Ducati has confirmed pricing for its new Panigale V4 SP2, a range-topping supersports variant specified primarily for the track, which will hit local showrooms in the third quarter of this year priced from $56,900 rideaway.
The 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 sits well above the V4 ($34,000) and V4 S ($43,600) variants, distinguished by a unique ‘Winter Test’ livery, carbon fibre details and a number of performance upgrades.
Specifically, the Panigale V4 SP2 gains carbon-fibre wheels, uprated Brembo Stylema R brakes with an MCS radial master cylinder, a dry clutch, 520 chain and billet footpegs, among other features.
The bike is motivated by the same 1103cc V4 engine as powers the entire range, which was updated for 2022 to produce more power, for 158.5kW and 123.6Nm, up 1kW compared to the 2021 model.
If fitted with the optional Akrapovic racing exhaust, the new Ducati Panigale V4 SP2’s outputs jump to 170kW and 131Nm, and drops five kilograms of overall weight to a svelte 168kg (dry).
With a lightened final drive, 520 chain and SBK-derived dry clutch, the SP2 is said to guarantee a more effective anti-hopping function in extreme use of the bike on the track and greater fluidity in all phases of “off throttle” compared to the oil bath clutch of the Panigale V4 S.
High-spec Ohlins electronic suspension is fitted as standard, as is new five-split carbon wheels that are 1.4kg lighter than the forged ones of the V4 S.
Also unique to the SP2 is Rizoma footpegs with carbon-fibre heel guards, which are fully adjustable to maximise ground clearance for use on the track.
A strong electronics suite sees four rider modes, Race A, Race B, Sport and Street, and a GPS module allows automatic lap timing. With the optional Slick Ducati Performance Software, a downloadable feature, the SP2’s traction control system is expressly developed for slick and rain tyres. This upgrade also adds five additional riding modes and further data analysis capability.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
