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Ducati Panigale V4 R

Danilo Petrucci is set to pilot the Ducati Panigale V4 R after inking a deal with Barni Racing Team for the 2023 WorldSBK season.

  • Petrucci to compete at the 2023 WorldSBK with Barni Racing Team. 
  • The former MotoGP rider to ride the Ducati Panigale V4 R. 

What started as a rumour is now confirmed that the Italian will race at the 2023 WorldSBK with Barni Racing. 

Previously, Petrucci was linked with a move to the Ducati factory team at the WorldSBK before the factory team decided to renew Michael Ruben Rinaldi’s contract for the new season. 

However, it turns out the ex-MotoGP rider will shift to WorldSBK with the Barni Racing Team riding the same Panigale V4 R as the factory team. 

Interestingly, Petrucci s all too familiar with Barni, having raced with the team in 2011, finishing second place in the Superstock 1000 class before his big jump to MotoGP the following year. 

“I’m really pleased to be back with Barni. 2011 was one of my best ever seasons, but, more importantly, I couldn’t say no to the chance to race in World Superbike with such a competitive bike,” said the 32-year-old. 

Seeing the former Ducati and KTM MotoGP rider back on the grid at the WorldSBK is undoubtedly the news that the fans are hoping for. After all, we need someone experienced to take the fight to Alvaro Bautista, Toprak Razgatlioglu and Jonathan Rea next season. 

The fourth episode of the Ducati World Premiere web series takes us to the unveiling of a more powerful Ducati Panigale V4 R.

  • The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 R gets higher max rev at 16,500rpm.
  • DLC-coated piston and titanium conrod contributed to higher horsepower. 

The introduction of the 2023 model year Panigale V4 R continue to set a new mark for Ducati’s racing department.

Ducati has seen remarkable results this season at the 2022 WorldSBK, with the current Panigale V4 R at the helm of Alvaro Bautista leading the championship with a massive gap. 

Watching Bautista flying by rival teams in a straight line is nothing short of excitement, but that doesn’t stop Ducati from upping the ante with the 2023 Panigale V4 R. 

On paper, the 2023 Panigale V4 R produces 218hp @ 15,500rpm but Ducati has increased the maximum revs to 16,500rpm at 6th-gear.

However, by adding a new racing exhaust combined with Shell-developed fuel, the new Panigale V4 R can hit a peak power of 240.5hp. 

The additional power is boosted by the use of gun-drilled titanium connecting rods and DLC-coated pistons, which Ducati claimed is a first for a road bike even though the technology is common in MotoGP machines and Formula 1 race cars. 

Thanks to a new piston geometry, Ducati also reduced the inertia significantly and the weight by 5g. 

In addition, the 2023 V4 R gets new engine modes with ‘Full’ and ‘Low’ added to the existing package. As the name goes, the ‘Full’ mode unleashes the full power of the V4 R while ‘Low’ reduces the power to 160hp, allowing for a calmer riding experience on the road. But hey, who are we to tell you not to go full blast on public roads? 

Ducati also revised the Ducati Quick Shift system to allow for a smoother shift during partial and full throttle.

The 2023 Panigale V4 R remains faithful with Ohlins suspension, but the travel in the NPX25/30 pressurised fork is increased by 5mm. 

Ducati also increases agility thanks to a higher swingarm pivot position that raises the rear height by 20mm. Also new on the 2023MY is a bigger 17L fuel tank. 

Finally, the 2023 Panigale V4 R will be a numbered model, with each bike verified by a plaque on the steering head. 

Road racing legend, Michael Dunlop will pilot the Ducati Panigale V4 R at the 2022 Isle of Man.

Dunlop signed with Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) Ducati Team ahead of the 2022 IOMTT, however the ongoing pandemic forced organizers to cancel the 2020 and 2021 edition.

Nevertheless, the 2022 season is set to return on May 28 with Dunlop staying with PBM Ducati.

However, to adapt to the Panigale V4 R after a two-year absent, Dunlop will ride the Borgo Panigale machinery at Northern Ireland’s North West 200 happening on May 12 to 14.

Regardless, Dunlop is still regarded as one of the favourites in the Superbike pack, as he currently has 19 IOMTT wins to his name.

If the 32-year-old rider managed to pulls of another win, Ducati will be the seventh winning manufacturer to partner the Northern Irishman after Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, BMW and Paton.

The Aruba.it Racing – Ducati squad presented their 2020 WorldSBK set-up earlier this week in Imola, Italy together with their star riders, Scott Redding and Chaz Davies. Riding the powerful 2020 Ducati Panigale V4 R, some would say that this might the year that Ducati takes over the World Superbikes series away from the dominating Kawasaki and their champion, Jonathan Rea. (more…)

It was just a matter of time before we see the arrival of the Ducati Panigale V4 Superleggera and the news came from none other than Ducati CEO, Claudio Domenicali. It turns out that a selected group of Ducatisti received an email pertaining something called “Project 1708” and boy oh boy, are we excited to share what we have for you (no, we didn’t get the email…). (more…)

We once wrote about the possibility of 2019 BMW S 1000 RR owners turning their superbikes into carbon fibre editions thanks to Ilmberger Carbon. Now, owners of the powerful Ducati Panigale V4 R can also turn their machines into carbon monsters with some very cool parts available for purchase on their website. (more…)

  • Will a Ducati Corse factory team join the Endurance World Championship and Suzuka 8-Hours?

  • The manufacturer is now supporting privateer teams in the championship.

  • Ducati didn’t shoot down the idea but outlined that it’ll be a large challenge should they decide to.

Ducati obtained significant results in their comeback bid in the WorldSBK with the Ducati Panigale V4 R (Alvaro Bautista’s cock ups notwithstanding) this season. But will a factory Ducati Corse team join the Endurance World Championship and Suzuka 8-Hours?

The designer of the Ducati 916, the late-Massimo Tamburini had envisioned to race his creation in endurance events including the prestigious Suzuka 8-Hours. That’s why he gave the bike a single-sided swingarm. In fact, he admitted that the 916’s swingarm was heavier than the regular twin-spar swingarms of its contemporaries, but it facilitates faster rear wheel changes.

The design became a Ducati signature and tradition which is carried on all the way to the latest high-end Panigales including the Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Point is, endurance racing is missing in Ducati’s motorsports dossier.

Italian magazine GPOne.com spoke to Ducati Corse Sporting Director, Paolo Ciabatti about such prospects. Ciabatti didn’t kill the idea outright but gave a “not yet.”

The 2020 EWC season has begun and Ducati will participate only in a supporting role.

“In my opinion, if we ever decide to participate in the Suzuka 8-Hours in an official way at Ducati, it will be our own project which will require a great deal of effort,” he told GPOne. “We have to plan test on the track when it is available; we have to field the best riders available in the Ducati family; and then we have to think that to win there, the Bridgestone tyres must be used.”

“A challenge in the challenge. It is fascinating, but if Ducati decides to participate, it will do so to fight for victory.”

What he meant by “our own project” means that it’ll be Ducati Corse factory effort and not in partner with endurance race teams.

Sources: GPOne via Asphalt & Rubber

  • Ducati Malaysia launched the 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R, Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, Ducati Multistrada 950 S, Ducati Hypermotard 950 S, Ducati Diavel 1260 S tonight.

  • All bikes cater to different segments for riders seeking different types of rides.

  • The crown jewel is the Panigale V4 R superbike.

Ducati Malaysia launched nine new motorcycles for 2019 tonight. They included the Ducati Panigale V4 R, Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro, Ducati Multistrada 950 S, Ducati Hypermotard 950 S, Ducati Diavel 1260 S and four Scrambler variants (please click here for the launch report).

All models have been highly anticipated since their launch late last year, more so the Panigale V4 R.

2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R – From RM 299,900

The Panigale V4 R is the homologation model for racing in the World Superbike Championship (WorldSBK). The rules of the series require manufacturers to produce a certain number of specially-prepared variant that’s as close as possible to the race motorcycle and available to the public.

That’s where the Panigale V4 R fits in – being Ducati’s commitment to dominate WorldSBK that the factory once did. In other words, the Panigale V4 R is a pure race-ready road bike. Every part is designed for a purpose and none is superfluous.

Since its introduction in 2019 WorldSBK, Alvaro Bautista steered it to 9 race and 4 Superpole wins in six rounds. The Panigale V4 R’s stranglehold is so absolute that the organizers made Ducati cut the bike’s maximum rev limit.

Highlights (in addition to the V4 and V4 S):
  • MotoGP-inspired Desmosedici Stradale R 1000cc 90V4 engine.
  • 56mm oval throttle bodies with variable height intake funnels.
  • The engine produces 221 hp (162 kW) at 15,250 RPM and 112 Nm of torque at 11,500 RPM, with a dry weight of only 172 kg.
  • STM EVO-SBK dry clutch system like its racing brethren.
  • Taller windscreen to flow air over rider’s helmet when in full tuck.
  • Aerobody with winglets adds 30kg of vertical load to the front wheel at 270km/h.
  • Extractors on fairing move 6% and 16% through the radiator and oil cooler, respectively.
  • Adjustable swingarm pivot (2mm) to change the bike’s chassis balance.
  • High-end Öhlins suspension.
  • Electronics include riding modes, power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, Auto Tyre Calibration.
  • A Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides data to the ECU for traction and chassis control strategies.
  • High-resolution, 5-inch TFT display.
  • Ducati Lap Timer GPS (DLT GPS) provides detailed lap analysis.
  • Pit lane speed limiter can be set to between 40 km/h to 80 km/h.
  • The Ducati Panigale V4 R is available in any colour you like, as long as it’s red.

2019 Ducati Multistrada 1260 Enduro – From RM 138,900

The Multistrada 1260 Enduro expands the Multistrada 1260’s performance envelope to include off-road adventure riding.

The Enduro especially benefits from the 1262cc Testastretta DVT engine. The Desmodromic Variable Timing valve actuation system provides an ultra-smooth power and torque delivery, resulting in total rider confidence when riding in the rough.

Highlights:
  • 1262cc 90V-Twin Testastretta DVT engine.
  • It produces 158 hp (116 kW) at 9,500 RPM and 128 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM.
  • Ducati QuickShift (DQS) for clutchless up- and downshifts.
  • Redesigned chassis reduces suspension travel and seat height to 860mm.
  • Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO (DSS) semi-active electronic suspension. It can be tuned to 400 configurations.
  • Bosch Cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control.
  • Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) with 8 levels.
  • Vehicle Hold Control allows the bike to move off a slope of up to 24.5 degrees.
  • Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) utilize LEDs to illuminate the inside of corners when the bike is leaned over.
  • The bike weighs 225kg, dry.

2019 Multistrada 950 S – From RM 95,900

The Multistrada 950 S offers great versatility, comfort, performance and fun at a much more accessible level.

The 2019 models is redesigned to follow the Multistrada 1260’s family resemblance and is full of many great features.

Highlights:
  • 937cc, 90V-Twin Testastretta 11engine.
  • It produces 113 hp (83 kW) at 9,000 RPM and 96 Nm of torque at 7,750 RPM.
  • Ducati QuickShift (DQS) for clutchless up- and downshifts (Multistrada 950 S only).
  • Hydraulically-actuated clutch for reduced lever effort.
  • Ducati Skyhook Suspension EVO (DSS) semi-active electronic suspension. It can be tuned to 400 configurations.
  • Bosch Cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control.
  • Vehicle Hold Control allows the bike to move off a slope.
  • Ducati Cornering Lights (DCL) illuminates the inside of corners when the bike is leaned over.
  • Cruise control.
  • The bike weighs 204 kg, dry.

2019 Ducati Hypermotard 950 – From RM 75,900

The hooligan is back! The Hypermotard 950 embodies the essence of fun on two wheels, letting nothing stand in your way. It’s a bike for being thrown around through traffic and into corners, then pulling a massive crossed-up wheelie on the way out.

Highlights:
  • 937cc, 90V-Twin Testastretta 11engine, with higher 13.3:1 compression ratio (up from 12.6:1).
  • It produces 114 hp (84 kW) at 9,000 RPM and 96 Nm of torque at 7,250 RPM.
  • Clutch with self-servo and anti-hop (slipper) functions.
  • A Bosch 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides data to the ECU for traction and chassis control strategies.
  • Electronics include riding modes, power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO.
  • New 45mm, fully-adjustable Marzocchi forks.
  • The bike weighs a lithe 178 kg, dry.

2019 Ducati Diavel 1260 S – From RM 139,900

The leading muscle cruiser, bar none. It combines the looks and attitude of a cruiser with Ducati’s superbike to deliver high performance and imposing street cred.

Highlights:
  • 1262cc 90V-Twin Testastretta DVT engine.
  • It produces 159 hp (117 kW) at 9,500 RPM and 129 Nm of torque at 7,500 RPM.
  • Ducati QuickShift (DQS) for clutchless up- and downshifts.
  • High-handlebar and central footpegs power cruiser ergonomics.
  • Fully-adjustable forks.
  • Electronics include riding modes, power modes, Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO and Ducati Power Launch (DPL) EVO.
  • The bike weighs 218 kg, dry.
  • Pramac Ducati rider Jack Miller tested the Ducati Panigale V4 R superbike recently.

  • He was present at an open track session in Barcelona, Spain.

  • The Panigale V4 R is currently dominating the WorldSBK championship.

Colourful and outspoken MotoGP rider Jack Miller tested a Ducati Panigale V4 R recently.

The Pramac Ducati rider swapped his Desmosedici GP19 for the superbike at an open track day in Barcelona, Spain. The track was open for Moto2 and Moto3 riders, but Miller grabbed the opportunity to ride Ducati’s superbike.

In the hands of ex-MotoGP rider Alvaro Bautista, the Ducati Panigale V4 R has dominated the World Superbike Championship this year. The pairing saw a total of 11 victories in 14 races, thus far. Reigning world champion Jonathan Rea and the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R was able to pip Bautista only once at Imola.

No official lap times were recorded. Miller nor his team issued any official comments, either.

The Australian rider is currently having a good run in MotoGP. He has grabbed a podium and two top four finishes in five races, thus far. He has 42 points in the championship standings, just 15 less than Mission Winnow Ducati factory rider Danilo Petrucci.

  • Jentera Ducati Panigale V4 R akan dikurangkan sebanyak 250 RPM dalam kejohanan WorldSBK 2019.
  • Honda CBR1000RR pula akan mendapat tambahan 500 RPM.
  • Ducati dan Kawasaki juga tidak dibenarkan untuk melakukan penambahbaikan enjin pada jentera mereka.

(more…)

  • The Ducati Panigale V4 R will lose 250 RPM in WorldSBK 2019.

  • While the Honda CBR1000RR will gain 500 RPM.

  • Ducati and Kawasaki are also not allowed to bring engine upgrades to their bikes.

It’s bound to happen as per Dorna and FIM’s rules. The Ducati Panigale V4 R is set to lose 250 RPM off its peak from the next round in Assen.

The decision was made after Alvaro Bautista won the first six races and three Superpoles of the season on the Panigale V4 R. Besides docking its peak RPM (to reduce peak horsepower), Ducati will also lose their concession to bring further engine upgrades for the rest of the year. Consequently, Bautista and teammate Chaz Davies, as well as Eugene Laverty will have to compete on a bike with the same specs as it started the season.

A reduction of 250 RPM will not make a difference to Bautista. In fact, his Aruba.it Ducati team had tested a bike with 250 RPM less in Aragon earlier.

On the other hand, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10RR will not have its revs cut but they are also not allowed the concession to upgrade their engine, since the gap between Ducati and Kawasaki are only 7 points (below the 9-point threshold).

Other manufacturers are allowed concessions, including BMW and Yamaha (who are racing), as well as Aprilia, Suzuki and MV Agusta (who are not racing).

As for Honda, the CBR1000RR will receive a 500 RPM upgrade. The increase will take effect over two rounds i.e. 250 RPM at Assen and another 250 RPM at Imola, Italy.

Such “revisions” is not new. Kawasaki had their ZX-10RR’s rev limit cut last year after Jonathan Rea’s dominance. The idea is to keep the field competitive for close-in racing.

You can view the FIM ruling here.

The rev limits for different manufacturers are in the table below (Credit: WorldSBK/FIM).

  • Alvaro Bautista and Ducati maintained their 100% win record by destroying the field in Race 1 at Aragon.

  • Bautista finished the race 15 seconds ahead of Jonathan Rea on the Kawasaki.

  • His teammate Chaz Davies finished in 3rd.

Alvaro Bautista and Ducati maintained their 100% win record by destroying the field in Race 1 at Aragon. The Aragon track in Spain hosts Round 3 of the WorldSBK 2019 championship.

Not wanting to be bogged down in a bruising battle like in Race 1 at Buriram, Thailand, Bautista blasted into the lead as soon as the lights went out. He never looked back and was almost a second faster per lap. He would eventually cross the line 15 seconds clear of the second-placed man.

As with the previous MotoGP race in Argentina, Bautista left the rest to battle for second and third places in his wake.

Jonathan Rea – Photo credit WorldSBK.com

Reigning WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea on the Kawasaki fought his way up from 10thon the grid, only to find himself fighting hard against another two Ducatis for the runner-up position.

Chaz Davies – Photo credite WorldSBK.com

 

Bautista’s teammate Chaz Davies appeared to have finally come to grips with the new Panigale V4 R. He had been battling with Eugene Laverty on the satellite Team Go Eleven Ducati Panigale V4 R during the earlier part of the race, when Rea joined the party.

Alex Lowes – Photo credit WorldSBK.com

The trio swapped positions on and on until the final lap, when Laverty ran into the back of Davies. The come-together sent Laverty off the track and caused Davies to lose touch to Rea. Rea escaped to take 2ndplace while Davies brought his bike home in 3rd.

Behind them, Alex Lowes took his Pata Yamaha to 4thwhile Tom Sykes took the new BMW S 1000 RR to 5th.

ANALYSIS

It’s understandable that some are charging that Ducati brought a MotoGP bike to WorldSBK and voiced concerns over Bautista’s domination. But look at where the other Ducatis are. Bautista’s teammate Davies was in 3rdand Laverty almost took 4th. It’s more of how Bautista is able to interpret and unlock the bike’s full potential compared to everyone else. Plus, he’s probably so used to riding those beasts in MotoGP, so the Panigale V4 R is comparatively easy. We’re not saying that the Panigale V4 R isn’t fast, but every bike needs the rider to unlock its capabilities.

Tom Sykes – Photo credit WorldSBK.com

There’s talk of Dorna looking at curtailing the Panigale V4 R’s maximum revs in order to lower its maximum power. The WorldSBK rules provide for this, in order to keep the field close and exciting for fans. However, doing so would handicap not Bautista but the other Ducatis, too.

Tom Sykes did very well on the BMW S 1000 RR. The bike has a stock engine compared to the rest of the field’s. The exhaust, cams, ECU and suspension are standard like a SuperStock bike’s. It ought to go much faster with the race kit.

Race 2 for WorldSBK starts at 8.00pm tonight.

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