Ducati has launched the Panigale V2 in our country at Rs 16.99 lakh (ex showroom Pan India), a year after its global unveil in October 2019. The Panigale V2 will derive power from a 955cc L-twin mill, which makes 152.8bhp @ 10,750rpm and 104Nm @ 9,000rpm, an increase of 5bhp and 2Nm over the 959. It also gets an underbelly exhaust.
Ducati has revised the motorcycle’s ergonomics to lend it with a sportier character. The seat height is now 5mm higher than the 959, while the rear-set pegs will remain in the same place. It uses a lightweight aluminium monocoque chassis, which will employ the engine as a stressed member. The double-sided swingarm will be replaced by Ducati’s signature single-sided cast aluminium swingarm. The wheelbase will see an increase of 5mm to tally at 1436mm.
Suspension duties are taken care of by fully-adjustable 43mm Showa BPF (Big Piston Fork) up-front which are expected to improve low-speed ride quality, paired with a Sachs steering damper to prevent front end wobbles. The rear features a fully-adjustable Sachs monoshock which is side mounted. The new setup has 2mm more travel at both ends, compared to the model it replaces.
The V2’s anchors come in the form of 320mm rotors at the helm, paired with Brembo’s M4.32 four-pot monoblock callipers. Out back, a 245mm disc is operated by a single pot Brembo calliper. The 17-inch wheels will be clad in Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II, with a 120 section in the front and a 180 at the rear.
The new electronics package features three riding modes – Race, Sport and Street. It also includes cornering ABS, traction control, engine braking control and wheelie control, all of which can be operated from the new 4.3-inch TFT display.
The V2 will host the traditional Ducati Red paint scheme. It is also sold in a White livery abroad. However, this paint spec will not make it our shores but we expect Ducati to bring it soon.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Bipul Chandra, Managing Director of Ducati India said, “The Panigale portfolio is a significant milestone in Ducati’s superbike journey that has brought incredible recognition to the brand. With the entry of Panigale V2, we bring a model in the family that looks and feels more accessible while delivering the true Ducati experience. Built to impress, it is a superbike with a decisive character and beginners as well as experts will have a lot of fun on it."
The Panigale V2 will be Ducati's most affordable fully-faired track-ready motorcycle in India, undercutting the V4 S by almost Rs 9.5 lakh.