Ducati is celebrating its exceptional performance in 2023 by launching a series of five collector’s limited edition Panigales. These motorcycles pay homage to the triumphs of riders Bagnaia, Bautista, Bulega, Martin, and Bezecchi in MotoGP, WorldSBK, and WorldSSP.
The lineup comprises four Panigale V4 models and one Panigale V2, all produced in a limited and numbered series, with each rider’s authentic signature adorning the tank, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. In addition to the customary features of collector-worthy limited editions, Ducati is including the technical equipment for each model, along with a wooden shipping crate.
These exclusive bikes were unveiled at the “Campioni in Festa” event, where Ducati celebrated its remarkable season and introduced the limited-edition motorcycles. Each model boasts the rider’s original autograph on the tank, protected by a layer of transparent varnish.
Among the Panigale V4s, three have been transformed into tributes honoring the Desmosedici GP bikes of Francesco Bagnaia (63), Jorge Martin (89), and Marco Bezzecchi (72) in MotoGP. These models commemorate Ducati’s consecutive victories at MotoGP in 2022 and 2023. Another Panigale V4R is dedicated to Alvaro Bautista’s (19) WSBK triumphs, marking Ducati’s two consecutive years at the top of WSBK. Lastly, a Panigale V2 pays homage to Nicolò Bulega’s (11) WorldSSP race bike, celebrating the team’s world title win in 2023.
The Panigale V4s receive notable upgrades, featuring a nine-disc STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, an Akrapovič homologated silencer (2kg lighter than the standard), new Brembo braking system, Rizoma billet aluminum adjustable footpegs, and race-grade plexiglass.
The special edition Bulega Panigale V2 is equipped with Öhlins suspension, Akrapovič racing silencers (reducing the bike’s weight by 5kg), adjustable Rizoma billet aluminum footpegs, and various carbon fiber components, including front and rear mudguards, chain guard, clutch cover guard, swingarm guard, and shock absorber guard. Additionally, the Panigale V2 dedicated to Bulega offers further customization with a number plate and mirror removal kit, along with a billet aluminum racing tank cap.
For those interested in acquiring these limited editions, the pricing is as follows:
– Panigale V2 Bulega 2023 World Championship Replica: $43,000 USD or RM210,000 (Limited to 111 units)
– Panigale V4 Bezzecchi 2023 Racing Replica: $63,000 USD – RM295,000 (Limited to 72 units)
– Panigale V4 Martin 2023 Racing Replica: $68,000 USD – RM318,000 (Limited to 189 units)
– Panigale Bautista 2023 World Champion Replica: $68,000 USD – RM318,000 (Limited to 219 units)
– Panigale V4 Bagnaia 2023 World Champion Replica: $73,000 USD – RM342,000 (Limited to 263 units)
Delivery of these 2023 Panigale Race Replicas is scheduled to commence in July 2024.
Ducati North America has announced a safety recall for all 2020 through 2023 Panigale V2 motorcycles, citing a software error that could pose a potential hazard to riders.
The glitch may cause the headlight daylight position lamp (DRL) to activate while riding at night, compromising visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.
Similar incidents recorded in China, Spain, Japan, The US, and the UK.
Approximately 3,315 motorcycles are estimated to be affected by the recall, accounting for approximately five percent of the Panigale V2 population in North America. The recall covers units produced between December 4, 2019, and May 23, 2023. It is important to note that the affected motorcycles’ vehicle identification numbers (VINs) are not sequential, ranging from ZDMHAATW0LB000230 to ZDMHAATWXPB012777.
The issue first came to light in February 2023 when several Panigale V2 owners reported malfunctions with the instrument panel automatic light switch.
Ducati conducted an investigation following complaints from various global markets, including China, Spain, Japan, the US, and the UK. The company’s internal analysis revealed a software calibration error in a dashboard photodiode responsible for controlling the instrument panel backlight and DRLs.
To help owners identify if their motorcycle is affected, Ducati has programmed the photodiode to serve as a warning by changing the color of the dashboard backlight. Additionally, owners can manually switch on the low beam headlight using the left handlebar switchgear to ensure proper illumination during night riding.
Ducati North America is urging all owners of affected motorcycles to visit their local authorized Ducati dealer as soon as possible to rectify the issue. The recall service will be provided free of charge, including the necessary software recalibration.
Ducati is set to captivate motorcycle enthusiasts with the introduction of a striking new color option for their iconic Panigale V2. The Italian manufacturer has unveiled the “Black on Black” edition for the 2024 model year, offering a fresh and captivating aesthetic alongside the classic Ducati Red.
the all-black colourway turns the Panigale V2 into a menacing machine.
Powering the Panigale V2 is the powerful Superquadro twin-cylinder engine.
The Panigale V2’s sleek design is enhanced by its Dark Matt Grey bodywork, adorned with eye-catching red accents and glossy black elements that encompass the double-layer fairings, including the renowned LED headlights and air intakes. This combination creates a truly captivating visual appeal.
Underneath its stunning exterior, the Panigale V2 packs a powerful punch. Propelled by a Euro 5 compliant 955 cc Superquadro twin-cylinder engine, it generates an impressive 155 horsepower at 10,750 rpm and delivers torque of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm.
The motorcycle boasts a Monocoque aluminum frame and is equipped with a fully adjustable Showa BPF 43 mm fork and Sachs rear shock. Brembo brakes with dual 320 mm front rotors and M4.32 four-pot calipers, along with a 245 mm rear rotor and two-pot caliper, ensure exceptional stopping power and control.
Weighing in at 200 kg, the Panigale V2 provides a dynamic riding experience with its 840 mm seat height and 17 L fuel tank. Safety and control are paramount, thanks to the advanced electronic equipment integrated into the bike. Utilizing a six-axis inertial platform, the Panigale V2 incorporates cutting-edge features such as ABS Cornering EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO 2, and Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO.
Turn five of the Jerez Angel Nieto circuit is a tricky one, especially for first timers. A fast flowing corner that suddenly tightens to catch you off guard and then threatens to send you off into the kitty litter.
I will not confirm it but I might have soiled my pants a little the first time I rode into the corner. After a few laps, I figured out the trick is to turn later than your instincts tell you to, holding your nerve as the edge of the 35 year old circuit rushes at you.
This has led to new found respect for MotoGP riders who race on this very circuit. The track is tight, fast and daunting. In comparison, Sepang Circuit feels like a multi-lane Californian highway, while Jerez feels like you’re racing down one of those tight Spanish village roads.
Good thing then that Ducati gave us a good 10 minutes of “familiarisation” time during the international media test ride of the brand new Panigale V2.
Turn five may be tricky, but the V2 is nimble and obliging; I had already found “my line” by the third lap – however slow the lap may have been.
But it wasn’t the corner that surprised me, it was how placeable the Ducati Panigale V2 was and how it responded so easily to what I asked of it.
A little roll off the throttle, a little more lean, point it where I wanted to be, add some squirt, and voila, I was at the exit of turn five at the long back straight heading to turn six.
Now I’m no track junkie, and neither am I a hardcore speed demon who “backs it in” every chance I get. In fact I still am a little clumsy on track, just as I am with chopsticks. Don’t judge me.
But this is what makes the Ducati Panigale V2 so special – it is such a friendly machine that it suits almost every riding style. And it makes riders like me feel like absolute heroes.
It may look like a watered down version of the V4, and I wouldn’t blame you for mistaking it for one at first. Enthusiasts eyes will spot the grey Showa front forks that are in place of the golden Ohlins on the V4. And I absolutely love the fact that the V2 now comes with a single-sided swingarm, a feature the 959 did not have.
The court of public opinion may differ about the role of single-siders, but I am of the opinion a true to form Ducati should come with one. So tip of the hat to Ducati on this one.
But as for its friendliness, don’t get me wrong. However friendly it may be, the Panigale V2 is a serious machine; one that lets you exploit it however you want but asks that you respect its abilities.
Forget lots of power, say hello to usable Power!
The Superquadro 90-degree twin engine is an evolution of the same 955cc engine as the 959. But as you would expect, further refined for more power, 5hp and 2Nm of torque more to be exact. It is also Euro 5 compliant now, which may not matter to most Malaysian bikers, but it makes the bike environmentally friendly.
It is a lovely sounding engine even with stock exhausts. It does however love to scream and makes all of its power at 10,750rpm, and it sounds beautiful at that rpm as the video below will show you:
MotoGP derived electronics makes it a very intelligent bike!
But what makes the V2 truly special is that it is a very clever motorcycle thanks to some trick electronics.
The EVO 2 traction control system for example is derived from Ducati’s MotoGP exploits. This system first made its debut on the top of the range Panigale V4R and has since trickled down to the rest of the Panigale range.
The new Traction Control system uses wider parameters than simply calculating wheel slip, and truly makes you feel like a hero.
The electronic brain of the bike, a six-axis Bosch IMU, sits at the centre of it all, and the package includes ABS Cornering EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, and lean-angle-sensitive Engine Brake Control, you guessed it, EVO.
What does EVO stand for? Evolution of course. And in this context it means it is the evolution of the previous systems – smarter to include more variables like cornering ABS, and quicker to calculate everything that is going on with the bike and to deliver the necessary measures such as ensuring you never run out of traction.
And yes, you can customize the sensitivity of each of these systems, not only by selectable ride modes (Race, Sport and Street) but by sensitivity settings. For example, there are eight levels to the Traction Control and four levels of Wheelie Control. And you can also opt to reduce total engine power as well. Did I say that the bike is incredibly smart? Yes? Well I’m saying it again, the V2 makes you feel like a f**king hero.
But how do you access all of these systems? Well, there is a smart phone sized 4.5-inch TFT screen, colourised of course. And you can also personalize the way all of that information is fed back to you, with different display modes that changes the way information appears on the screen.
Enough of the dry jargon, how does it actually feel?
Out of the pit lane and onto the circuit, as you can probably imagine, the Panigale feels familiar, almost like a 959 with its slim body and light weight.
The rear of the bike is about 5mm higher than the 959 while overall trail has been reduced. This gives the bike a more compliant character, one that follows your every move in the saddle.
This also puts more weight onto the front tyre, which gives you added confidence of tucking the front into the corner while the rear simply follows. Placeable is the word here.
And then there are the tyres – Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa 2 – sticky by design and when paired with the genius electronics, gives the V2 a ballistic feel out of corners. This also gives you confidence to drop the bike and pick it up again, ever more aggressively corner after corner.
The Ducati Quick Shifter is speed sensitive – the higher the speed, the quicker it shifts. And this just gives the V2 incredible acceleration from corner to corner.
And though the 955cc engine may not have the face morphing power of the V4, but it is still a very fast bike.
When it comes to shedding speed, all that speed is managed by twin M4.32 Brembo Monoblock calipers on 320mm discs which require just two-fingers to operate while the rear is kept in check by a 245mm disc.
As you can probably imagine, this is enough stopping power here to sate the most aggressive of riders. The only threat to Malaysian riders though will be securing the callipers from theft.
It is difficult to truly judge the depth of a bike with just a few laps, but these few laps are good enough to tell me that the baby-Panigale has matured to be a true superbike.
Hardcore trackies might miss the ballistic nature of the V4 and the depth of adjustability the Ohlins shocks offer, but the V2 is honestly a good enough bike for all your needs. The seat is wider and more comfortable which gives it added comfort for daily rides to the office and such.
If you are looking for a bike that is easy to manage, won’t scare the crap out of you (well, at least not all the time) and will still look fantastic 10-20 years down the road – the Panigale V2 is the bike you want!
The 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 takes over from the Panigale 959.
It’s now updated to share some features with the Panigale V4.
It’s the last Ducati V-Twin sportbike.
The updated Ducati Panigale 959 has been renamed as the 2020 Ducati Panigale V2.
We published a number of articles about a new 959 months ago and here it is. It was launched alongside the Streetfighter V4, Multistrada 1260 S 1260 Grand Tour, updated Panigale V4 and Scrambler Icon Dark at the 2019 Ducati World Premiere.
Immediately obvious are the Panigale V4-style front fairing, single-sided swingarm and new exhaust.
Holding out as the last Ducati V-Twin sportbike, the V2 gets lots of great stuff, some of them clearly shared with its Panigale V4 brother. However, Ducati made the V2 more accessible to the regular superbike rider while the V4 is the true track-oriented beast.
But that doesn’t mean the 959 went soft. The Superquadro engine was updated to produce 155 hp and 104 Nm of torque, while weighing only 153 kg, dry. That’s a whisker more than 1 hp to 1 kg.
The electronics got better too, of course. Traction control is now handled by the new IMU-based Ducati Traction Control Evo 2 (DTC EVO 2). The manufacturer claims it handles rear wheel slips 25% better compared to the previous model’s. Other functions such as the engine braking control and bi-directional quickshifter were similarly revised, too.
Last but not least, the V2 now has the TFT screen from the V4.
