Ducati previews Panigale V4 SP2

Ducati have presented the ultimate version of their 2022 Panigale in the form of the Panigale V4 SP2.

Unveiled in March, the Panigale V4 SP2 (Sport Production 2) is designed for the track, taking

the V4 base and adding some new parts, while taking others away.

While the Panigale family are already the maximum expression of Ducati’s continuous exchange of information and technology from the world of racing to production bikes, the 2022 V4 SP2 represents what Ducati say is the peak in sportiness and the most significant step in the Panigale V4’s evolution since its introduction in 2018.

Takeaways and Additions

In the SP2, the Panigale V4 features a final drive and dry clutch inherited from Ducati’s World Superbike programme, as well as more powerful brakes, lightweight carbon fibre wheels and other carbon components, including an open clutch cover.

Fully-adjustable Rizoma racing footpegs with carbon fibre heelguards are exclusive to the SP2 and, reflecting this model’s track intentions, are repositioned compared to the Panigale V4, to allow a greater lean angle. The tank and seat are reshaped, too.

Blanking caps for the mirrors and a kit to remove the licence pate holder are also part of the spec.

Defining the 2022 Panigale V4 SP2 visually is a “Winter Test” livery usually seen on Ducati’s V4 R WSBK bikes. Finished in matte black, the fairing adds only a touch of signature Ducati Red in selected areas, including the bellypan that carries ‘V4 SP2’ identification and the Ducati Corse logo.

That matte finish has also been applied to the carbon fibre wheels and fairing winglets.

The other obvious visual feature is the bare metal finish of the aluminium fuel tank that reflects the underbelly exhaust system.

Along with small Italian flags on the winglets, the tank breaks up the feast of black on this model, with other styling touches including V4 SP2 identification stitched into the seat and a machined billet top yoke that carries the model name and each bike’s individual build number. Ducati haven’t clarified how many units of the 2022 Panigale V4 SP2 will be built, but based on the three-digit numbering, it can’t be any more than 999.

Desmosedici Power

At the heart of the 2022 Panigale V4 SP2 is the 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine developed from MotoGP.

Ducati claims increased power and improved throttle response from the latest version of this engine, resulting in a 1.1kW (1.5hp) increase for a new maximum of 158.5kW (215.5hp) at 13,000rpm, with a further 1.8kW at the 14,500rpm redline.

This new maximum applies to all Panigale V4 models for 2022, as does the maximum torque of 123.6Nm (91.2lb/ft) at 9,500rpm.

To maximise the improved engine output, dedicated gear-by-gear torque curves have been developed, along with four different Power Modes – Low, Medium, High and Full. According to Ducati, the Full and Low modes are re-developed, while the High and Medium modes use “a new strategy”.

If 158.5kW isn’t enough for you, an optional Ducati Performance racing exhaust system increases maximum power to 170kW (228hp) and max torque to 131Nm (96.6lb/ft), while also reducing weight by a substantial 5kg. Developed in collaboration with Akrapovič, the exhaust is said to still be compliant with circuit decibel limits.

To suit the upgraded track-spec engine, the clutch for the six-speed gearbox has been modified to suit. Fitting an STM-EVO SBK dry clutch ensures less hopping, while also allowing for engine braking to be more easily customised using parts from the Ducati Performance catalogue.

A lightened final drive and 520 chain have also been fitted as standard.

Frame, Suspension and Brakes

While tweaks have been made to the engine and gearbox, the frame and suspension are unchanged.

The frame is a multi-piece aluminium unit that uses the Desmosedici Stradale engine as a stressed member, with the single-sided swingarm aluminium, too.

Öhlins suspension features at both ends, specifically an NPX25/30 fully-adjustable 43mm fork with Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronic compression and rebound adjustment. The Öhlins TTX36 rear monoshock also offers electronic adjustability, with listed travel of 125mm at the front and 130mm at the rear.

Brakes for the Panigale V4 SP2 are upgraded at the front end, with the Brembo Stylema front calipers on dual 330mm floating discs replaced with Stylema ‘R’ 4-piston calipers that offer more consistent braking performance, even during a long trackday session. The 245mm rear disc runs a 2-piston caliper, while the Brembo MCS master cylinder allows three-level brake adjustment.

Bosch Cornering ABS EVO and a remote adjuster for the brake lever are both standard for the SP2, with the brake and clutch levers milled to reduce wind resistance.

The aforementioned carbon fibre wheels are in the split-spoke style and 1.4kg lighter than the aluminium wheels on the Panigale V4 S, with the lighter weight reducing inertia for improved agility and easier direction changes on the track.

Maximum Tech

On the tech front, the Panigale V4 SP2 has four Riding Modes – Street, Sport, Race A and Race B – that link with the Low, Medium, High and Full engine power modes.

These modes and other functions are viewable on the colour TFT screen, which in ‘Track Evo’ mode, moves the revcounter to a ribbon on top of the display, with a large gear position indicator below. To the right, coloured indicators for rider-assistance technologies, including traction control, wheelie control, stability control and engine braking control, light up when activating within certain parameters, allowing the rider to identify and react to improve on-track performance.

In Track Evo, the left side of the screen shows time, speed and the number of laps completed, facilitated by a GPS module that’s standard in the V4 SP2 and includes a Lap Time function.

To get more from your laps, an optional software package offers more data, including customisable riding modes, a memory function for up to five different tracks and even optimum traction control curves for wet and slick tyres.

Coming in 2022

Rollout of the 2022 Panigale V4 SP2 has already started in Europe, with delivery for Australia and New Zealand scheduled for Q3 of this year. Suggested ride away pricing is $56,900 for Australia and NZ$59,945 for NZ.