Ducati has unveiled the new Panigale V2 at the World Ducati Premier, replacing the 959 Panigale as the entry-level supersport in the Italian bike maker’s line-up. The Panigale V2 looks like a baby Panigale V4, as it’s replete with the same design, down to the single-sided swingarm. The only exception is the new exhaust system that comes with a single silencer, as opposed to the underslung, twin-port exhausts on the Panigale V4. We certainly aren’t complaining as the Panigale V4’s design is one that we’ve always appreciated.
Under the new bodywork, however, is the same frame and 955cc Superquadro engine that we have seen in the current 959 Panigale, except that the motor is Euro5 (BS6) compliant. It also produces 5hp more than the unit in the 959, which raises the maximum power to 155hp at 10,750rpm, while the maximum torque produced is 104Nm at 9,000rpm. The engine is coupled to a 6-speed gearbox, with an up-down quickshifter as standard. Also, when it comes to electronics, the new Panigale V2 is quite loaded, considering it gets a new six-axis IMU-assisted electronic suite. It 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 that’s displayed on the new 4.3-inch, colour TFT instrument panel.
The suspension components are carried forward as well. At the front is an adjustable, 43mm Showa Big Piston Fork and at the rear there's a Sachs monoshock. Ducati adds that the setup is more road-oriented, so the spring preload and suspension is low, while the centre of gravity is high.
The bike also gets a Sachs steering damper. Braking duties are carried out by Brembo’s M4.32 twin calipers and 320 twin discs at the front.
The new Ducati Panigale V2 is set to go on sale in International markets and we could see the bike coming to India in the near future. Watch out for our EICMA 2019 coverage as we’ll bring you more about the new Panigale V2.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
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