Mechanically, Ducati is also leaning harder into race-bred controls. The 2026 Panigale V4 R adopts a race-style gear pattern, placing neutral below first gear, backed by a lockout system intended to reduce the risk of accidentally selecting neutral under heavy braking. Ducati is pairing that with updated electronics, including new braking strategies and a race-focused data ecosystem.
- -Ducati has presented the new Panigale V4 R during Ducati World Première 2026 (September 23, 2025), positioning it as the brand’s road-legal base for WorldSBK racing.
- -The 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R remains the centerpiece, now Euro 5+ compliant, with Ducati quoting 218 hp and a rev ceiling that stretches to 16,500 rpm in sixth gear.
- -Key updates include MotoGP Corner Sidepods, a neutral-below-first race-pattern gearbox with a lockout system, and claimed top speed rising to 330.6 km/h in racing-exhaust configuration.
Ducati has pulled the covers off the 2026 Panigale V4 R, revealing what it describes as the latest evolution of its homologation superbike—built to satisfy WorldSBK rules while staying street-legal. The announcement was made on September 23, 2025 as part of the company’s Ducati World Première 2026 presentation series, a timing that matters because it signals Ducati’s intent to have the bike aligned with the 2026 racing season and dealership rollouts soon after.
On availability
Ducati has stated the Panigale V4 R will reach European dealerships in November 2025, with distribution in other markets beginning from the following month. For India specifically, Ducati’s current India-facing Panigale model pages list the V4 and V2 ranges; India pricing and timing for the V4 R were not indicated there at the time of writing, suggesting local details may follow separately.
At the heart of the V4 R is the Euro 5+-approved 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R. Ducati is keeping the headline number at 218 hp (with market-specific figures noted by the company), but the bigger story is how that performance is shaped across the rev range—Ducati says the curve is more sustained, with gains starting around 4,000 rpm, rather than chasing a single peak figure. The engine is also claimed to spin to 16,500 rpm in sixth gear, a rare figure for an emissions-compliant production motorcycle.
The most visible change is aerodynamic. Ducati has introduced Corner Sidepods, designed to work at extreme lean angles to create a “ground effect”-style benefit, alongside larger winglets that Ducati says increase aerodynamic load by 25% versus the previous generation. In the same announcement, Ducati also states the bike is capable of 318.4 km/h in homologated form and 330.6 km/h with a non-homologated racing exhaust setup.
Cons (the honest niggles)
- Vibrations creep in above 100-110 kmph if you rev hard
- Heavy weight noticeable in traffic
- Harley service network still limited compared to RE/Hero (though Hero dealerships can do basic service)
- Pillion footpeg placement a bit high for very long rides
- Horn sounds like a ₹50k Hero Splendor (still!)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 149.5 cc Air-Cooled Single-Cylinder, DTS-i |
| Power | 14 PS @ 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 13.25 Nm @ 6,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Suspension | Front: Telescopic (31/37 mm); Rear: Twin Nitrox |
| Brakes | Front: 260 mm Disc; Rear: Drum/Disc with ABS |
| Tyres | Front: 80/100-17; Rear: 100/90-17 (Single-Disc) |
| Fuel Tank | 15 Litres |
| Weight | 148 kg (Kerb) |
| Price Range | Rs 1.09 – 1.15 Lakh (Ex-Showroom) |