Ducati Panigale V4 SP2: Track Bike / Products

In the ninth and final episode of the Ducati World Première 2022 web series, Ducati presents enthusiasts with the new Panigale V4 SP2: a special motorcycle, built in numbered series and designed with the intention of improving the performance of the Panigale V4 when used on a further augmenting the racetrack.

Even the standard version of the Panigale V4 is improved across the board for 2022: aerodynamics, ergonomics, engine, chassis and electronics. All of these improvements are also installed in SP2. The SP2 version also has a more aggressive braking system, lighter carbon rims, and a lighter secondary engine thanks to a narrower 520 chainring and a dry clutch, adopted from the Superbike race bikes. The package is completed with racing foot mounts and a set of carbon components. The bike also comes with a kit for use on the track. This kit includes the open carbon clutch cover, takedown kit, and alloy covers that mount over the rearview mirror mounting points.

The Panigale V4 SP2 was painted in a factory Superbike winter test design. The upper fork bridge is milled from steel and bears the motorcycle serial number.

The heart of the Panigale V4 SP2 is MotoGP’s 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale: a countershaft V4 that delivers high torque even at low revs and expresses its athleticism on the track. For 2022, performance can be increased and throttle response improved. The engine generates 215.5 hp at 13,000 rpm in the Euro 5 version, an increase of 1.5 hp compared to the 2021 Panigale V4 engine.

To exploit the full potential of this engine, Ducati has developed specific torque curves for each gear and four different power modes (full, high, medium and low). The full and low configurations have been redesigned, while the high and medium configurations use a new control strategy.

For track use, the performance of the Desmosedici Stradale can be further enhanced with the new Ducati Performance titanium racing exhaust, developed in collaboration with Akrapovic and available as an accessory.

Featuring high-mounted mufflers on the rear, this exhaust has been redesigned to increase performance and reduce noise. This racing exhaust system can also be used on racetracks with strict noise limits. With this exhaust, the Panigale V4 SP2 engine is 5kg lighter, reducing the bike’s dry weight to just 168kg. The Akrapovic exhaust system also ensures a power increase of 12.5 hp, which increases the maximum power to 228 hp and the maximum torque to 131 Nm.

Compared to the wet clutch in the Panigale V4 S, the STM dry clutch ensures a more effective function of preventing jumps in extreme conditions on the track and greater ease of movement when the throttle is closed. In addition, the engine braking effect can be individually adjusted using different secondary springs.

The chassis consists of an electronically controlled Öhlins NPX25/30 gas-compression fork with 125mm of travel, which uses a strut damping system derived from racing forks. This fork, together with the Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber and electronic steering damper, also form Öhlins, the second generation of the Smart EC 2.0 system, which features an OBTI (objective adjustment interface) logic that operates by “targets” rather than by means of clicks and allows the driver to control More easy than traditional systems.

The Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 is fitted with 5-twin-spoke carbon rims that are 1.4 kg lighter than the forged aluminum wheels of the Panigale V4 S. ), which benefits agility, facilitates directional changes and allows for a narrower line selection.

The Panigale V4 SP2 is also equipped with exclusive Brembo Stylema R brake calipers, which ensure high braking power combined with exceptional endurance even during prolonged use on the track, without the need to modify the movement of the brake lever. The calipers are powered by a Brembo MCS (Multiple Click System) radial pump that allows the gear ratio to be quickly and easily adjusted in three configurations to customize the feel of the brakes. The front brake lever is equipped with a remote adjusting device, with which the lever lever can be precisely adjusted using a swivel wheel, as is also possible with racing machines. The “SP2” version also has brake and clutch levers milled into the ends to reduce air resistance.

The Rizoma anodized aluminum footrests with carbon heel guards are fully adjustable and increase ground clearance. These racing pedestrian stanchions provide excellent grip, which is essential for driving on the track. Like the redesigned tank and seat, they’re part of an all-new ergonomics developed to improve the bike’s handling.

The Panigale V4 SP2 has an electronic package that includes all-stage control, the operating parameters of which are linked by default to the four riding modes (Race A, Race B, Sport, Street).

All the motorcycle’s electronic parameters can be displayed in the cockpit thanks to the “Track Evo” display mode. In this screen mode, the tachometer moves on a horizontal scale, which is located at the top of the screen, and is therefore the most visible. The gear is displayed in the middle of the screen.

On the right side of the screen there are four sectors of different colors, each of which is associated with electronic control (DTC, DWC, DSC, EBC). These segments light up individually when electronics interferes with one of these parameters. It remains active long enough for the driver to recognize which driving aid is operating in the background. This signal mode makes it easy for the rider to understand which control was active, so he can find the setting that best suits his driving style more precisely and quickly, thus improving the motorcycle’s performance more quickly. In the left area of ​​the display, the driver can read the rev counter, the number of revolutions completed and the speed.

In the SP2 version, a GPS module comes standard, enabling the automatic lap time function to be activated, which instantly displays two separate periods on the track you are currently playing. Loaded with the Slick Ducati Performance Software (available as an accessory), traction control parameters developed specifically for slippery and rainy tires are also available.

There is also the possibility to save the coordinates of five different tracks, as well as to activate five additional fully customizable driving modes. In addition, the Ducati data analyzer, standard in SP2, allows for in-depth analysis of all performance data.

The new Panigale V4 SP2 will be available from March 2022 as a single seat in winter test uniform.