2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R Specs & Review

Ducati’s most focused superbike is built for one thing: winning on a race track. The Panigale V4 R is a homologation-special missile that translates MotoGP know-how to a 998 cc V4 you can actually buy. In this Ducati Panigale V4 R review, we unpack the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R specs and explain how they feel from pit lane to apex.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4, counter-rotating crankshaft, Desmodromic timing, 4 valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled
• Displacement: 998 cc
• Power: 207 hp / 152.2 kW @ 13,500 rpm (up to 237 hp / 174 kW @ 15,500 rpm with full racing exhaust)
• Torque: 82 lb-ft / 111.1 Nm @ 12,000 rpm (up to 87 lb-ft / 118 Nm @ 12,250 rpm with full racing exhaust)
• Weight: 406 lb / 184 kg wet (no fuel); 395 lb / 179 kg with full racing exhaust
• Seat height: 33.5 in / 850 mm

Engine & Performance

The heart is a 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale 90° V4 with a counter‑rotating crankshaft and a 14.0:1 compression ratio. It breathes through an electronic fuel injection system with twin injectors per cylinder, full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies with aerodynamic valves, and a variable length intake system. The result is immediate response low down and a ferocious surge as revs rise.

On standard exhaust, it delivers 207 hp at 13,500 rpm and 82 lb-ft at 12,000 rpm—already superbike-quick. Fit the full racing exhaust and you unlock 237 hp at 15,500 rpm and 87 lb-ft at 12,250 rpm, confirming the Panigale V4 R’s purpose. The 4‑2‑1‑2 exhaust uses two catalytic converters and four lambda probes for precise fueling.

A 6‑speed gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2 fires through ratios cleanly, and the hydraulically controlled slipper dry clutch helps keep corner entries composed. Primary drive is via straight cut gears (1.80:1), and the chain final drive (15/42) is track-friendly. In the real world (i.e., the circuit), the powerband is broad and usable, the throttle maps are well calibrated, and it rewards smooth riders who exploit the rev range.

Handling, Comfort & Ducati Panigale V4 R Seat Height

The chassis centers on an aluminum alloy Front Frame with optimized stiffness, tied to premium suspension: a fully adjustable 43 mm Öhlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork with TiN treatment and an Öhlins TTX 36 rear shock with hydraulic spring preload adjuster. The rear features an aluminum single‑sided swingarm with an adjustable pivot position of +/- 3 mm, letting you fine‑tune anti-squat behavior.

Geometry leans toward agility and precision, with a 57.9 in / 1,471 mm wheelbase, 24.5° rake, and 3.94 in / 100 mm trail. Wheel travel is 4.9 in / 125 mm front and 5.1 in / 130 mm rear. Forged Marchesini 3‑spoke aluminum wheels (3.50 x 17 front, 6.00 x 17 rear) reduce unsprung mass, wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires (120/70 ZR17 and 200/60 ZR17).

The Ducati Panigale V4 R seat height is 33.5 in / 850 mm. Tall riders will appreciate the roomy triangle and clear feedback, while shorter riders may find low-speed paddock maneuvering less confidence-inspiring. The Ducati Panigale V4 R weight is listed at 406 lb / 184 kg wet (no fuel), or 395 lb / 179 kg with the full racing exhaust—light enough to feel flickable yet planted through fast transitions.

Equipment & Features

Braking hardware is top-tier: dual 330 mm semi‑floating front discs with radially mounted Brembo Monobloc Stylema (M4.30) 4‑piston calipers, plus a 245 mm rear disc with 2‑piston caliper—both managed by Bosch Cornering ABS EVO. Electronic rider aids include Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 3, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO 2, and auto tire calibration. Ducati Power Launch (DPL) and DQS up/down EVO 2 come standard.

The cockpit uses a last‑generation digital unit with a 5 in TFT color display and quick adjustment buttons. An Öhlins steering damper, full LED lighting with DRL, lithium‑ion battery, carbon fiber front mudguard, heatshield, and wings, plus a billet aluminum steering stem with bike number underline the race pedigree. It’s a single seat machine with a high‑flow air filter and Marchesini forged wheels. Provided equipment includes machined mirror block‑off plates, a license plate mount removal plug, and Ducati Data Analyser+ (DDA+) with GPS module. It’s ready for the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) and anti‑theft.

Service intervals are 7,500 mi / 12,000 km or 12 months, with valve clearance checks at 15,000 mi / 24,000 km. Warranty is 24 months with unlimited mileage. Fuel tank capacity is 4.49 gal / 17 l.

Note: This product is intended for vehicles used only in closed‑course circuit. Operation on public roads is prohibited by law.

Who Is the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R For?

This is for advanced track riders and racers who will exploit the electronics, chassis adjustability, and power. It’s not aimed at beginners, nor at commuting or casual street use. If your weekends are measured in lap times and data traces, the V4 R fits.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R pairs explosive power with a deeply sophisticated electronics suite and world-class suspension. Its adjustable swingarm pivot, forged wheels, and Brembo Stylema brakes deliver the razor-edge precision track riders crave, while the 5 in TFT and DDA+ with GPS make setup and analysis straightforward.

Weaknesses? The Ducati Panigale V4 R weight is competitive but not magic; the tall seat and single-seat layout underscore its single-minded mission. Most importantly, it’s a track-only machine. As a pure superbike package, though, it’s among the most complete tools you can bring to a circuit.

FAQ

• Is the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R good for beginners?
  No. It’s a high‑performance track‑only machine with advanced power and electronics, intended for experienced riders on closed-course circuits.

• What is the seat height of the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R?
  33.5 in / 850 mm.

• How heavy is the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R?
  406 lb / 184 kg wet (no fuel), or 395 lb / 179 kg with the full racing exhaust.

• What is the engine displacement and power?
  998 cc. Power is 207 hp / 152.2 kW @ 13,500 rpm, rising to 237 hp / 174 kW @ 15,500 rpm with the full racing exhaust.

• What electronics and rider aids does it include?
  Riding Modes, Power Modes, Cornering ABS EVO, DTC EVO 3, DWC EVO, DSC, EBC EVO 2, auto tire calibration, DPL, and DQS up/down EVO 2, plus DDA+ with GPS module.