Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1219692
R I D E R E V I E W P110 2020 DUCATI PANIGALE V2 modes (Street, Sport and Race)— all of which are customizable—the likes of engine power mode, the latest evolution of Ducati's traction control, wheelie control, quick shifter (both up and down), cornering ABS and engine brake control provide a sophisticated safety and performance pack- age. It's all operational via the new full-color TFT display and the left-side switchgear. While there's no cruise control or heated grips, the V2's im- pressive suite of electronics is sublime. I barely felt traction control interfering with my enter- tainment, which coaxed me into harassing the throttle earlier and harsher at every opportunity, but the Ducati wasn't for moving. I spent the dry sessions in Race mode with DTC at level two of eight, which seemed about right for my pace—this latest evolution of the system was derived from the 2018 MotoGP bike and is deliberately designed to allow for more grip out of the corners. 2020 DUCATI PANIGALE V2 VERDICT On paper, we're looking at a $16.5k for a bike "just" 155 horsepower, but what Ducati has on offer here is a smooth handling and beautiful look- ing machine fully equipped for the track, the commute or the Sunday back-road blast. The electronics, power increase and chassis refinements have made it a more enjoyable bike to ride, while the aesthetics are down to personal preference. Without a doubt, it'd be user- friendly around town yet still armed and dangerous when it comes to track use. Ducati's sole twin-cylinder sport bike offers a more-than-substantial alternative to those loony ma- chines with double the cylinders and 30 percent more power. It's easy to manage, flatters the rider, and is less intimidat- ing than the Panigale V4 and has a reasonable price tag for a premium model that is every bit as enjoyable as riding its 1103cc sibling. The Panigale V2 retains the charm and riding character- istics synonymous with a Ducati superbike but in a more manage- able package. Whether you're making your way through the power ranks looking for some- thing faster and more refined to invest in after a 600, or as an alternative to a larger, power- laden yet comfort-zapping bike, the lip-lickingly luscious V2 is well worth a test ride. CN 2020 DUCATI PANIGALE V2 ($16,495) ENGINE: ........... Superquadro 90° V2, 4 valves per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid-cooled DISPLACEMENT: ....................... 955cc BORE X STROKE: ........100 x 60.8mm HORSEPOWER (CLAIMED): .. 155 hp @ 10,750 rpm TORQUE (CLAIMED): ......... 76.7 lb-ft @ 9000 rpm COMPRESSION RATIO: ...............12.5:1 FUEL SYSTEM: ........ EFI system, twin injectors per cylinder, full ride-by- wire elliptical throttle bodies EXHAUST: .................... 2-1-2-1 system, with two catalytic converters and two lambda probes TRANSMISSION: 6-speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down EVO 2 CHASSIS: Monocoque Aluminum FRONT SUSPENSION: ......43mm, fully adjustable Showa BPF fork REAR SUSPENSION:....Fully adjustable Sachs shock, aluminum single-sided swingarm FRONT BRAKE: ...............Dual 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc, M4.32 4-piston calipers with Cornering ABS EVO REAR BRAKE: . 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper with Cornering ABS EVO FRONT TIRE: .......Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 120/70 ZR17 REAR TIRE: ..........Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 180/60 ZR17 RAKE: .............................................. 24° TRAIL: ..........................................3.7 in WHEELBASE: ............................ 56.5 in SEAT HEIGHT: .......................... 33.0 in FUEL CAPACITY: ...................... 4.5 gal WEIGHT (CURB, CLAIMED): ... 441 lbs. COLOR: ...........................................Red S P E C I F I C A T I O N S