Replacing the Panigale 959 is the 2020 Panigale V2. And it doesn’t just get a name update. As you may have learned in the first look of the 2020 Ducati Panigale V2, the Superquadro 90-degree twin now meets Euro 5 standards and bumps output to a claimed 155 hp thanks to the adoption of twin injectors per cylinder. The V2 also gets improved intake efficiency with reshaped air inlets and revised ducts. Additionally a single-sided swingarm, new 4.3-inch TFT dash, recalibrated suspension, full electronic rider-aid suite including six-axis IMU and traction control, engine-brake control, wheelie control, and ABS are also seen on the rebadged midsize Panigale. Trackday aficionado? Keep this bike on your radar.
In our first ride review of the V2, contributing editor Don Canet gave great commentary regarding the model: “Lap after lap the updated and rebadged Panigale V2 exhibited uncanny control at speed, displaying steadfast stability on the fastest straights, superb composure under hard braking, and slung through corners like a ball on a string.”
Fully faired sportbike competition includes the Yamaha YZF-R1, Kawasaki ZX-10R, Honda CBR1000RR, and Suzuki GSX-R1000R.
Aside from the rebadging from the Panigale 959, the V2 receives updates to the engine to increase claimed horsepower from the previous model. Reshaped inlets and ducts improve airflow, while the model also sees a single-sided swingarm, recalibrated suspension, and new TFT dash as mentioned before. A new exhaust is also fitted to the machine.
