The latest (seventh-gen) Ducati Panigale V4 is arguably the best liter-class sports bike you can buy for the track. There’s more innovation than half of us can fathom, safety electronics that practically mask your errors, and of course, a fire-breathing V4 engine with well over 210 horsepower. Things can always get better, though, and that’s where the V4 R comes in.
The R is Ducati’s homologation special for World Superbike racing, and it hasn’t had the same generation update as the normal V4 yet. That is about to change soon, as the rumor mill suggests the 2026 Panigale V4 R’s debut is around the corner. Here’s what you should know.
Ducati Has Started Testing The New Panigale V4 R On Track
The news of the V4 R’s arrival comes straight from Ducati’s home, Italy. The bikemaker is testing the new V4 R at the Misano World Circuit in a private test with Michelle Pirro and Davide Stirpe–both of whom are Italian racers and official Ducati test riders. Reportedly, Nicolo Bulega (WSBK factory Ducati rider) is also present to see how the new bike fares as he looks to beat Toprak and his BMW M 1000 RR.
Speaking to GPOne, Pirro said:
It will be interesting to try it (the new Panigale V4 R) and understand the feedback. More than that, I can’t say, since I haven’t started the work yet. We will have an overall picture of the situation after the test. For sure, this Panigale marks a turning point for Ducati, and we are all excited about the company’s continued efforts.
The 2026 Ducati Panigale V4 R Will Feature Loads Of Upgrades, Including A New Swingarm
Like previous years, the new V4 R will be based on the Panigale V4. It will carry forward many of the updates, and the key talking point will obviously be the switch to a double-sided swingarm. This is something Ducati aficionados didn’t like much. But no one can deny the obvious benefits (weight reduction and better stiffness).
Likewise, you can expect an overhaul in the suspension and braking department. While the Panigale V4 S has electronic Ohlins suspension and Brembo Hypure brakes, the new V4 R will likely bring a race-spec Ohlins setup and top-tier Brembo GP4 calipers.
Finally, like always, the V4 R will ditch the 1,103cc Stradale engine in favor of the race-homologated Stradale R, 998cc V4 engine. This powerhouse already offers 240 horsepower and revs to 16,500 RPM in track trim, so we believe the output could go even higher this time around. If so, the 2026 V4 R would become the most powerful Ducati in the history of the brand.
2025 Ducati Panigale V4 R Expected Changes
- Double-sided swingarm
- Updated chassis
- More powerful Stradale R V4 engine
- Updated brakes
- New design
Ducati Could Launch The New Panigale V4 R Soon
With track testing underway, there’s no denying the V4 R is almost close to completion. So we expect the global unveil/launch to take place in a couple of months. It won’t be easy on the pocket, though. The previous V4 R boasted an MSRP of $45,495, meaning the new model–with all the updates–could be close to $50,000. That’ll make it one of the priciest liter-class bikes, not too shy of the nearly $60,000 Kawasaki Ninja H2 R.
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