P92
RIDE REVIEW I 2026 DUCATI PANIGALE V4 R
Ducati has already demonstrated what
this platform can do in competition. The new
V4 R has dominated World Superbike 2026
racing to such a degree it has not yet lost a
race. It hasn't been quite as success-
ful here in America, with Loris Baz
taking the new model's only race
win to date in race three at VIR.
But those results raise the ques-
tion that matters to ordinary buyers:
Can a normal rider appreciate what
makes this motorcycle special, or does
it require world-class talent?
To find out, we spent a full day at Doning-
ton Park, England's historic racing circuit
and the spiritual home of World Superbike.
(Right) Sexy.
Ducati has always
been famous for
adding a little lust
into its design, but
the '26 V4 R is a
different proposition
altogether. (Below)
If you're going to
spend $50K on a
bike, spend the extra
$10K and get the
exhaust. You'll get
extra horsepower,
but the noise will
be worth the sticker
price alone.
