New Delhi: Superbikes usually make noise, but this one feels like it makes a statement. Ducati has officially launched the new Panigale V4 R in India and it arrives as one of the most extreme, track-focused, road-legal motorcycles money can buy here. The first unit for India has already been delivered in Chennai, and bookings are now open across the country. As someone who has watched superbike culture grow in India over the years, this one honestly feels like a moment for hardcore enthusiasts.
This is not a motorcycle built to look fast. It is built to actually go fast, and carry pure racing DNA with it. Ducati has designed it directly from its World Superbike experience, which makes this launch important not just from a brand perspective, but also for India’s growing performance biking audience.
Ducati Panigale V4 R India launch: price, engine and performance
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is priced at ₹84.99 lakh ex-showroom, placing it firmly in the ultra-exclusive category. Powering it is a 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine that produces 218 hp at around 15,500 rpm, and Ducati says it can rev to around 16,500 rpm in sixth gear. With a racing exhaust, it claims to reach up to 235 hp, and if someone goes all the way with Ducati Corse Performance Oil, it can touch 239 hp. Ducati also claims the motorcycle can cross 330 kmph, which is a number most of us usually associate with MotoGP machinery.
The V4 R comes in a numbered series, which means each bike gets its name and serial number carved on the steering plate. For some riders, rarity matters as much as performance, and Ducati clearly knows its audience here.
MotoGP-inspired aerodynamics and chassis
Ducati has packed in real MotoGP learnings into the bike. One of the standout additions is the Corner Sidepods, something never seen before on a production motorcycle like this. These work with larger aerodynamic wings, which Ducati claims increase downforce significantly compared to the earlier model. The result, according to the brand, is more grip at lean, more stability and more confidence at very high speeds.
The chassis comes with the familiar Front Frame structure and a Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm. Suspension duties are handled by manually adjustable Öhlins units, and tyres are Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V4.
Gearbox, electronics and tech
The Panigale V4 R comes with a Ducati Racing Gearbox that places neutral below first gear. This layout is directly inspired by racing and helps avoid accidental neutral engagement while braking aggressively. The electronics package is heavily updated and is supported by the Ducati Vehicle Observer strategy, with features like cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, slide control, quickshifter, launch control and more.
Riders get all information through a new 6.9-inch TFT display, which Ducati says also includes graphical grip estimation features for track riding.
Weight and key specs
The Panigale V4 R has a kerb weight of around 186.5 kg without fuel, which is massively impressive for something this powerful. It gets forged aluminium wheels, Brembo braking hardware, a lithium battery and multiple riding modes including Race A, Race B, Sport, Road and Wet.
From an enthusiast point of view, this is a motorcycle designed for track addicts and collectors. Not something meant for daily riding in city traffic, but something meant to be felt on a proper racetrack where speed makes sense.