According to Ducati, it is a milestone in the history of twin-cylinder sports bikes from Borgo Panigale, which is characterized by iconic models and Superbike victories, but it is a huge step backwards. The Italians have developed a completely new Panigale V2 for 2025, which is 15 kilos lighter than the old model, but also produces 35 hp less power.
When Ducati announced the end of the Superquadro V-twin, the fate of the Panigale V2 seemed to be sealed, but insiders confirmed that the end of the Superquadro did not mean the end of the Panigale V2. A new V-twin was in the pipeline and that would become the beating heart of the new Panigale V2.
We were, to say the least, extremely disappointed when Ducati recently announced the new V2, although the lightest V-twin ever produced in Borgo Panigale, but with a lot less power. Depending on the application, the new 90° V-twin delivers only 115 or 120 hp top power. And if that isn’t bad enough, Ducati has thrown its trademark, the desmodromic valve drive, into the trash and exchanged it for 13-in-a-dozen valve springs. Because valve springs are much cheaper.
The 120 hp version of that V2 has now become the beating heart of the 2025 Panigale V2, which shares nothing at all with its predecessor except the name. Equipped with a new lightweight aluminum monocoque frame (only 4 kilos), the 2025 version is, according to Ducati, the lightest Panigale V2 ever. Ducati claims that the V2 S version is 15 kilos lighter than the previous model and mentions a weight of 176 kilos ready to drive without petrol (179 kilos for the standard V2), or 187 kilos with a full tank, compared to the previous (155 hp) Panigale V2 for 200 kg curb weight was specified.
The Panigale V2’s design is inspired by that of the Panigale V4, with “Ducati’s signature sleek and clean lines applied to the neat and refined surfaces of the fairing.” According to Ducati. On the inside of the fairing, a passive ventilation system ensures that fresh air is led to the rider and that warm air is removed from the radiator. According to Ducati, this should provide more thermal comfort, making city driving on a summer day a lot more pleasant.
The front is characterized by a clear reference to the Panigale V4. The Full-LED headlight with dual daytime running lights provides the same assertive and decisive “look” and is framed by painted surfaces on the lower part, one of the new styling features of the Panigale family.
The design of the tank, studied in terms of dimensions and surfaces to support the rider in sporty riding, also recalls that of the Panigale V4, adapted to the new mechanical base and the different ergonomic triangle. The latter has been defined with the aim of reducing the load on the wrists while maintaining excellent front-end feeling when cornering.
The rear has also received a styling update inspired by its “big sister” and blends seamlessly into the tank, creating a monolithic effect clearly inspired by the 916. The full-LED taillight is divided into two parts, entirely in line with the tradition of Ducati sports bikes. The exhaust, which ends with two mufflers under the seat, harkens back to the racing tradition of the Panigale and underlines the sporty soul of the motorcycle.
The design of the new spoked rims with a “Y” profile is a modern reinterpretation of Marchesini’s iconic three-spoke look. The black color provides a contrasting effect with the full Ducati Red color scheme. Unfortunately – just like with the Panigale V4 – the characteristic and eye-catching single-sided rear wheel suspension has had to make way for a hideous double-sided swingarm. The second trade mark that has been thrown over the fence.
According to Ducati, the 2025 Panigale V2 has delivered performance during track testing that matches that of the previous model, but we would like to take that with a grain of salt. The new V2 may be 15 kilos lighter, but it also has 35 hp less power and you can’t compensate for that on a track with fewer kilos. Nevertheless, the new Panigale will be much easier to ride for the average motorcyclist, precisely because of that lower power.
Just like its predecessor, the 2025 Panigale V2 has an extensive electronics package with 4 driving modes (Race, Sport, Road and Wet), each of which can be adjusted to your own taste and taste. You also have cornering ABS with slide-by-brake functionality, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control and the new Ducati Quick Shift 2.0, the same as that of the Panigale V4.
In addition to the standard Panigale V2, there is also a Panigale V2 S, which is equipped with better suspension. A 43 mm Öhlins NIX-30 upside down front fork and an Öhlins rear shock – both fully adjustable, of course – where the standard version is equipped with a 43 mm Marzocchi upside down front fork and Kayaba monoshock. Here too, both fully adjustable. In terms of brakes there is no difference, with Brembo M50 monobloc calipers and 320 mm discs at the front and a 245 mm disc with two-piston caliper at the rear.
The new Panigale V2 is anything but cheap. For the standard version you have to pay € 20,490, for the S version it is € 22,790. That’s a pretty hefty price for a bike that has a lot less power than its predecessor. At our southern neighbors the prices are € 18,890 for the V2 and € 21,190 for the V2 S.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.