Ducati Panigale R

The Panigale R was developed to homologate Ducati’s World Superbike race machine and is the flagship model in Ducati’s lineup. The most extreme and track-focussed Ducati that money can buy, the Panigale R is the most expensive motorcycle in the Italian marque’s portfolio.

The Panigale R was developed to homologate Ducati’s World Superbike race machine and is the flagship model in Ducati’s lineup. The most extreme and track-focussed Ducati that money can buy, the Panigale R is the most expensive motorcycle in the Italian marque’s portfolio.

Aesthetically, the unique paint scheme, carbon fibre panels and the LED position lights distinguish the Panigale R from the regular 1299 Panigale. The rear section gets a split tail as well as a different seat. Powering the Panigale R is a 1,198cc Superquadro engine which delivers 205bhp and 136Nm of torque. The six-speed transmission comes with a quick shifter. The Panigale R is based on the same Monoscocca monocoque chassis though the suspension has been tuned to suit the bike’s track-focussed character. It gets manually adjustable Ohlins suspension and a steering damper. The electronics package also includes power modes, cornering ABS and a traction control system.

The electronics package has also been further optimised to suit the race track. The lithium-ion battery and the lightweight Akrapovic titanium exhaust system have helped the bike shed a significant amount of weight, bringing the kerb weight down to 162 kilograms. The Panigale R rides on lightweight Marchesini Y spoke forged aluminium wheels which come shod with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres.

The Ducati Panigale R is available only in a red race-inspired livery. It rivals other litre-class superbikes like the Yamaha R1M, Aprilia RSV4 Factory and the BMW S1000RR.