There was a time, not way back when superbikes had been so diabolically cool and classy that it did not matter what model you opted for—you had been going to snap necks. I’d say 2015 is round that peak, however it would not take a lot to sway me to even a decade earlier than that.
Return and have a look at the 2015 R1, Fireblade, F4, Panigale 1299, or some other model you possibly can consider from that period and sit with them. Peak cool. Sure, Euro emission restrictions play a giant half in how unhealthy among the present crop of superbikes look when recent off the manufacturing line, simply examine the newest Fireblade’s exhaust.
Producers cannot actually do something about that, however in relation to winglets, they’ve a alternative, and the 2025 Panigale V2 and V2S show that.
Ducati labored round Euro 5+ emission rules and nonetheless gave these fashions completely stunning under-tail twin exhausts—on this author’s opinion—and flat-out mentioned “no” to winglets. That mixture of selections and designs makes the 2025 Panigale V2 and V2S two of probably the most stunning sportbikes, which have all the trendy styling cues and options you could possibly ask for.
The brand new Panigales at the moment are immediately competing with the opposite supersports which are nonetheless in manufacturing, together with the CBR600RR, ZX-6R, and newly-minted R9. The designers of those fashions all had the identical alternative: to winglet or to not winglet. All of them made the identical choice, and I am so pleased Ducati’s designers did not make the identical one when designing these newest fashions.
In any case, that they had a clean slate to go off.
I might go so far as to say the 2025 Panigale V2S seems higher than the Ducati Misplaced Its Thoughts With the New Panigale V4, Ought to Be Dedicated. The exhausts are cooler, and it would not have a bizarre mustache-shaped entrance finish. Should you examine my profile image, you may see it is ironic that I do not just like the V4S’s Dr. Zoidberg face. The under-tail exhaust system and lack of wings make it seem to be these Panigales are from the golden period of superbikes, however they’re loaded with the newest tech.
The electronics package deal would not learn fairly just like the supercomputer that’s the Panigale V4S, however the V2S is not far off. It will characteristic the latest-generation electronics package deal with 6-axis Inertial measurement unit (6D IMU): ABS with cornering performance; Ducati Traction Management (DTC); Ducati Wheelie Management (DWC); Ducati Energy Launch and Ducati Pit Limiter (DPL); Ducati Fast Shift (DQS) 2.0; Engine Brake Management (EBC). And you will learn all of your data off a slick new 5″ TFT sprint.
The all-new fashions are crafted round Ducati’s new 890cc V2 V-twin and Monocoque body that weighs simply 8.8 lbs. It spits out 120 HP and 69 lb-ft of torque. The V2S weighs simply 388 lbs (moist), whereas the V2 is a bit heftier at 395 lbs, that means these are the 2 lightest Panigales ever made. However I would not learn an excessive amount of into that, as additionally they make the bottom energy of any Panigale ever. And people weights are with out gasoline, and when totally loaded, they weigh practically as a lot as some other supersport.
If this new design will get you going as a lot because it does me, you may be pleased to know the V2 is considerably cheaper than the earlier era and can set you again $15,995. However in order for you all of the bling that comes on the V2S—Öhlins adjustable suspension, lithium battery, and a single-seater configuration—you may must shell out $18,995.
As with the brand new Streetfighter V2 lineup, the brand new Panigales, with their new decrease energy, decrease weight, and lower cost tags, simply match within the bike market a lot neater than earlier than. Inform us what you consider the brand new fashions within the feedback. Do you agree that they are among the best-looking supersports round, much more so than the V4?
