Monday, March 25, 2024
Menu

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

Reading time 10 Min.

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

In the fourth episode of the Ducati World Premiere 2023 web series, the Bologna manufacturer presented the new Panigale V4 R (here the direct link to the video). With this bike, Ducati once again reaffirms its vocation: to offer its enthusiasts the most sophisticated and refined technological solutions that bring the production model even closer to the racing machines used in the Superbike World Championship. The new Ducati Panigale V4 R is immediately recognizable by its carbon winglets and MotoGP-inspired paintwork. The number "1" is shown on the white start number field. For the first time the motorcycle is produced in a numbered series. The consecutive numbering and the model name are immortalized on the fork bridge.

Ducati Panigale V4 R.

At the heart of the Panigale V4 R is the new 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine – an engine that reaches a maximum revs of 16.500 rpm in sixth gear (16.000 in the other gears) and a maximum power of 218 hp at 15.500 rpm /min delivers. This makes it the absolute benchmark in the segment of super sporty motorcycles with a displacement of up to 1.000 ccm. Despite all the improvements, the new Desmosedici Stradale R delivers a slightly reduced performance compared to the previous version, which is due to the limitations imposed by the new exhaust system, which meets the strict Euro 5 standard. The full potential of this engine is expressed on the track when the racing exhaust system is fitted, allowing a power output of 237 hp, 3 hp more than the previous model.

A special oil developed by Shell in collaboration with Ducati Corse was also used in the development of the engine of the new Panigale V4 R. The new performance oil guarantees a 10% reduction in mechanical friction and leads to an increase in maximum power by a further 3,5 HP, which increases to +4,5 HP in the rev limiter area. The composition of this oil is based on the use of racing additives specially developed for high-speed engines in combination with dry clutches. The dry clutch in particular, as used in MotoGP and SBK engines, allows the use of additives that would make torque transmission problematic in an oil-bath clutch. These chemical elements are added to the base oil in precisely defined amounts and percentages to ensure the right balance between performance and engine protection.

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

In combination with the racing exhaust and the special oil, the Panigale V4 R thus achieves a peak output of 240,5 hp. These numbers are possible thanks to the application of sophisticated technical solutions derived from the world of racing. For the first time on a production motorcycle, drilled titanium connecting rods are used, drilled lengthwise (1,6mm diameter hole). This solution, which allows the passage of oil from the big end to the big end, improves lubrication and reliability in extreme conditions.

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

The pistons of the Desmosedici Stradale R have a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) surface coating. This is a technology used in MotoGP and Formula 1 to reduce friction between the piston and liner. This solution is being used for the first time in a road engine. The pistons also have a new shape that makes them 5 grams lighter (equivalent to 2% of their weight), reducing inertial forces, which improves reliability. Intake camshafts with a more aggressive profile are another detail change on the engine. Stroke has been increased by 1mm to match the new variable length horns, which have been reduced by 5mm in the short configuration. This modification increases airflow at high revs, increasing maximum power when configured with a racing exhaust system.

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

As with the Panigale V4 S 2022, to improve performance on the track, the Panigale V4 R has adopted the same gear ratios as those used on the Superbike World Championship bikes, with the first (+ 11,6%), second (+ 5,6 .1,8%) and sixth gear (+ XNUMX%) have been lengthened compared to the previous model. First gear is therefore more usable on the track and offers the benefits of better engine management under braking and better acceleration on corner exit. The smaller jump between first and second gear also allows for more efficient operation of the automatic gearshift (Ducati Quick Shift). Shifts become smoother regardless of throttle position. The bottom line is that the effectiveness in racing is noticeably improved.

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

The 2023 version of the Desmosedici Stradale R is equipped with a new dry clutch, based on the experience of the official Ducati factory team in the Superbike World Championship. The diameter (-24 mm) and the thickness of the clutch pack have been reduced. This results in a weight saving of 800 grams. The greater efficiency of the new Panigale V4 R in racing is also achieved by adopting all the electronic developments already introduced on the Panigale V4 '22 and '23: expansion and evolution of the power modes, new "Track Evo" display on the display, engine maps with calibration for each individual gear, refinements to the Ducati Traction Control and the Ride By Wire system, but also the adoption of the Engine Brake Control EVO 2 strategy, the new strategy for the DQS and the update of the control of the fans.

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

In order to make the Panigale V4 R even faster and more suitable for racing, the power mode logic already successfully used in the Panigale V4 and V4 S was adopted, of course with special calibrations for the Desmosedici Stradale R engine. There are four engine strategies: Full, High, Medium, Low. Full and Low have been completely retuned, while High and Medium configurations have been revamped. In Power Mode Full, the engine can show its full potential with torque curves without electronic filters from second gear. A new ride-by-wire map management system has been developed for the Medium and High power modes, with a special calibration for each of the six gears, which ensures that the driver receives optimal propulsion every time he opens the throttle. The Power Mode Low, on the other hand, was developed for riding on the road or on surfaces with little grip. It limits the maximum power of the bike to 160 hp and offers a particularly controllable throttle response.

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

The motorcycle's operating parameters are easier to read thanks to the new graphics on the display, where the positions of the warning signals have been revised. The main change in the Panigale V4 R is the inclusion of a new info mode developed by the MotoGP riders called "Track Evo", which is added to the already existing "Road" and "Track" options. This mode was already introduced in the V4 S of the current model year.

To improve driving stability, precision and directional stability during braking and corner entry, and to allow the driver to define the best electronic engine configuration for each track, the Panigale V4 R features Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO 2. This electronic Engine braking management allows different calibration of each gear in each of the three selectable levels. The strategy was developed to optimize engine braking intensity in relation to rear wheel downforce. The Panigale V4 R features a new Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) strategy that improves shifting at any throttle opening degree. There are different strategies for shifting when the throttle is partially or fully open.

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

When shifting gears with the throttle valve partially open, which occurs primarily in road traffic, abrupt ignition interruptions are prevented by stopping the injection. The DQS strategy was refined for the shifting processes under full load that are typical on the race track. Thanks to the new development, the gear changes are more harmonious, which has a positive effect on the driving stability of the motorcycle. The result is better lap times. In addition to these changes, the strategy for controlling the cooling fans has also been updated, which now allows better management of operating temperatures while reducing the heat build-up typical of the end of track sessions. Furthermore, this strategy guarantees greater thermal comfort for the driver at the speeds typical of road use. For those who only use the Panigale V4 R on the track, the Bologna company has developed the specific Ducati Performance DTC EVO 3 software for slicks and wet tires (available as an accessory, which makes the V4 R non-road legal).

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

The rear light can be activated for driving in the rain, which is mandatory in many racing series. Riding Mode Street is replaced by Riding Mode Rain, specially designed for use on wet roads. To improve the driver's feel when opening and closing the throttle, a new 50% more compact throttle controller has been introduced, featuring minimal radial and axial play and virtually no idle travel. As with racing motorcycles, there is also a pit limiter in the championships to limit the speed when exiting and entering the pit lane. The Panigale V4 R continues the layout of the Ducati Panigale family based on the "front frame" and the aluminum single-sided swingarm. The height of the rear swingarm pivot can be adjusted to four positions in 2mm increments.

Öhlins NPX25/30 pressure fork

To improve manoeuvrability, ride feel and grip, the chassis of the Panigale V4 R also follows the evolutionary direction taken by the Panigale V4/V4 S with the 2022 model year, while maintaining the fully mechanical suspension setup. Up front, the Öhlins NPX25/30 compression fork has 5mm more travel compared to the previous “R”. This technical solution, combined with the Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber, lengthened from 312 to 316 mm, and the standard swingarm pivot adjustment to the +1 position, increases the rear height by 20 mm. In this way, a higher center of gravity and thus greater maneuverability when entering curves and changing direction is achieved.

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

Using a less stiff spring for the shock absorber (from 105 N/mm to 80 N/mm), increasing the travel of the suspension fork and improving the ability to follow the terrain conditions increase the weight transfer by utilizing the larger sag and improve the Grip and feel when entering corners. At the same time, the greater travel of the fork allows the front wheel to maintain contact with the tarmac, even when faced with more rearward load transfer under acceleration. The new position of the swingarm pivot increases the anti-squat effect by improving stability, precision and the ability to hold the line on corner exit.
To make tuning quicker and easier, the shock absorber is equipped with a hydraulic preload adjuster.

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

The ergonomic components of the Ducati super sports bike have also been revised: the brushed aluminum tank now holds 17 liters and has a profile that better supports the rider's arms and legs when braking and cornering. In conjunction with the changes to the tank, there is a flatter seat with less padding and a different cover, which on the one hand guarantees greater freedom of movement in the longitudinal direction and on the other hand gives the rider more stability when needed. On the Panigale V4 R, the aerodynamic package has also been revised for greater efficiency: the new two-part winglets (main wing + flap) guarantee the same aerodynamic downforce but are more compact and thinner (by 40% and 50% respectively).

Fairing corresponds to the regulations of the Superbike World Championship

In order to improve the cooling of the engine and to stabilize its performance under extreme loads on the race track, the fairing has been modified in the arrangement of the air outlets in the lower area. It corresponds to the regulations of the Superbike World Championship. Also in the lower area, on the left side, there is an air intake for cooling the Ducati Quick Shift sensor.

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

To further increase efficiency on the track, Ducati Performance offers a wide range of accessories to complete and embellish the Panigale V4 R. First up is the Akrapovič titanium exhaust system with double silencer under the seat, which further improves the already reduced weight/power ratio of the V4 R thanks to a weight saving of 5 kg compared to the standard system and an increase in power to 237 hp. The exhaust comes with a special mapping that adapts all DTC, DWC, DPL and DSC parameters to the new performance of the bike. A further reduction in weight is possible thanks to the fitting of magnesium rims, which guarantee a weight saving of 0,7 kg (- 10%) compared to the already light forged rims of the original equipment, and all aspects of dynamics and, above all, maneuverability at the corner entrance and when improve direction changes.

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

Adjustable aluminum rider footpegs, developed by Ducati Corse in collaboration with Rizoma, are available to better adjust the riding position. They are equipped with foldable brake and shift levers to minimize the risk of breakage in the event of a fall. They can be combined with the standard DQS, which can be configured in traditional and reverse shift patterns. The Pit Stop accessory package includes tire warmers and assembly stands for use on the race track. Those who want to use slick or rain tires can choose the DTC EVO 3 software with specific calibrations of the electronic controls. To further beautify the Panigale V4 R, there are a variety of carbon parts. Among other things, the rear fender, protective devices for the frame, the swingarm, the sprocket and the crankcase can be retrofitted in carbon. In order to improve the performance of the brakes on the race track, there are cooling ducts for the front brake system.

Of course, that was far from it. Our tuning magazine has countless other tuning reports in stock. And also with the topic Motorcycle and motorcycle tuning we meet regularly. Do you want to see all posts about motorcycles and motorcycle tuning? Just click HERE and look around. Or is a small extract enough? Then take a look at the following Mopped posts.

other related posts

Ducati expands the Monsters with the SP version!

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

Comfortable all-rounder: the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally!

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini: sportiness and exclusivity in perfection!

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

Ducati Panigale V4 2023: electronic updates for more performance and comfort

240 hp and 16.500 rpm: Ducati presents the Panigale V4 R!

Ducati presents the new Panigale V4 R: over 240 hp in the racetrack setup and a maximum of 16.500 rpm
Photo credit: Ducati
tuningblog.eu - on the subject of car and motorcycle tuning and car and motorcycle styling, we keep you up to date with our magazine and present you with new tuned cars and motorcycles from all over the world every day. It is best to subscribe to our feed and you will be informed automatically as soon as there is something new about this post. And of course to all other contributions.

About Thomas Wachsmuth

Thomas Wachsmuth - He has been an integral part of tuningblog.eu since 2013. His passion for cars is so intense that he invests every available penny in them. While he dreams of a BMW E31 850CSI and a Hennessey 6x6 Ford F-150, he currently drives a rather inconspicuous BMW 540i (G31/LCI). His collection of books, magazines and brochures on the subject of car tuning has now reached such proportions that he himself has become a walking reference work for the tuning scene.  More about Thomas

Leave a Comment

Your e-mail address will not be published. Required fields are marked with * marked