Ducati Reveals 2019 Panigale V4 R

This past November, Ducati unveiled the new 2019 Panigale V4 R, a beautiful Italian superbike unmatched in every aspect by the competition. The predominantly red bike with gleaming white accents and an aluminum gas tank is assuredly one of the sportiest and fastest looking bikes any manufacturer has ever created. Since its reveal at the World Ducati Premier 2018, the Panigale has retained the title for the world’s most powerful street legal motorcycle, subsequently striking trembling fear into anyone willing enough to ride it. The Ducati Panigale V4 R is the pinnacle of style and performance, and only perpetuates Ducati’s authoritative prowess within the racing world. From the mechanical innovations made to the engine, to the newly configured body work, the Panigale truly emulates a race bike. By no means could one legally push this bike to its limits on public roads, the Panigale belongs respectfully on the track.

A Qualifying Engine

The Panigale V4 R packs a 998 CC engine, similar to that of the Desmosedici Stradale V4. The only difference being a shortened stroke and an overall lighter engine that can achieve a ludicrous 221 HP at 15,250 RPM. (Lighter internal components allow for the engine to rev up to 16,500.) If that wasn’t enough horsepower for you, fitting the full-racing exhaust kit by Ducati Performance Akrapovic maximizes the HP to 234. I rest my case, this bike belongs on the track indefinitely. Furthermore, the V4 R flaunts its 83 lbs-ft of torque at 11,500 RPM and weighs approximately 379 lbs dry.

Contributing to the speed and power of the Panigale are its aerodynamic features. For starters, Ducati included GP16-derived carbon fiber aerodynamic winglets, which help to stabilize the bike during any and all kinds of riding. Yes, this bike literally has wings. A quick glance and you might mistake it for some sci-fi spacehip, setting off for another galaxy. The carbon fiber winglets also assist in keeping the front wheel down during aggressive acceleration, as well as providing greater efficiency. (Though the winglet appendices create faster lap times and allow for more precise riding, I simply cannot justify the use of technology that prevents wheelies.) In addition to these aerodynamic measures, Ducati has introduced a new larger windscreen which provides significantly more air protection to the rider. Widening of the side fairings along with more efficient extractors (meant to maximize cooling operations of the engine) only further increases the bikes aerodynamic capabilities.

As a result of Ducati refining the Panigale engine to include only 998 CC’s (as opposed to its 1,103 CC predecessor, which exceeds the 1,000 CC limit) the bike meets WSBK’s strenuous list of regualtions for competing. WSBK (World Super Bike) is a production-based racing series, similar to the MotoGP in that the bikes competing are operated by highly skilled riders at death defying speeds. However, in contrast to the MotoGP, WSBK features completely street legal superbikes that you can purchase at your local dealerships. MotoGP bikes however are not legal for road use and cannot be purchased, as they are mere prototypes created solely for racing. Since all WSBK bikes entered in the competition must also be available to the general public, the creation of street legal bikes with rocketship speeds, persists.

Ducati’s Slipper Dry Clutch

The infamous dry clutch, rarely used today by other motorcycle manufacturers, is but a rather defining characteristic of Ducati motorcycles. If you’ve ever heard a motorcycle that sounded like wrenches were dancing around in the engine, making an obnoxious and clankerous like noise, then you’ve had the pleasure, or misfortune, of listening to a dry clutch. The clattering noise of a dry clutch is regarded by some as a canorous symphony of Ducati bikes, while others find the rattling quite distasteful. Regardless of the sound, Ducati’s hydraulically controlled slipper dry clutch facilitates the bike embarking on some mighty impressive feats. The unique dry clutch allows for increasingly aggressive downshifts while simultaneously rendering greater stability and handling of the bike. Furthermore, the dry clutch, as the name explicitly suggests, is completely dry and does not face any resistance to engine oil, as a more typical wet clutch certainly does. The dry clutch is another iconic weapon within the seemingly infinite arsenal of Ducati, and will surely prove to be a beneficial feature of the V4 R in 2019.

Panigale Included Electronic Systems

The Panigale offers an array of advanced electronic systems, which not only make for a force to be reckoned with track weapon, but also benefits the average day to day rider. The exhaustive list of new V4 R electronics includes the following.

Bosch Cornering ABS EVO
Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO
Ducati Slide Control (DSC)
Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO
Ducati Power Launch (DPL)
Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO
Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO

Though these systems are certainly useful to your average rider, they are imperatively resourceful to the ever more daring and incredibly experienced professionals. The ABS system for example, offers three levels, each level intended for different scenarios and conditions. Level 3 will overwhelmingly be used by amateurs, while levels two and one will be utilized much more on the track. Level two activates the Slide by Brake function, allowing riders to quite literally drift the bike into corners. On the other hand, level one restricts ABS activation solely to the front brake. Additionally, since it still provides the cornering function, extremely aggressive braking and significant drops in speed are pardoned. Subsequently, riders maintain a tight line and errors are reduced considerably. Not listed above is the Ducati Multimedia System, which can be easily fitted with the Panigale. Without a doubt this is an electronic system created with the weekend rider in mind. The Multimedia system allows riders to receive calls and or texts, as well as listen to music, all via Bluetooth. Basically, if your fancy car has it, then you can bet the Panigale has it too.

A maximum of 234 HP and actual wings, the Panigale is a superbike to keep your eyes on this year and especially at WSBK. Set to release in March of 2019, the V4 R can be all yours for only $40,000. Yes, Ducati is just that good. The justifiably high expectations for this bike are sure to be met by resounding success, not only on the track of course, but on public roads as well. The Ducati Panigale V4 R will no doubt be a bike that the motorcycle community and racing world remember for a long time to come.