Less horsepower, more play: The Panigale V2 is here

It’s a model the Ducati Cambridge team have been excited for since Ducati’s announcement in November. And now it’s here, it’s clear that the Panigale V2 is something very special!

This middleweight sports bike is a completely reimagined machine. For the first time, the brand started with a clean slate – designing this beast from the ground up. With its ultra-light 4kg monocoque frame, it’s the lightest Panigale ever – shedding 15kg compared to its predecessor in the V2 S trim.

But while the new chassis is impressive, the unseen details are just as striking. Ducati’s new 90° V2 engine is actually less powerful – yes, you read that correctly – than the past incarnation. However, while it’s cut 35hp compared to its lap-time-hunting predecessor, the variable valve timing (IVT) guarantees torque-rich delivery at all revs, meaning there’s plenty of road- and track-worthy treats in store!

The model range is split between the standard Panigale V2, with two seats, and the V2 S which comes as a single-seater with the passenger accommodation available as an optional extra.

Let’s dig into the detail…

Ducati DNA

Light, intuitive and delivering power smoothly across the rev range, the 2025 Panigale V2 is everything you’d expect from a Ducati.

It’s also a revolution in Borgo Panigale’s history. It carries the legacy of legendary bikes like the 748, 848 and 959, maintaining their raw sporting DNA while adding a level of accessibility and road-going enjoyment that makes it even more thrilling to ride.

The Panigale V2 borrows the determined yet elegant styling of the Panigale V4, staying true to Ducati’s signature sharp, clean lines. The front end carries the unmistakable DNA of the V4, featuring a full LED headlight with double DRLs that give it a razor-sharp, assertive and decisive look.

The rear is a masterpiece of style and function, inspired by its bigger sibling and flowing seamlessly into the tank, evoking the legendary 916. The full LED taillight, split into two, stays true to Ducati’s sportbike lineage. Meanwhile, the under-seat dual exhaust harks back to the Panigale’s racing tradition, underlining the sporty soul of the bike.

Sheer riding pleasure

While the previous Panigale V2 was know for its track performance credentials, its successor places more emphasis on road use and practicality.

In fact, we reckon it’s one of Ducati’s most enjoyable sportbikes to date. The less aggressive riding position reduces fatigue, making it a joy to carve through winding roads, while improved heat management ensures comfort even on longer rides. Meanwhile, the ergonomics include an 837mm seat height, a fraction lower than the old bike’s 840mm, plus bars that are mounted much higher and wider than you might expect from an out-and-out sports bike. And with a torque curve that delivers the goods right where you need them, every twist of the throttle turns into an adrenaline rush.

Not disregarding the track, as the 2025 Panigale V2 delivers serious performance, rivalling its predecessor thanks to its 15kg weight reduction, refined chassis, optimised ergonomics and torque-rich powerplant. It’s the most accessible and confidence-inspiring V2 yet – letting riders push their limits with less effort, hitting apexes with precision and maintaining pace lap after lap.

New V2 engine

Let’s talk about the engine. The all-new 90° V2 engine features variable timing for the intake valves (IVT), Euro5+ compliance and a displacement of 890cc pumping out 120hp.

Weighing just 54.5kg (a full 9.4kg lighter than the outgoing Superquadro), it’s the lightest twin-cylinder Ducati has ever built. With 70% of its peak torque available at just 3,000rpm, the power delivery is smooth yet relentless. And if you’re taking it to the track, you can add a racing exhaust to boost output to 126hp while shaving off another 4.5kg.

You could say updating a model with less horsepower is breaking with tradition; however, the Panigale V2 is a glimpse into an exciting future for the brand. With a dry weight of just 176kg (175kg for the V2 S), the Panigale V2 boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 0.69hp/kg.

Benchmark chassis

The frame of the new V2 is a light and efficient monocoque, which uses the engine as a stressed element. The double-sided swingarm, inspired by the Panigale V4’s Hollow Symmetrical Swingarm, enhances stability on corner exits and improves overall feedback when pushing hard.

Fully adjustable suspension allows riders to fine-tune their setup. The Panigale V2 features Marzocchi forks and Kayaba shock absorbers, while the V2 S ups the ante with Öhlins suspension and a lithium-ion battery for further weight savings. Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres (120/70 front, 190/55 rear) ensure maximum grip and agility.

Up front, the Brembo braking system – two 320mm discs with M50 monobloc calipers – delivers both track-ready stopping power and smooth modulation for road use.

Cutting-edge electronics

Ducati has packed the Panigale V2 with a six-axis IMU-driven electronics suite, providing confidence-inspiring safety and performance-enhancing technology. The package includes sports ABS Cornering with slide-by-brake functionality, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Engine Brake Control and the advanced Ducati Quick Shift 2.0 – straight from the Panigale V4. The V2 S versions also get Ducati Power Launch and a pit limiter.

Four riding modes – Race, Sport, Road and Wet – allow riders to instantly tailor the bike’s behaviour with preset intervention levels, all of which can be fine-tuned. Whether tearing up the track or carving through canyon roads, the Panigale V2 adapts to the ride.

The new 5-inch TFT dashboard offers a refined user interface, inspired by the Infomode concept from the Panigale V4. Three display modes (Road, Road Pro and Track) highlight the most relevant information for each riding scenario. The tachometer even doubles as a shift indicator, glowing green at the perfect upshift point and red when you hit the rev limiter.

Ready to ride?

Ducati has once again redefined the twin-cylinder sportbike. The Panigale V2 isn’t just built for performance – it’s a bike that’s both an exhilarating road warrior and a precision instrument on the circuit.

Get in touch to talk about getting this incredible bike in your garage today!

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