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.