- An ultra-lightweight and compact engine creates a sports motorcycle of a different dimension
- Ducati-like handling that feels lighter than its actual weight
- A gentle and fun character that doesn't tire the rider out
- High maneuverability that allows turning just like a 250cc or 400cc
- The Panigale V2S will be unveiled in Japan at DUCATI DAY 2025 on April 19th
- Ducati Panigale V2/V2S [2025] Main specifications
An ultra-lightweight and compact engine creates a sports motorcycle of a different dimension
When I headed to the world launch of the Panigale V2S in Spain, I checked in my suitcase at the counter at Haneda Airport and it weighed 17kg. It contained my racing suit, helmet, and other equipment for racing on the circuit. I wondered if the 2025 Panigale V2S, which has undergone a full model change, had shed the same weight as this suitcase from the previous model... and I found myself thinking about the new model even before the test ride.
I visited the Ducati headquarters in Italy at the end of October 2024. At that time, a new engine named "V2" was announced, which will be the lightest and smallest V-twin engine in the history of Ducati, and the first bike to be equipped with the "V2" is the Panigale V2S that I will be test riding this time. The engine alone is -9 cm shorter than the previous model..This results in a weight loss of 5kg, and a total weight loss of 17kg for the vehicle.
At the end of October 2024, I traveled to Bologna, Italy, for the launch of Ducati's new engine. When I entered the "engine design room," which is said to be the most secretive place in Ducati, I saw a row of past engines. There were not only V-twin and V4, but also many that were not commercially available. There were many engine test benches, and...
"We needed an engine that focused on lightness and ease of handling rather than speed," said a Ducati engineer, but to be honest, many things were sacrificed (?) for that. Comparing the engines of the old and new Panigale V2, the previous model was 955cc and 155ps, while the new model was 890cc and 120ps, a 35ps drop in power. In addition, many long-time fans were saddened by the abolition of the desmodromic, the valve opening and closing mechanism of the engine.
I wrote "sacrifice (?)" because I also thought, "Finally, the desmo... 35ps of power..." until I heard the staff in the home country. "We had no qualms about getting rid of the desmodromic. The benefits are that the engine will be lighter and smaller, the maintenance cycle will be shorter, and the costs to customers will be reduced," said Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali. The more I listened to Claudio's words and saw Ducati's development process at the headquarters, the more my expectations for Ducati's decision grew, and at the same time, I felt like I wanted to ride it as soon as possible.
And then came the overseas test ride. After finishing the first run on the Panigale V2S, I was convinced that nothing had been sacrificed. On the contrary, my expectations grew as to how many people the Panigale V2S would awaken to sports riding. The overwhelming lightness that doesn't make you feel the mass of the 890cc is truly another dimension. This may be the first Ducati superbike that is easy to recommend to so many people.
The new Panigale V2 is available in two models: the S ($16356.46) with luxurious suspension equipment and the standard ($14393.41). This time, we test rode the Panigale V2S with slick tires.
The author (Ogawa Tsutomu), who is 165 cm tall and weighs 68 kg, straddles the Panigale V2S. The handlebars are 60 mm higher than the previous model, which also contributes to a more comfortable ride.
The author (Ogawa Tsutomu), who is 165 cm tall and weighs 68 kg, straddles the Panigale V2S, which has a seat height of 837 mm. The seat is high, but one leg can be supported comfortably.
This time, safety parts such as mirrors and license plates were removed, and the test drive was carried out with Pirelli slick tires.
This is the Panigale V2S equipped with safety parts. The S model is equipped with Ohlins front and rear suspensions. The standard front forks are made by Marzocchi, and the rear suspension is made by KYB. The standard tires are Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4.
Ducati-like handling that feels lighter than its actual weight
The more you ride, the more you are drawn into the charm of the Panigale V2S. The benefits of its lightness are immeasurable. What is surprising is that the handling feels lighter than its actual weight of 177.6 kg (without gasoline). When you see the stripped down form inherited from the Panigale V4, you will understand why.
Ducati has always been a manufacturer that makes narrow engines. Even though it costs more, they make V-twin engines instead of parallel twins and V4 engines instead of parallel 4-cylinders in order to pursue high maneuverability. Of course, the frontal projection area can be reduced, which also improves aerodynamics. And they consider the engine as the main rigid body of the frame, and in recent years, their ideas and methods have become increasingly bold.
The monocoque frame, full of holes, weighs in at around 4 kg, making it compact and flexible. Also, since there is no frame covering the outside of the engine, the body is extremely slim. The achievement of a weight reduction of -17 kg also has the advantage of making the suspension softer, as it reduces the load on the suspension while driving. These are the factors that create handling that is lighter than the actual weight.
The test drive venue for this test drive was the Seville Circuit, which was just completed in October 2024. It is a technical course with a total length of 4.23 km, and the top speed is about 235 km/h in 5th gear for the Panigale V2S. There is a high-speed corner where you have to turn back at full throttle in 4th gear, and the final section is a technical part where you have to turn back six times in 2nd and 3rd gear. The Panigale V2S was light and nimble in all of them, and it didn't feel difficult at all.
Ducati uses the engine as a frame. This method hasn't changed much since the old days, but in recent years, advances in simulation technology have led to more daring designs.
The monocoque frame also serves as the airbox cover. It is as small as a stay connecting the engine and the front fork. It is a very rational design.
It is 9 times faster than the Superquadro engine mounted on the previous model Panigale V2.. The V2 engine has been made 5 kg lighter. It is the lightest Ducati V-twin engine ever, weighing just 54 kg.. It weighs just 4kg. By not using desmodromics, the head area has been designed to be very compact.
The lightweight body also has the advantage of allowing the suspension to be set to move more easily. This time, the test drive was done with Pirelli slick tires.
A gentle and fun character that doesn't tire the rider out
The fun doubles as you get used to the course and the bike. Until now, Ducati's superbikes have had a pinpointed way of riding. If you don't change direction properly right after braking, it's difficult to turn and accelerate, and if you open the throttle slightly while turning, the line will widen, and the body will rise when you touch the brakes. It's difficult, but it's a worthwhile challenge, and when you can operate it well, it shows you an exceptionally pleasant cornering.
However, the new Panigale V2S does not require such strict riding. First of all, it stops well when braking. The chassis with high road-following performance, the Ohlins suspension, and the controllable Brembo brakes make it easy to grasp the pitching motion and understand the trigger for turning. It is easy to intuitively follow the movement of the bike and it is easy to decide the direction to turn.
Furthermore, when transitioning to a turn, the Panigale V2S gives the impression of wanting to ride a beautiful line, and even if you go off line, you don't lose rhythm and it's easy to recover. What's more, all of this can be done without putting a physical strain on the rider, and it was truly surprising that I hardly broke a sweat even after riding for 15 minutes.
It has a completely different character from the previous model Panigale V2S, where you had to desperately try to keep up with the bike's maneuverability. By intuitively following the handling that wants to turn, you should be able to get closer to the ideal line.
The brake calipers are monoblock Brembo M50s that offer excellent controllability, and the front forks are inverted Ohlins models with independent damping force adjustments for the extension and compression sides on the left and right.
The Ohlins monoshock is mounted directly to the engine.
High maneuverability that allows turning just like a 250cc or 400cc
The six turns in the latter half of the Seville Circuit require both technique and stamina. However, this situation was the highlight of the Panigale V2S.
It behaves just like a 250cc or 400cc bike, and you can turn left and right with ease. It traces a compact path that you wouldn't expect from an 890cc bike (of course, this is also possible because of the slick tires), and the succession of beautiful corners is truly ecstatic. I wish I could keep turning all the time.
Electronic controls also provide solid support to the rider. This time, the traction control did not intervene because of the slick tires, but the quick shifter for shifting up and down worked very smoothly, although it required careful operation. Traction was hard to break during both acceleration and deceleration, allowing me to experience the unique comfort of the Ducati V-twin.
At the end of the test drive, we slowed down the pace and opened the throttle from low revolutions of 3000-4000 rpm in third or fourth gear, and confirmed that the engine had good traction. At the same time, the phrases from the technical explanation came to mind: "The ultimate excitement on the circuit. The maximum enjoyment on public roads." "70% of the maximum torque is produced at 3000 rpm, and the torque never falls below 80% between 3500 and 11,000 rpm."
Foreign journalists often used the nuance of "agile." Other words flying around the pits were "light, easy, safe." And it was also impressive how everyone looked like they were having a really good time.
"The beginning of a new chapter for Ducati." I had high expectations based on the enthusiasm I heard when the V2 engine was announced, but after test riding the Panigale V2S, my expectations turned into conviction. I hope that many people in Japan will experience the joy of this new Panigale V2S.
There are four riding modes to choose from: Race, Sport, Road, and Wet. The TFT meter display can be selected from three types: Road, Road Pro, and Track.
The swingarm has been changed to a double-sided swingarm, just like the evolution of the Panigale V4. Its characteristics are very flexible.
The unique layout of the silencer, with two silencers installed under the seat, places the silencer close to the rider, making it easy to enjoy the Ducati V-twin sound.
The Panigale V2S will be unveiled in Japan at DUCATI DAY 2025 on April 19th
On Saturday, April 19th, "DUCATI DAY 2025" will be held at the Porsche Experience Center Tokyo in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture. A variety of content will be available at this event, where Ducatisti from all over the country will gather. The NEW Panigale V2S will be unveiled for the first time in Japan. Admission is free (advance registration required).
Ducati Panigale V2/V2S [2025] Main specifications
・Wheelbase: 1465mm
・Seat Height: 837mm
・Vehicle Weight (excluding fuel): 179kg/177.6kg
・Engine: Water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve V-twin 890cc
・Maximum Output: 88kW (120PS)/10750rpm
・Maximum Torque: 93.3Nm (9.5kgm)/8250rpm
・Gearbox: 6-speed return
・Fuel Tank Capacity: 15L
・Brakes: F = disc, R = disc
・Tire: F=120/70-17, R=190/55-17
・Price: $14393.41/$16356.46 (Tax Included)
This is the training motorcycle of Ducati MotoGP factory riders Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez. It is equipped with a time attack accessory kit for the circuit, which reduces the weight by 7kg and increases the horsepower by 6ps.
Full exhaust made by Termignoni. The exhaust pipe passes through the inside of the swingarm for a more stylish look.
The handlebars are mounted under the top bridge. The standard version is 60mm higher than the previous model, so if you're riding on a circuit you can lower it a bit.
Simple styling without winglets. The slimness of the V2 engine is appealing.
The swingarm of the previous model of Panigale V2S was single-arm, but in this model it is double-armed, which has dramatically improved road holding performance.
Ducati pursues beauty and functional beauty even in super sports bikes.
