The new Ducati Panigale V2 marks an epochal passage in history, made up of iconic models and Superbike victories, of the twin-cylinder sports bikes from Borgo Panigale. A completely redesigned bike, which only keeps the name of the previous model, and which also thanks to a new 90° V2 engine, modern and efficient, becomes the lightest Panigale (-17 kg compared to the previous model, in the V2 S version) ever produced by Ducati.
A modern bike, which continues the tradition of models such as the 748, the 848 and the 959, but completely changing the design approach. While those were real racing bikes, which sacrificed rideability and road enjoyment in the name of maximum performance on the track in the hands of expert riders, the new Panigale V2 maintains true Ducati performance between the curbs, but becomes enjoyable and fun on the road and in everyday use.
The Panigale V2 picks up a very demanding mantle: the previous model has just been confirmed as Supersport world champion for the second consecutive year, also winning the Italian title with Ducati test rider Davide Stirpe. In the hands of the latter, the new Panigale V2 lapped Vallelunga just two-tenths of a second from the previous model despite a deficit of 35 horsepower in maximum power, proving superior in every situation – braking, corner entry, cornering and traction – except on the straight.
On the road, the new Panigale V2 is the most fun Ducati sports bike ever created. Intuitive to ride, it offers a great feeling from the very first contact, and thanks to a torque-rich delivery at medium revs, it offers a hearty and usable boost when exiting corners. Compared to the previous model, the riding position is modern, more comfortable and suitable for all situations, and the thermal comfort of the rider is significantly better.
Lightness, intuitiveness, reduced physical and psychological effort and a wide and usable power curve, combined with a style and technical equipment worthy of a true Ducati: all objectives achieved by the new Panigale V2 thanks to a project that started from scratch, without constraints or dogmas that would condition its approach. For the first time in Ducati history, this supersport bike is in fact a completely separate model, which does not derive from the flagship except in its style and its true sporting personality.
New Panigale V2 :: Design
The design of the new Panigale V2 naturally derives from the new Panigale V4 recently presented, with features that translate the complex surfaces of its fairing into taut and clean lines, defining an aggressive and at the same time elegant sports bike, like all Ducatis. Inside the latter, a passive ventilation system channels fresh air towards the rider and moves the hot air coming from the radiator away from him.
The front is characterised by a marked reference to the Panigale V4, dominated by the Full-LED headlight and the almost horizontal DRL, and closed at the bottom by the leading edge that represents one of the new stylistic features of the Panigale front. The design of the fuel tank, designed to support the rider in sports riding, also recalls that of the new Panigale V4, adapted to the new mechanical base and the different ergonomic triangle, developed to reduce the load on the wrists while maintaining an excellent feeling on the front end when cornering.
The rear, completely faired like on the Desmosedici MotoGP, creates a monolithic effect between the seat and the tail. The full-LED rear light is divided into two parts in accordance with the tradition of Ducati sportbikes. The exhaust, which ends with silencers positioned under the seat, harks back to the racing tradition of the Panigale, underlining the sporty soul of the bike.
The design of the new six-spoke light alloy wheels with a “Y” profile, arranged into three groups, represents a modern reinterpretation of the iconic look of the three Marchesini spokes. The black of the wheels highlights the full Ducati Red livery.
New Panigale V2 :: Engine
The Panigale V2 mounts the new 90° V2 engine with variable timing for the intake valves, Euro5+ homologated, with 890 cc and 120 hp. Its weight of just 54.4 kg (-9.5 kg compared to the Superquadro it replaces) makes it the lightest twin-cylinder ever produced by Ducati, and its torque curve, with 70% of the maximum value already available at 3,000 rpm, ensures that riding is always exciting, even on the road. And those who want to use the Panigale V2 on the track can mount the racing exhaust, which increases the maximum power to 126 hp, with a weight reduction of 4.5 kg.
All this makes the Panigale V2 enjoyable and fun when it comes to sportbike riding. The new Panigale V2 S weighs just 176 kg, a fact that combined with the power of 120 hp determines a power/weight ratio of 0.68 hp/kg.
New Panigale V2 :: Chassis
The Panigale V2 chassis is a lightweight and efficient monocoque that uses the engine as a stressed element. The double-sided swingarm is inspired in design by the Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm of the Panigale V4 and offers the same benefits in terms of stability when coming out of corners and feeling when riding on the track, where it allows the rider to make the most of modern slick tyres.
The suspension is fully adjustable, to allow the rider to customize the set-up of the new Ducati sportbike. The Panigale V2 is equipped with a Marzocchi fork and Kayaba shock absorber, while the Panigale V2 S offers its rider a more premium package, consisting of an Öhlins fork and shock absorber, in addition to a lithium-ion battery that reduces its weight.
The new cast wheels mount Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres in 120/70 and 190/55 sizes, which combine handling and footprint, enhancing the sporting qualities of the Panigale V2. The Brembo front braking system consists of two 320 mm discs and M50 monobloc calipers, which offers power for track use and modulability for road use.
New Panigale V2 :: Electronics
The Panigale V2 is equipped with a six-axis IMU inertial platform, thus supporting a complete and effective electronics package, to offer safety for road use and performance on the circuit. The electronics package includes sporting ABS Cornering with slide-by-brake functionality, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control and the new Ducati Quick Shift 2.0, the same system used on the Panigale V4, standard on both versions.
The Panigale V2 rider can instantly change its behaviour by choosing between 4 Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Road, Wet) that offer pre-configured and user-modifiable intervention levels for all controls and engine response. In this way, with the simple press of a button it is possible to adapt the Panigale V2 to the rider’s preferences and to the various riding situations.
The Panigale V2 dashboard is a new 5” TFT with a user interface based on Infomode, conceptually derived from that of the new Panigale V4. The three views Road, Road Pro and Track are designed to allow the rider to concentrate on riding, highlighting the most relevant information for each context with a rational and complete display.
The rider interface has been streamlined, integrating the information as much as possible in order to reduce its density and therefore improve readability. The rev counter, for example, also acts as a gear shift indicator, lighting up green in the ideal regime for shifting up, and red when over-revving.
New Panigale V2 :: Accessories
The new Panigale V2 has several accessories to increase its performance on the track or make it more versatile for road use. Thanks to the dedicated package consisting of a racing fairing, adjustable footrests and lowered handlebars, which can also be purchased separately, it is possible to transform the Panigale V2 into a true track bike.
Furthermore, with the aforementioned racing exhaust, reserved for use on the circuit, you can increase the maximum power to 126 hp and reduce the weight of the bike by 4.5 kg. And the Lap Timer Pro self-timing system, using the Track Infomode, displays lap times, split times and improvements in the rider’s performance in real time.
Those who wish to enjoy the new Panigale V2 to the fullest on the road can mount Cruise control, Turn by-turn navigator, a USB power socket to power a smartphone or a TPMS tyre pressure sensor.
New Panigale V2 :: Availability and Colours
The new Panigale V2 will arrive in dealerships in two versions at the end of January 2025, in Ducati Red livery only. The Panigale V2 will be offered in a two-seater configuration, while the Panigale V2 S will be available in a single-seater configuration, with a passenger kit available as an accessory, and will sport the Pit Limiter and the Ducati Power Launch as standard equipment. Both are also available in a 35 kW version for motorcyclists with an A2 license.
