1,103 cubic 90 ° V4 from Panigale V4 is replaced by 998 cubic Desmosedici Stradale R to follow the cylinder volume regulations of the World Super Bike Championship. The reduction of the cylinder volume has been achieved by keeping the bore the same at 81 mm while the stroke has been changed to 48.4 mm thanks to a new steel forging crankshaft.

The 998 cubic 90 ° V4 emits 221 horsepower (162 kW) at 15,250 revolutions with a turn of 112.4 Nm at 11,500 (value measured at EU type approval). The lap stop is set at 16,000 laps (16,500 in the sixth gear). By replacing the standard exhaust system with a racing full-system Ducati Performance from Akrapovič, the power is increased to 234 horsepower (174 kW) at 15,500 rpm with a new maximum torque of 119 Nm at 11,750 rpm.

Desmocendici Stradale R has lightened internal components that help it reach 16,500 turns in the six-speed gearbox.

The Desmosedici Stradale R engine breathes thanks to oval damper housings with aerodynamic dampers and an increase in size by 4 mm (56 mm totally), coupled with intake funnels that vary in length depending on load.

Compared to the Panigale V4, the new windscreen is taller which improves airflow over the driver's helmet and shoulders.

The Panigale V4 R is provided with aerodynamic appendices derived from those used on the GP16, thus with a greater efficiency compared to those currently used in the MotoGP.

The aerodynamic appendices and the special design of the fairing increase the vertical load to the wheels (overall + 30 kg at 270 km/h). Increased load results in a reduction in the “floatation” of the front wheel at high speeds and of the wheelie tendency, and greater stability during braking, corner entry and cornering.

On the sides, the elegant air vents of the Panigale V4 are replaced by more efficient extractors, designed to manage the operating temperatures during the race of the more powerful engine that drives the competition Ducati Panigale V4 R. The extractors increase the speed at which the cooling air crosses the water and oil radiators by 6% and 16%, respectively.

The “Front Frame” of the Panigale V4 R stands out for the lightening on the machined side panels that allow to reach the stiffness target required by Ducati Corse and further reduce its weight.

The modifications to the chassis are completed by the possibility of adjusting the height of the rear swinging arm pivot to 4 positions in steps of 2 mm. The adjustable pivot increases the adjustment possibilities to more precisely adapt the bike to the riding style and the type of track.

Considering its special use, almost exclusively on track, the Panigale V4 R is not provided with the Öhlins event-based, semi-active suspensions of the V4 S, but features professional mechanical units of the Swedish company

The Panigale V4 R is equipped with the latest generation electronic package, the one of the Panigale V4, that manages all riding phases, based on the use of the 6-axis inertial platform by Bosch (6D IMU – Inertial Measurement Unit), suitably reviewed in the logic of intervention to better support the professional riders.

The new Panigale V4 R uses the same cutting-edge, high resolution 5" full-TFT colour display (186.59 PPI - 800xRGBx480) as the Panigale V4. Graphics have been revised to reflect the introduction of new functions and the higher engine rev 'red zone'.

The Panigale V4 R is provided with a lap timer integrated in the instrument panel, with evolved functions with respect to the one available for the Panigale V4.

The Pit Limiter makes its debut on the Panigale V4 R: once enabled, by pressing the proper key on the right-hand block, it self-limits the bike speed when riding in the pit lane. The speed limit can be changed through the specific menu from a minimum of 40 km/h to a maximum of 80 km/h.