To have fun earlier than its Superquadro engine is phased out, Ducati’s launched a completely loaded, limited-edition model of its Panigale V2.
The supersport sector was so easy. 4 Japanese 599cc inline-four sportsbikes duking it out, plus the Ducati 748 throwing out the occasional conrod on the again whereas wanting completely beautiful. Then we obtained Triumph 675 triples, MV Agusta F3s, and everybody stopped shopping for CBR600RRs and R6s. The race class is now a wild-eyed smorgasbord of 15-year-old GSX-R750s, 636 Ninjas, new CBRs, Moto2-lite Triumphs, and anything you possibly can squeeze previous the tech regs rulebook.
Ducati’s saved a ‘middleweight’ sportsbike in its vary, in fact: the 748 turned the 749, which was then boosted to an 848, 899, 959, and at last the present V2 Panigale, a 955cc beastie with 155bhp, round 60bhp greater than the previous 748 ever managed. The Bologna agency benefitted from having a barely much less insane, cheaper sportsbike providing, between the softer road-sport Supersport fashions and the full-fat 1099-1299 Panigale V-twins and later V4. For a lot of discerning sports activities riders, the smaller fashions have been good: comparable premium appears to be like, design and dealing with, with much less of a psychological hammer blow efficiency and decrease prices.
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However that’s all come to an finish now with this, the Last Version of the Panigale V2. Ducati’s launched a £23,500 limited-edition variant of the bike, with simply 555 being made, dripping in trick equipment, and with a cultured paint job. Plainly the Superquadro engine which powers the V2 is on the finish of its growth – a typical story today with the tightening of Euro emissions regs.
The upper-middleweight Duke goes out in fashion, although. The Last Version contains a full set of Öhlins track-ready suspension: 48mm NIX USD entrance forks, steering damper and TTX monoshock, in addition to Brembo M4.32 brake calipers up entrance; billet aluminium numbered yokes; 17-litre aluminium gas tank; carbon fibre entrance and rear mudguards; swingarm protector; chain guard; and clutch covers. You additionally get a particular rider’s seat, adjustable machined billet rearsets and a customized key, plus a one-off animation on the sprint at start-up, race grips, and GPS module as customary. There’s a field of track-ready add-ons as properly: numberplate bracket removing equipment; mirror blank-off covers; machined billet gas cap; and a customized bike cowl for the storage.
Plenty of good things then – however the agency’s tight-lipped about what precisely will fill this hole within the line-up. The 955cc motor can also be discovered within the Streetfighter V2 – will that mannequin be discontinued, too?
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Fortunately, Ducati has already quietly confirmed there’s going to be a Panigale with a V2 motor within the vary once more quickly. We’re instructed it’s going to be making an look subsequent 12 months, however that’s about as a lot as we all know at this level. Right here’s hoping we don’t have to attend too lengthy for the total lowdown – however for now, you possibly can nonetheless get your fingers on this good-looking beast. If you happen to’re eager, have a phrase along with your vendor and beat the crowds forward of its October launch.
