from the MotoGP and WorldSBK Championship bikes, Ducati claims a maximum output of 240.5 hp for the Panigale V4 R. The updated 2023 V4 R also features a number of upgrades over the model year. before.
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240.5 max power sounds impressive, but it’s a bit more complicated than that. Some things have to align to get that maximum. The 2023 Panigale V4 is powered by the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, seen in previous models.
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Ducati claims the Desmosedici Stradale R can hit 16,500 rpm in 6th gear and produce 207 hp at 13,500 rpm with 82 lb-ft of torque. Adding to the racing exhaust, the Stradale R increases power to 237 hp, 3 hp more than its predecessor but still 3.5 hp short of the announced maximum. To give the Stradale R yet another boost, Ducati has partnered with Shell to produce a special performance oil that reduces mechanical friction by 10%, reducing pony swings by up to 240.5.
Special Shell oils only work because the bike uses a dry clutch. Oils that contain racing additives can cause wet clutch problems. The clutch on the 2023 Panigale V4 R is new, derived from the version used in WorldSBK. Shaft diameter and length have been reduced by 0.9 in and weight 1.8 lb. To help with lubrication, the V4 R features gun-drilled titanium connecting rods that facilitate oil passage.
New to the 2023 model is the extended gear ratio. The new ratios are the same as those used by the WorldSBK Panigale racing bike and first seen in production models above. 2022 Panigale V4 WILL BE. The ratio is extended in the 1st (+11.6%), 2nd (+5.6%), and 6th (+1.8%) gears. Ducati says the longer gears help improve engine management when braking and accelerate better out of corners. They also allow fast machines to work more efficiently.
The V4 R also allows the driver to choose from four engine configurations: full, high, medium and low. Full power mode is exactly what it sounds like: It allows the engine to run to its full potential without the need for an electronic filter (except for the first gear). In medium and high power modes, the Ride by Wire map is capable of correcting all six gears for the ideal driving experience. Low power mode is designed for use on the road and on low grip surfaces. The low power mode limits maximum power to 160 hp and has a more manageable throttle response.
Ride mode is shown on the Track Evo display, first seen on the 2022 Panigale V4. The display has a horizontal tachometer along the top of the dashboard. The gear is inserted in the center of the screen. The display also has lights to indicate when an electronic control is operating on a specific parameter, such as Engine Brake Control and Dual Quick Shift, making it easier for the driver to figure out what to do. which controls are assisting and which controls are acting against the driver in any given situation.
The suspension, updated on the Panigale V4 and V4 S 2022, is fully adjustable, with Öhlins NPX25/30 forks with 4.9 inches of travel (0.2 inches more than the 2022 Panigale V4 R) and Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber. Other updates include a more aggressive configuration of the intake cam to improve breathing at high rpm and an increase in aluminum tank capacity to 4.5 gallons.
Ducati offers a number of accessories for the Panigale V4, such as an all-titanium Akrapovič exhaust system, lighter magnesium rims, adjustable aluminum footrests, etc.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R 2023 in MotoGP-derived racing paint will retail for $44,995 and is expected to arrive in dealers in spring 2023. Ducati website for more information.
