Ducati first unveiled the Panigale V2 in October last year — a replacement for the 959 Panigale — and is finally slated for launch in India on August 26.
The Panigale V2 derives power from a 955cc L-twin mill, which makes 153bhp @ 10,750rpm and 104Nm @ 9,000rpm. This is an increase of 5bhp and 2Nm over the 959. It also features an underbelly exhaust. Ducati has made the V2 more forgiving when compared to the 959 say our folks from the UK and it is also expected to be easygoing on an everyday basis.
The Panigale V2 sports revised ergonomics, with a seat that is 5mm higher than the 959, while the rear-set pegs remain in the same place. It uses a lightweight aluminium monocoque chassis, which employs the engine as a stressed member; similar to the Panigale V4. The wheelbase too has seen an increase of 5mm to tally at 1436mm.
Suspension duties are taken care of by fully-adjustable 43mm Showa BPF USDs up-front which are expected to improve low-speed ride quality, paired with a Sachs steering damper to prevent those nasty tank slappers. 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 monoblock calipers. Out at the back, a 245mm disc is operated by a single pot Brembo caliper. The 17-inch wheels are clad in Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II rubber, with a 120 section in the front and 180 at the back.
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 paired with the switch cube on the handlebar.
The V2 is expected to host the traditional Ducati Red paint scheme. It is also sold in a White livery abroad. However, we do not know if this colour will make it to Indian shores.
We expect the Ducati Panigale V2 to launch in India with a sticker of around Rs 16 lakh, ex-showroom.