Of Straddling Road and Racetrack

Ducati have a fine tradition of building exotic and road-legal versions of their World Superbike (WSBK) machines in order to meet the championship's homologation requirements. The new Panigale V4 R is the latest: a homologation special that exists solely to enable Ducati to win on the track. We rode it on the Misano track

- Adam Child 'Chad'

FROM THE DUCATI 888 OF THE EARLY 1990s, through the golden era of the 916 and 998, right up to the modern day, Ducatilovers have drooled and dreamt of getting their hands on one of these relatively rare race-ready superbikes with lights.

It is a machine so stunningly quick and capable, it is dominating World Superbikes and domestic series around the world. And as of now, you may buy one and ride it to the shops.

With a few bolt-on options fitted, the V4 R should be good for the claimed 240.5 hp; yes, you did read that correctly. It actually revs higher than the factory "Aruba.it Italy V4 R" and has the potential to make more power than some of the machines lining up on the WSBK grid.

We flew to the Misano circuit in Italy to test the now Euro 5-compliant V4 R immediately after the World Superbike round (which Ducati dominated once again).

WSBK regulations cap engine capacity at 1,000 cubic centimetres and in showroom spec, this 998-cc R version of the Desmosedici Stradale V4 makes 218 hp, which is a fraction down on the older V4 R model. Peak power arrives at a lofty 15.500 rpm, while peak torque, 112 Nm, comes in at 12,000 rpm, down on the larger 1,103-cc Stradale V4 found in the Panigale V4 and V4 S.

But if you want that headline figure of 240.5 hp, you need to add the full race Akrapovic exhaust, taking it to 237 hp. To achieve the last few remaining hp, Ducati use special Shell Oil that reduces friction by a claimed 10 per cent, pushing the power past 240 hp-just.

With that stunning-looking full titanium Akrapovic race system fitted, the 2023 V4 R is raucously loud and while it boosts its performance to world championship levels, it is doubtful if most noise-restricted track-days will allow one on track with this system. You will have to seek out unrestricted track-days.