All good things must come to an end, even in the world of successful production motorcycle models. As was the case with Ducati’s 2018 1299 Panigale R Final Edition—which was the last open-class V-twin superbike the company produced—the Panigale V2 Superquadro will be the last of the current “middleweight” Panigale V2 model’s bloodline. This limited-edition series will include 555 numbered units celebrating the history of the final Superquadro twin.
In a weird twist of fate, the Panigale V2 is currently achieving racetrack success like never before. Just this past weekend, Adrián Huertas completely dominated the proceedings in the World Supersport Championship at Donington Park in England, with his fifth-straight win. He now is leading the championship by a healthy margin. Closer to home in the US, Rahal Ducati Moto’s PJ Jacobsen took his fourth and fifth wins of the season at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca’s MotoAmerica Supersport round and is a close second in the championship.
Ducati’s Superquadro engine was first used in the 2011 1199 Panigale. Over the years the formula (which was designed with a high ratio between the bore and stroke) trickled down to Ducati’s smaller-displacement models like the Ducati 899 Panigale, Panigale 959, and the current Panigale V2.
This new limited-edition Final Edition model pays tribute to Nicolò Bulega’s World Supersport title in 2023. The livery was created by Drudi Performance with Ducati’s traditional white, red, black, and gray paint. There are a whole host of features that distinguish the Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition from the standard model including:
- Dedicated Superquadro Tribute livery
- Billet-aluminum triple clamp with progressive number
- Dedicated rider seat
- Dedicated dashboard animation at key-on
- Dedicated contact key
- Carbon fiber silencer end, front and rear mudguard, swingarm protection, chain guard, clutch cover, and shock absorber protection
- Sport grips
- Adjustable Rizoma footrests machined from solid billet aluminum
- GPS module
- License plate holder removal kit
- Mirror removal kit in billet aluminum
- Tank cap machined from solid aluminum
- Dedicated motorcycle cover
- Certificate of authenticity
At the Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition’s core is the 955cc engine. Vacural-cast crankcases have pressed-in aluminum cylinders that have been coated with Nikasil. The head, clutch, and oil pan covers are all made of magnesium. Bore and stroke measure 100 x 60.8mm with a 12.5:1 compression ratio. The desmodromic valve train utilizes titanium intake valves and “super-finished” rocker arms that have a DLC coating to reduce friction.
The engine is fed by a pair of throttle bodies with elliptical bores that are the equivalent of 62mm in diameter. There are a pair of injectors, one above the throttle butterfly and one below. Ride-by-wire controls the throttle bodies and can operate each independently. The exhaust system is a 2-into-1-into-2-into-1 design with a pair of catalytic converters. Claimed output is 155 hp at 10,750 rpm with 76.7 lb.-ft. of peak torque arriving at 9,000 rpm.
Like all current Ducatis, the Panigale V2 comes with a full suite of electronic rider aids. The bike comes with a six-axis IMU which refines many of the bike’s systems. Standard on the Final Edition are: 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. Access to all of the V2’s features is via the 4.3-inch full-color TFT display, while the bike uses all LED lighting.
An aluminum monocoque frame utilizes the engine as a stressed member. Wheelbase measures 56.6 inches while front-end geometry measures 24 degrees of rake with 3.9 inches of trail. The rear swingarm is a single-sided unit. At the front, is a 43mm inverted Öhlins NIX 30 fork that is fully adjustable and has 4.7 inches of travel. At the rear is a fully adjustable Öhlins TTX 36 shock with 5.1 inches of rear-wheel travel. An Öhlins steering damper is included as standard.
A high-performance braking system includes a pair of Brembo M4.32 radial-mount, four-piston calipers that are actuated by a Brembo radial master cylinder at the front, while a twin-piston Brembo caliper and a 245mm disc are used out back. Five-spoke cast aluminum wheels measure 3.5 by 17 inches front and 5.5 by 17 inches at the rear. The V2 rides on Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV Corsa tires in 120/70-17 front and 180/60-17 rear.
The Panigale V2 Superquadro Final Edition will be available in US dealerships this coming December for $28,000. As mentioned in the exclusive features, the bike comes with a certificate of authenticity, a motorcycle cover, and has a machined triple clamp denoting the bike’s production number.