R I D E R E V I E W
P104
2020 DUCATI PANIGALE V2
for example, which is a slow second-
gear hairpin where you can run wide
over the curbs on the exit and keep the
throttle pinned. Otherwise, the power
delivery suits the chassis so well.
ENGINE, GEARBOX AND EXHAUST
The rugged, raspy 955cc twin-cylinder
heartbeat has revised intake ducts to
improve efficiency and four new injec-
tors (two per cylinder), but its compact
design means the dimensions of the
bike are neat, so while the seat height is
up there at 33.0 inches, the step-over
remains narrow.
Speaking of compact, impressively,
despite the neater exhaust routed entire-
ly underneath the engine with two larger
catalytic convertors inside the silencer,
the Panigale now meets Euro 5 emis-
sions limits, and what's more, Ducati
has simultaneously increased its perfor-
mance without resorting to expanding
the engine capacity. The higher the revs,
the happier the V2 seems.
Driving hard out of a slower corner
from 7000 rpm with the twist grip pulled
right back, the revs soar towards that
peak power figure at 10,750 rpm in har-
mony with the soulful soundtrack. Like
a game of chicken, how late can you
leave the marauding rev counter before
New, reworked lights are a take-off from the V4.
