Ducati India has dropped a little teaser image on its social media handle, indicating the launch of the new Panigale V2 is around the corner. Ducati showcased the Panigale V2 at the EICMA 2019 and we were among the few that got a chance to sample it at Jerez, Spain. You can read about our track experience with the V2 here.
The Ducati Panigale V2 has a lot going for it, beginning with its styling. In many ways it looks like a scaled down Panigale V4, replete with a single-sided swingarm. The V2 looks as sharp and purposeful as the Panigale V4; however, it is much slimmer in the way it looks and feels once you are on the saddle. This is because underneath the new bodywork, this is a Panigale 959. The V2's frame is identical to the 959's, save for the rear subframe that was redesigned to accommodate the raised tail section.
Other similarities to the 959 include the suspension, which has been carried forward, albeit with a few revisions to the internals. At the front there’s an adjustable, 43mm Showa big-piston fork and at the rear there's a Sachs monoshock with a 2mm longer shock and a softer stock setting on the preload.
But the real essence of this baby Panigale is in its 955cc Superquadro motor. Though it’s the same as in the 959, it has been upgraded to comply with Euro 5/BS6 emission norms. The biggest benefit of this upgrade (environmental reasons aside) is a 5hp increase in power. The Panigale V2 produces 155hp at 10,750rpm and 104Nm of torque at 9,000rpm. The engine is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox with an up-down quickshifter as standard.
When it comes to electronics, the new Panigale V2 is quite loaded, considering it gets a new six-axis IMU-assisted electronic suite. This includes cornering ABS, anti-wheelie, engine brake control. The bike gets three ride modes – Race, Sport and Street – which can be selected by scrolling through the menu displayed on the new 4.3-inch, colour TFT instrument panel.
Given the additional kit and improved performance, we expect Ducati to price the Panigale V2 at a slightly higher price point than the 959 Panigale, which retailed at Rs 15.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai).
Rishaad Mody
Azaman Chothia
Ved Janve
Vishal Venugopal
