Racing DNA doesn’t get purer than this. The Ducati Panigale V4 R has landed in India as the closest thing you can buy to a factory WorldSBK race machine. At an eye-watering price tag of ₹74.8 lakh (ex-showroom), this is not just another superbike – it’s a piece of MotoGP tech homologated for the road.
For enthusiasts, the Panigale V4 R isn’t about practicality – it’s about chasing lap times, revs that scream past 16,000 rpm, and technology derived straight from Ducati Corse’s MotoGP garage. This bike is not here to commute through Mumbai traffic or tackle potholes in Bengaluru. It’s here for those who want to own the absolute bleeding edge of motorcycle engineering in India. With its 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, aggressive aerodynamics, and 239 hp with racing exhaust, the Panigale V4 R is Ducati’s sharpest weapon yet.
Table of Contents
Engine, Mileage & Performance
At the heart of the Panigale V4 R lies the 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, a road-legal version of Ducati’s MotoGP powerhouse. On paper, it produces 218 hp at 15,750 rpm and 111 Nm of torque at 12,000 rpm. Equip it with the optional Akrapovič racing exhaust and Ducati Corse performance oil, and the figure shoots up to 239 hp – numbers unheard of for a road bike.
The 6-speed Ducati Racing Gearbox (DRG) is unique, featuring neutral below first gear for smoother downshifts, along with the patented Ducati Neutral Lock (DNL). This setup is straight from MotoGP, making gear changes sharper and more reliable under extreme conditions.
On the road, the Panigale V4 R is ferocious – 0–100 km/h in under 3 seconds and a top speed brushing 299+ km/h. But mileage? Ducati claims 12–13 kmpl, though no Indian buyer at this level is worried about fuel efficiency. The focus is pure speed, agility, and track precision.
Against rivals like the BMW S 1000 RR (212 hp) and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R (203 hp), the Panigale sits in a league of its own – not just in performance, but also in exclusivity.
Design & Features
Visually, the V4 R screams racing aggression. Ducati has fitted Corner Sidepods – a first on any homologated road bike – which generate downforce at extreme lean angles. The redesigned winglets are 25% more effective than before, ensuring stability even when pushing hard on track straights.
The brushed aluminium fuel tank, race-inspired bodywork, and compact, razor-sharp silhouette are all born in the wind tunnel. Every element is sculpted for aerodynamic efficiency, not comfort.
Inside, the bike gets a 6.9-inch TFT display, Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0, and full ride-by-wire electronics. Unlike more road-friendly Panigales, the V4 R prioritises track functionality – expect an aggressive riding triangle, stiff suspension, and minimal pillion comfort (there’s barely a seat at all).
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Safety & Technology
The Panigale V4 R is a rolling electronics laboratory. Highlights include:
- Race Brake Control (RBC) for MotoGP-style braking.
- Cornering ABS for precision while leaned over.
- Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO) – an algorithm for managing engine braking.
- Four Power Modes (Full, High, Medium, Low).
- Advanced Riding Modes for Track and Road.
- Traction Control, Wheelie Control, Launch Control, and Slide Control.
- Ducati Data Logger (DDL) with GPS for lap analysis.
Suspension duties are handled by Öhlins NPX25/30 pressurised forks up front and a fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 rear shock. Braking comes from twin 330 mm Brembo Stylema discs with four-piston calipers.
This isn’t just safety tech – it’s about giving pro-level riders the confidence to push closer to the bike’s 239 hp potential.
Colours & Variants
In India, the Ducati Panigale V4 R is offered in a single, exclusive R Livery – finished in Ducati Red with racing decals inspired by their WorldSBK machines. Unlike the V4 and V4 S which offer multiple trims, the V4 R is sold as one fully loaded variant, emphasising exclusivity.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Closest road bike to a MotoGP machine.
- Mind-bending 239 hp performance with racing kit.
- Advanced aerodynamics with winglets & Corner Sidepods.
- Class-leading electronics suite for track riding.
- Ultra-exclusive in India (collector’s bike).
Cons
- Astronomical price (₹74.8 lakh ex-showroom).
- Extremely impractical for Indian roads.
- Requires experienced riders – not beginner-friendly.
- Maintenance and spares are expensive, limited dealer support.
- Heat management in Indian summers can be tough.
Price & Rivals
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is priced at ₹74.79 lakh (ex-showroom, India), making it one of the most expensive litre-class superbikes you can buy.
Main rivals include:
- BMW M 1000 RR – ₹49.00 lakh
- BMW S 1000 RR – ₹24.95 lakh
- Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R – ₹16.79 lakh
- Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade – ₹23.11 lakh
Clearly, the Ducati is far more expensive – but it isn’t about value. It’s about owning the pinnacle of racing technology, something the Japanese litre-bikes simply don’t match.
Final Verdict
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is not a motorcycle for everyone – and that’s exactly why it’s special. It’s brutally fast, technologically unmatched, and designed to dominate racetracks, not city roads. For India, it’s more of a passion purchase for the ultra-rich enthusiast who wants MotoGP DNA in their garage.
If you want practicality, the Ninja ZX-10R or S 1000 RR make far more sense. But if you want the ultimate, the most extreme Ducati ever built, the V4 R is the only answer. It’s less a bike, more a statement – a statement that racing truly is just the beginning.
Frequently Ask Questions
Q1. What is the price of Ducati Panigale V4 R in India?
The Ducati Panigale V4 R costs ₹74.79 lakh ex-showroom.
Q2. How much power does the Panigale V4 R produce?
It produces 218 hp stock, and up to 239 hp with the racing exhaust and performance oil.
Q3. What is the top speed of Ducati Panigale V4 R?
It can achieve over 299 km/h, making it one of the fastest superbikes on sale.
Q4. Is the Panigale V4 R practical for Indian roads?
No. It is built for racetracks and hardcore riding. On regular Indian roads, it’s highly impractical.
Q5. Which bikes rival the Ducati Panigale V4 R?
Its rivals include BMW M 1000 RR, S 1000 RR, Honda CBR1000RR-R, and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R.
