The 2025 Ducati Panigale V4 R has landed
Ducati’s 2025 Panigale V4 R arrives with MotoGP-derived aero, new engine internals, updated electronics, and a revised gearbox to sharpen its race focus.
If you want to go fast on the track without having to do too much in the way of modifications, the Ducati Panigale V4 is a very good way to go. The existing Panigale V4 S, released in 2024, is a testament to this, being fast and easy to ride, right out of the crate.
But for those riders who want more from their track bike, there has been a bit of a hole in the Ducati range of late, as the Borgo Panigale brand’s latest gen’ homologation weapon has yet to break cover.
Until now, at least.
News that will surely pique the interest of race teams and (well-heeled) trackday riders the world over has arrived today, as the new 2025 Panigale V4 R has been announced. As ever, the bike is said to be closer than ever to its race-ready siblings in the MotoGP and World Superbike classes. To find out how close, we’ve trawled the press release, pulled out all the PR buzzwords and got down to the bits that matter to riders.
So here’s what is new with the 2025 Panigale V4 R.
As you can expect, the big changes to the bike centre around four main areas: the aerodynamics, chassis, engine internals, and electronics. Here’s what’s different compared to the outgoing model.
Aerodynamics
The V4 R now gets some new Corner Sidepods, carried over from the 2021 MotoGP bike, making it the first production bike to use them. The bodywork, based on the latest Panigale V4 fairing, also features larger wings that increase downforce by 25 per cent compared to the previous V4 R. At 186 mph, it is said to equate to around 6 kg more load on the front tyre ready for when you pull the brake.
There’s also a new dynamic front air intake developed in-house with Ducati Corse, which is claimed to boost intake pressure and add about 1.2 bhp at top speed.
Frame & Swingarm
The chassis now mirrors the 2025 Panigale V4, with a Front Frame offering 40 per cent less lateral stiffness and a brand-new Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm. Both are designed to improve grip with modern WSBK slicks.
Suspension is updated with pressurised Öhlins NPX25/30 forks, while a TTX36 rear shock, and the new Öhlins SD20 steering damper come with revised settings. The adjustment range of the chassis is now wider than before, with the swingarm pivot height boasting four positions in 2 mm steps, while the rear ride height is 32.4 mm versus 13 mm previously. You also get a hydraulic preload adjuster for quicker setup.
Engine
The 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R keeps the same 215 bhp peak power output, but features a host of internal changes which Ducati hopes will make it the best “possible technical base for the Superbike World Championship”. Make no mistake, this bike has been wholly developed for a life on the track.
- New lighter pistons (–5.1 per cent)
- Revised crankshaft with more inertia
- New intake layout with repositioned injectors
- Redesigned exhaust cams
- Shot-peened connecting rods for durability
These changes are said to deliver a stronger torque curve in the midrange: plus 7 per cent at 6,000 rpm and a higher peak of 84lb ft at 12,000 rpm. Like the previous bike, you can top out at 16,500rpm in top gear, and 16,000 rpm in the other five ratios.
Ducati has tweaked the crank of the new bike, too, with a slightly heavier item increasing inertia to make the engine feel more progressive. That move, it's claimed by Ducati, means the engine feels like a “homologated production version of the Desmosedici ridden by Marc Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia.”
With the full racing exhaust, the V4 R now produces 235 hp, rising to 239 hp if you stump up the cash for Ducati Corse Performance Oil.
Gearbox
The bike debuts the Ducati Racing Gearbox (DRG), which puts neutral under first gear instead of between first and second. It also introduces the Ducati Neutral Lock (DNL) system to prevent accidental shifts into neutral.
Final drive gearing has changed from 15/42 to 16/43, raising top speed to 318.4 km/h in road trim, or 330.6 km/h with the racing exhaust.
Electronics
Electronics now feature the Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO) algorithm, managing both ABS Cornering and engine braking. A new Race Brake Control system adjusts combined braking to allow later braking points and more use of the rear brake, similar to MotoGP bikes.
The bike runs the 6.9-inch display from the latest Panigale V4, with both Road and Track modes.
Ergonomics
The seat, fuel tank, and footpegs have been revised. The pegs sit 10 mm further inboard than before, improving support under braking and when hanging off mid-corner.
Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
The V4 R now rolls on forged aluminium 5-spoke wheels, with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP v4 tyres as standard. It’s also homologated for the same slicks used in WSBK without modification.
Braking is handled by new Brembo Hypure front calipers on 330 mm discs, offering better cooling and consistency compared to the previous system.
Data & Accessories
A new Ducati Data Logger (DDL) system is available as an accessory, integrating sensor data with bike telemetry to speed up setup changes. Other official upgrades include carbon wheels (–950 g lighter), race fairings, upgraded brakes, and ECU software for slick tyres and track calibration.
Availability
The 2025 Panigale V4 R arrives in European dealerships in November 2025, with the US and other markets following in December. Price is set for the UK at £38,995.
Head to the Ducati website for more information.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
