Ups
- With its 955cc Superquadro engine, the Panigale V2 is the only V-twin supersport in Ducati’s current lineup
- Less intimidating around a racetrack than the Panigale V4 for the vast majority of riders
- Complete electronics suite and quality components make it less of a budget Panigale than it is a sensible Panigale—if 155 claimed horsepower can ever truly be considered sensible
Downs
- It’s not a Panigale V4
- Why isn’t there an S model with Öhlins suspension and Brembo Stylema calipers?
Verdict
If you want a new V-twin-powered Ducati superbike, this is it. With the gonzo state of 200-plus-horsepower superbikes, Ducati’s “middleweight” Panigale is Ducati’s Goldilocks supersport. As a trackday weapon and a real-world sportbike, riders can use more of what the Panigale V2 has on tap than with a full-fledged liter-plus-class superbike.
Overview
For many riders, 750cc inline-fours and 1,000cc twins represent the sweet spot of sportbike performance, hearkening back to the golden age of domestic and international superbike racing. Beginning with the 748, Ducati’s middleweight platform was intended to compete with 600 supersports. Over time, it morphed into the 749, 848, 899 Panigale, and 959 Panigale, in which its 955cc capacity recalled the exceedingly rare bored-out 916 that Ducati homologated for US superbike racing in 1996. For 2020, Ducati reoriented the Panigale 959 in the lineup by renaming it V2. Among other things, it received a single-sided swingarm, an updated electronics package, and Panigale V4-inspired bodywork.
Updates for 2021
For 2021, in addition to Ducati Red, the Panigale V2 is available in a new Star White Silk paint scheme. Also new for 2021, is the special-edition Panigale V2 Bayliss.
Pricing and Variants
The Panigale V2 starts at $17,195. The Panigale V2 Bayliss ($21,000) celebrates the 20th anniversary of Troy Bayliss’ first world championship crown with a numbered series of motorcycles sporting a special livery and up-spec Öhlins suspension.
Competition
In accordance with historic superbike regulations, the Panigale V2 should by rights face off against the Suzuki GSX-R750, but since the Gixxer hasn’t kept pace with the pricier Ducati’s evolution, it’s an unfair fight. The V2, then, sits smack in the middle of 600cc and 1,000cc inline-four models, like the Suzuki GSX-R600, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R, and Yamaha YZF-R6 middleweight supersports and larger superbikes being the Yamaha YZF-R1, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Honda CBR1000RR, and Suzuki GSX-R1000.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Panigale V2 produces a claimed 155 hp at 10,750 rpm and 76.7 pound-feet of torque at 9,000 rpm. The V2′s Superquadro (Italian for oversquare) trades the long, broad power of Desmoquattros and Testastrettas of yore for a quick-revving powerband and higher peak output. The V2 is Euro 5 compliant but has a 5 hp increase over the Panigale 959 thanks to improved intake efficiency and the use of larger, higher-flow injectors that have been re-angled for improved fuel atomization and intake efficiency. In his first ride review, Don Canet says: “A modern-day middleweight in spirit, the Panigale V2 stokes the ego. Sneaky fast without drama, allowing the rider to feel as though you’re tapping it for all it’s worth, though it still has plenty of performance reserves in the bank.”
Handling
Canet says: “Lap after lap the updated and rebadged Panigale V2 exhibited uncanny control at speed, displaying steadfast stability on the fastest straights, superb composure under hard braking, and slung through corners like a ball on a string. Perhaps most impressive was its new level of control on corner exit, laying down a steady stream of power that paints a thin arch of rear tire rubber as steady and precise as a pinstripe brush.”
Brakes
The Panigale V2 uses Brembo M4.32 calipers and 330mm brake discs in the front. While braking performance is more than sufficient, we’d like to see Ducati’s V-twin contender outfitted with the Stylema calipers found on its V4 models.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Ducati claims the Panigale V2 achieves an average of 39.2 mpg.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
Like other Panigales, the V2 has a narrow tank, tucked-up footpegs for the sake of ground clearance, and wide-set clip-ons. As a pure-bred sportbike, passenger accommodations are sparse. A broader fairing and taller screen provide more wind protection compared to the 899 and 959.
Electronics
The Panigale V2 has a full complement of electronic rider aids managed by a Bosch six-axis IMU, including riding modes, power modes, Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO, Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2. It also has a full-color TFT dash and LED lighting. Canet calls out Ducati’s MotoGP-derived EVO 2 Traction Control, saying it’s “a ‘predictive’ TC strategy that debuted on last year’s Panigale V4 R superbike and has now been passed down and implemented throughout the Panigale model range. Ducati states this latest DTC acts on variation of spin intensity instead of instantaneous spin value, producing smoother and faster intervention with reduced spin oscillation resulting in improved grip.”
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Panigale V2 has a 24-month, unlimited mileage warranty. Desmo service is every 15,000 miles.
Quality
Ducati’s exceptional fit and finish is on full display with the Panigale V2, exhibiting Ducati’s designers eye for detail.
2021 Ducati Panigale V2 Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $17,195 |
| Engine: | 955cc, liquid-cooled V-twin; 4 valves/cyl. and desmodromic valve actuation |
| Bore x Stroke: | 100.0 x 60.8 mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Fuel Delivery: | Electronic fuel injection |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate slipper and self-servo; hydraulically actuated |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | Ride-by-wire/TCI |
| Frame: | Aluminum monocoque |
| Front Suspension: | Showa BPF USD 43mm fork, fully adjustable; 4.7 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Sachs shock, fully adjustable; 5.1 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | Brembo M4.32 4-piston calipers, 320mm semi-floating discs w/ Cornering ABS EVO |
| Rear Brake: | Brembo 2-piston caliper, 245mm disc w/ Cornering ABS EVO |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | 5-spoke alloy wheels; 17 x 3.50 in. / 17 x 5.50 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | 120/70-17 / 180/60-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 24.0°/3.7 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Height: | 33.1 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 4.5 gal. |
| Wet Weight: | 441 lb. |
| Contact: | ducati.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com