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998c Desmosedici Stradale R
234hp at 15,500 rpm – 193kg
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Ducati have unveiled the headline act of the new 2019 model line-up at EICMA, with the Panigale V4 R breaking cover.
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This is the machine designed to take on World Superbike and that will also likely hit the racetracks of Australia in the hands of Ducati legend Troy Bayliss.
![Ducati Panigale VR RHF Half Ducati Panigale VR RHF Half](https://www.motorcyclenews.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2019-ducati-panigale-v4-r-998cc-registrable-racer-234hp-3.jpg)
Josh Brookes will also be lighting up the tracks of British Superbike in 2019 onboard this new Desmo demon.
![Ducati Panigale V R EICMA UC Ducati Panigale V R EICMA UC](https://www.motorcyclenews.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2019-ducati-panigale-v4-r-998cc-registrable-racer-234hp-4.jpg)
For this road registrable homogolation special the Desmosedici Stradale 1103cc engine of the regular Panigale V4 is downsized to a 998cc version. This is to comply with race regulations and is tuned to a higher state of competition readiness.
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A host of lighter internal engine components reduce weight by 2kg to bring the Panigale V4R down to 193kg wet.
![Ducati Panigale VR Tank Ducati Panigale VR Tank](https://www.motorcyclenews.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2019-ducati-panigale-v4-r-998cc-registrable-racer-234hp-6.jpg)
Greater air intake efficiency also allows for more rapid engine rev-up, with a higher rpm ceiling along with peak power being moved 2250rpm higher than on the 1103cc V4.
![Ducati Panigale VR Top Ducati Panigale VR Top](https://www.motorcyclenews.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2019-ducati-panigale-v4-r-998cc-registrable-racer-234hp-7.jpg)
A staggering 221hp is on offer at 15,250rpm, while a full-racing Ducati Performance exhaust by Akrapovič boosts power to 234hp at 15,500rpm.
![Ducati Panigale VR Wings Ducati Panigale VR Wings](https://www.motorcyclenews.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2019-ducati-panigale-v4-r-998cc-registrable-racer-234hp-8.jpg)
Alongside the race specific engine, and modified suspension set-up the 2019 V4 R also boasts a new fairing designed by Ducati Corse in collaboration with the Ducati Style Centre, further improving aerodynamic efficiency.
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Particularly notable is the inclusion of the aerofoil appendages that stem from the MotoGP prototypes, with carbon-fibre construction for increased stability, with Ducati claiming they further help reduce the reliance on electronic controls, while also aiding rider confidence.
![Ducati Panigale V R EICMA UC Ducati Panigale V R EICMA UC](https://www.motorcyclenews.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2019-ducati-panigale-v4-r-998cc-registrable-racer-234hp-10.jpg)
Claudio Domenicali introduced Ducati’s most powerful factory motorcycle, with the brand boasting this new machine as a road-legal WSBK category competition bike, which will constitute the technical foundation for the official Ducati Superbikes that will compete in the World Championship from the 2019 season.
![Ducati Panigale V R EICMA UC Ducati Panigale V R EICMA UC](https://www.motorcyclenews.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2019-ducati-panigale-v4-r-998cc-registrable-racer-234hp-11.jpg)
Claudio Domenicali – CEO of Ducati Motor Holding
“Ducati has achieved a striking degree of maturity. It is a global flag bearer of some of the best aspects of Made in Italy excellence. Based on core values of Style, Sophistication and Performance, our company now offers a range as broad as it is state-of-the-art. This year sees the first major overhaul of the entire Scrambler range since its inception, plus a complete renewal of the Diavel and Hypermotard, two bikes that are firm favourites with Ducatisti. Today, safety and rider-friendliness have hit new heights, yet the brand’s sporting soul is as evident as it has ever been. The Panigale V4 R, in fact, is the most powerful factory motorcycle ever built by Ducati. We’re also delighted with our online presence, an area that has enjoyed excellent growth, thus confirming the extraordinary appeal of the entire Ducati product range.”
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2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R Specifications
2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R compared to V4 Speciale
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Source: MCNews.com.au