2022 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 launched

Ducati has expanded its reborn Sport Production line with an all-new performance hero, the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2.

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According to Ducati, the individually numbered limited-edition Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 ranks as the highest-performing Panigale model yet.

Australian ride-away pricing for the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 when it arrives here in about August is expected to start from $56,900.

The other all-important numbers? Maximum power from the 1103cc V4 is rated at 215.5hp at an eyebrow-raising and potentially ear-splitting 14,500rpm, just 1.5hp more than Ducati’s former performance hero, the Ducati Panigale V4 SP revealed in 2020. Torque, meanwhile, appears to stay at the same as the V4 SP at 122.6Nm.

It wouldn’t be a track-ready road bike if it didn’t have some instant performance upgrades. Strip the default exhaust and fit a titanium Ducati Performance racing version, and the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 will tip the scales at 168kg dry, a 5kg saving. Opt for a freer-breathing Akrapovic exhaust option and you gain 12.5hp while the torque ups to 131.4Nm.

What makes this bike even more special are four selectable performance modes – two new ones named “Full” (Race A) and “Low” (Street), and remapped versions of existing modes that for the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 are called “High” (Race B) and “Medium” (Sport).

Other enhancements added under the “SP2” badge include more powerful brakes, lightweight carbon rims, a final drive and dry clutch inherited from the WorldSBK program, racing footpegs and a series of carbon components.

Owners are even provided with billeted aluminium caps that fill in the holes once you remove the mirrors, a number plate removal kit and an open carbonfibre clutch cover.

In terms of looks, Ducati’s design team broke out the testosterone. Matte black fairings match raw carbonfibre finishes, with flashes of blue and red accents offset against a brushed aluminium fuel tank.

The ties to Ducati’s SBK program are everywhere; the Italian flag, Ducate Corse logos around the hot air extractors, and the contrasting lettering.

The billeted steering head will display the build number.

The MotoGP-derived 1103 cc Desmosedici Stradale at the heart of the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 features a counter-rotating crankshaft that helps the bike pull more torque low down in the rev range. Ducati claims that adding “dedicated technical elements” – we’re not told what – has resulted in more power and better throttle response.

Also helping to deliver all that performance to the rear wheel are dedicated gear-by-gear torque curves.

As well as the track-ready gearbox added to the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4, the SP2 adds a lightened final drive and uses a low-stretch 520 chain and an STM-EVO SBK dry clutch – the Panigale V4 uses a wet system – that minimises hopping and makes the bike more fluid off-throttle.

The Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 uses an aluminium front frame, and a shell-cast swing arm and seat post. The swingarm’s pivot helps to minimise squat to help stabilise the bike in cornering and acceleration.

The front suspension taps Ducati’s racing chops and features electronically controlled 125mm travel Öhlins NPX25/30 front forks that use a pressurised cartridge damping system.

The front end also uses an Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber and steering damper linked to Ducati’s second-generation Smart EC 2.0 that helps simplify suspension set-up.

In terms of wheels, the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 adopts five-split carbon rims that are 1.4kg lighter than the forged aluminium ones developed for the Ducati Panigale V4 S. Lighter rims mean 26 per cent less inertia up front and 46 per cent less at the rear, in turn improving agility and change of direction.

Stoppers? Ducati has tapped Brembo for its track-hardened Stylema R front calipers, with three settings to adjust the braking feel of the bike via an adjustment knob on the left grip, just like a race bike.

Even the anodised Rizoma footpegs are new, featuring a carbonfibre heel guards – one part of a move to improve ergonomics across the bike, including the saddle and tank.

The dash in front of the rider uses Ducati’s Track Evo display, with the tacho moving across the screen as revs rise. The right side of the display lights up when any one of four electronic guardian angels light up, allowing the rider to understand why the bike’s electronics have had to intervene and hinting at how they can modify their behaviour to avoid it on the next lap.

The left side of the display shows the feedback from an automatic lap timer – a GPS system is standard on this bike – the number of laps completed and speed.

Those wanting to take their racetrack game to the next level will be able to buy customised engine mapping software to optimise the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 for slick tyres and maximum attack on the track, and five extra riding modes.

There's no word yet on how many of the halo bikes will enter production.