Best Supersport: 2020 bikesales Bike of the Year Awards

The 2020 bikesales Bike of the Year (BOTY) Awards recognise excellence across 11 separate motorcycle categories.

And here’s how it will work. After a massive five-day test through north-east Victoria in late October – utilising the stunning roads around the picturesque Victorian township of Bright – we'll whittle our category winners down to one outright bikesales Bike of the Year winner, to be announced on Friday, December 18.

Let's continue the 2020 BOTY by announcing the Ducati Panigale V2 as the winner of our Supersport category.

Ducati's diversified aplenty in recent times – the success of its ever-expanding Scrambler range just one example – but that doesn't mean it's watered down the superbike wing of its vast Bologna-based empire.

In fact, with the introduction of the mighty V4 range in recent years the heights remain as dizzying as ever – at last there's consistent and strong opposition for Kawasaki's Jonathan Rea in the World Superbike ranks, for one! And now there's another model to add to the mix – the Ducati Panigale V2.

Bikesales was able to sneak in a ride on the 155hp/104Nm/176kg 90-degree V-twin just before we had to shut up shop for reviewing potential 2020 BOTY hardware (it hasn't been easy, with COVID-19 throwing a spanner in the works...), and we are glad we did as we think we may have a new sportsbike favourite.

Granted, that's a refrain we've used plenty of times over the years, but in terms of a sportsbike that manages to engage riders for a consistently long period – and not just for short bursts – the Panigale V2 is where it's at.

And you'll get the job done with less effort and probably a bigger smile. It's, dare we say it, a 'rational' superbike that looks after bodies and tyres a lot better than the emerging brace of 200hp juggernauts.

The Panigale V2 takes most of its mechanical foundations from the outgoing Panigale 959. That includes Ducati's Superquadro engine – present in the Ducati family since 2011 – that now meets Euro 5 emissions regulations. It's not only cleaner, but Ducati also claims 5hp/2Nm performance gains. It's smooth enough on the road, but its sportier roots are obvious as it likes to rev. Maximum power is reached at 10,500rpm.

The signature clamour and clatter of the engine remains, and the unit is now a stressed member in the monocoque frame. It's a stiff setup alright, but with 'only' 155hp to contend with the machine handles superbly and corner speed is way up there. It still requires some rider input, though, like any powerful sportsbike.

Showa/Sachs suspension and Brembo brakes complete the impressive chassis.

There are configurable riding modes and a full complement of rider aids, while styling is now more in line with the Panigale V4, such as the aluminium single-sided swingarm. There's a new underslung exhaust and LED headlights, too, which are tucked into the air intakes.

In terms of comfort, it's still a sportsbike and places plenty of pressure on the wrists, and room is at a premium. Nothing surprising on that score. The finish is top notch, as we've come to expect from Ducati.

So there it is: a machine with an awesome blend of power and handling, and it can be all yours for $22,900 ride away.

Could the Panigale V2's late nomination for the 2020 BOTY be a positive omen? In 2019, the KTM 790 Adventure R thundered itself into calculations at the death knell, and we all know what happened after that…

Congratulations, Ducati.

Related reading:
2020 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards
2019 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: in summary
2018 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: in summary
2017 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: in summary
2016 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards

How time flies. Seven years have now passed since Honda released its parallel-twin triumvirate, the CBR500R, CB500F and CB500X, built on a simple philosophy for being manageable, fuss-free, frugal, affordable and sensible.

The Honda CBR500R is still a beacon, and the latest updates – revised fairing, upswept muffler, beefier mid-range and a new (and much better) shock – have helped it to claim the LAMS Supersport mantle for the first time.

More affordable to buy and run than its bigger LAMS sibling, the CBR650R, the CBR500R is also lighter, lower, and that little bit easier to handle, which we think makes it a superb choice as a first bike.