The
Ducati Panigale 959 successor has finally arrived. Christened as the Panigale
V2, the new model packs more power and Panigale V4 inspired styling. In terms of styling, the front
fascia features a twin-pod headlight that looks similar to the unit on the
Panigale V4.
However, Ducati has designed the Panigale V2 to be visually more
compressed and less intimidating than the Panigale V4. Another styling upgrade
comes in the form of a new swingarm. Unlike the Panigale 959, the Panigale V2
features a single-sided swingarm, which gives it an exotic and a premium look.
The motorcycle is equipped with a new exhaust featuring an under-engine
silencer and single-side end pipe. The Panigale V2 is built around an aluminium
monocoque frame.
Ducati has currently announced just one colour –
Ducati Red with black wheels – for the Panigale V2, although we could see more
options in the future. Mechanical specifications bring a Euro 5 compliant, 955 cc
Superquadro 90° V2, 8-valve, Desmodromic, liquid-cooled engine that makes 155
hp at 10,750 rpm and a peak torque of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm. The maximum power
output and the peak torque are 5 hp and 2 Nm higher than the Panigale 959
respectively. The valve play check interval stands at 24,000 km. The service
interval is 12,000 km/12 months.
The power-packed engine and Panigale V4 inspired
styling are complemented by a comprehensive electronics package. Based on the
6-axis inertial platform, the electronics package includes cornering ABS,
bi-directional quick-shifter (Up and Down), traction control, engine brake
control and wheelie control. The motorcycle offers three Riding Modes – Race,
Sport, Street. It features a 4.3" colour TFT dashboard that is ready for
Ducati Lap Timer GPS (DLT GPS), Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) and Ducati Data
Analyser+ GPS (DDA+ GPS).
Shock absorption tasks are performed by 43 mm Showa
Big Piston Fork (BPF) at the front and Sachs mono-shock at the back – both
fully adjustable. A Sachs steering damper is also part of the standard package.
Anchoring hardware comprises two 320 mm semi-floating discs with radially
mounted Brembo Monobloc M4.32 4-piston callipers at the front and a single 245
mm disc with 2-piston calliper at the back. The new 5-spoke wheels are wrapped
in Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tyres.
