One of the bikes we are most looking forward to seeing debut this new bike season is the Ducati Panigale V4 R. This weekend, we got part of that hope fulfilled, as the race version of the Panigale V4 R debut at the British Superbike round at Brands Hatch.
On the machine was Ducati MotoGP test rider, Michele Pirro, who undoubtedly has been helping hone the superbike for its true racing debut next season, in the World Superbike Championship.
What we know already about the Ducati Panigale V4 R is that it will have a 1,000cc V4 engine, that features desmodromic valves, a counter-rotating crankshaft, and big-bang firing order.
What we suspect is that the “R” spec machine will have over 210hp, cost roughly $40,000 when it gets here next year, and likely come with aerodynamic winglets.
Judging from the videos and photos posted from the British Superbike round, the Ducati Panigale V4 RS (as this bike should properly be called) runs a bit hot, needing extra air channeling through the fairings (no surprises there), and for the true Ducatisti, it looks like we will see the return of the dry clutch…at least, that is what we see on the racing machine.
That race bike also has a noticeable fuel tank under the rear seat, leaving an ample airbox at the front of the machine. The headlight ports look to be completely transformed for the intake too, which makes sense.
From what we’ve heard from earlier testing sessions, the Ducati Panigale V4 R shows really good power on the track, even in its earliest of forms. As such, we imagine the bike will be a contender right out of the box when it debuts next season.
Source: British Superbike (Facebook)
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