The New Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 has the essence of Ducati’s 2022 MotoGP bikes. This ride brings technology, design, and performance to the table in a very impressive way. The “SP” in the name stands for Sport Production, a badge Ducati does not take lightly. The new Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 easily stands-out from the crowd around the track and on the street.
Based on the 2022 Panigale V4 S, the new SP2 ambitiously incorporates a ton of technical improvements. The 1,103cc four-cylinder engine (81mm bore, 53.5mm stroke, 14.0:1 compression ratio) delivers 215.5 hp at 13,000 rpm and 91.2 pound-feet of torque at 9,500 rpm.
The Panigale V4 SP2 offers a STM-Evo SBK dry clutch in place of the regular oil-bath wet clutch. The STM-Evo unit is directly derived from Ducati’s World Superbike racers. The design ensures superior anti-hop performance, and riders can further tune it with a selection from Ducati’s special parts list, allowing them to custom tailor the clutch’s spring preload. The bike’s final drive uses a lighter, 520-type chain.
Ducati engineers improved chassis settings and lightened the weight. Carbon wheels replace Panigale V4 S’s forged-aluminum equivalents. The carbon wheels also reduce gyroscopic effect, and of course, naturally add an extra touch of uniqueness. Wheel sizes are 17 x 3.50 out front and 17 x 6.00 in the rear both mounted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires, 120/70-17 in front and 200/60-17 out back.
The Panigale V4 SP2 chassis remains unchanged, with a cast-aluminum “space frame” using the engine as a stressed member. Steering geometry is as expected: 24.5 degrees of rake, 3.9 inches of trail, 57.8-inch wheelbase. Special attention has been devoted to the swingarm pivot location to obtain a natural anti-squat effect for better acceleration out of corners. Dry weight is down to 381 pounds.
Ducati enthusiasts taking the Panigale V4 SP2 to the track will enjoy the ultimate track day bike, the mirrors and license plate holder are all quick release. The clutch and brake levers are lightened and micro adjustable, as are the foot controls and pegs. All are machined from aluminum billet, as are the triple clamps. Instrumentation is specific for the V4 SP2 and includes a GPS module as standard equipment, enabling an automatic lap-time function as well. And for a touch of exclusivity Ducati provides each Panigale V4 SP2 with a serial number in a limited edition, that number is engraved into the top clamp.
There are plenty of other track goodies that include switching out the street-homologated exhaust and mufflers with a special Akrapovič system. Executed in titanium, the distinctive 4-into-2 is 11 pounds lighter and drops the dry weight to 370 pounds while bumping engine output up to 228 hp and 96.6 pound-feet of torque. All this helps make the Panigale V4 SP2 a legitimate street-legal track-ready superbike you can grow with, as well as one of the most refined Ducati bikes available today.
The New Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 has a price tag at the $40,000 mark. However, the experience this super bike provides is certainly priceless.
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