2020 Ducati Panigale V2 – Video Review
Ducati's updated super-mid, in moving pictures
Motorcycle categories have gotten a bit widespread, haven’t they? Companies like Ducati aren’t making things any easier when they call its 955cc Panigale V2 – an update from the 959 Panigale – a “Super-Mid.” Ironic, especially considering Ducati’s iconic 916 was formerly the cream of the sportbike crop. I think the proper way of looking at the current nomenclature is to consider the machine’s performance. With 1100cc V4s skewing the definitions of what a Superbike is, it seems natural for the Panigale V2 to follow along and break the middleweight rules, too. Because, looking at it from a performance aspect, this is the new level of middleweight performance. Time marches on, everyone, and technology just gets better and better.
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So it is, then, that the Ducati Panigale V2 falls into this no-man’s land of displacement and performance. Of course, you’d know this if you read my First Ride Review of the bike from its introduction in November. In short, the V2 takes the 959 Panigale, puts some V4 clothes on it, and adds IMU-aided electronics – a must in this day and age. Oh, and it’s now Euro5 compliant, too, all (ok, well, mostly) thanks to a revised exhaust and catalyzer engineered to be part of the motorcycle’s overall design. Not like the huge dual-canister exhaust contraption Ducati was forced to slap on the 959 Panigale for the Euro market (and that was just to meet Euro4!)
In this video, we get my thoughts about the Panigale V2 to go along with my written words. On-board and trackside riding footage (hopefully) stimulate the visual senses. Together, here’s hoping the 12 minutes and 32 seconds you spend watching answers some questions and leaves you entertained. Enjoy!
Troy's been riding motorcycles and writing about them since 2006, getting his start at Rider Magazine. From there, he moved to Sport Rider Magazine before finally landing at Motorcycle.com in 2011. A lifelong gearhead who didn't fully immerse himself in motorcycles until his teenage years, Troy's interests have always been in technology, performance, and going fast. Naturally, racing was the perfect avenue to combine all three. Troy has been racing nearly as long as he's been riding and has competed at the AMA national level. He's also won multiple club races throughout the country, culminating in a Utah Sport Bike Association championship in 2011. He has been invited as a guest instructor for the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and when he's not out riding, he's either wrenching on bikes or watching MotoGP.
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There will always be halo bikes and cars, the best and most tech. They are probably not everyday commuters. Most bike owners have cars. Bikes are mostly a luxury item. Just like art, there are Ducati V4’s and Honda 650’s.
For the price, it doesn't make sense to me. My R1 race bike has ~200hp and it's a pleasure to ride. The way the power is delivered isn't overwhelming, but I can imagine the speeds it reaches would be for novice riders. If someone is a beginner and can't handle the power, then they can switch it to a lower-power mode. Having said that, I'd never recommend a beginner (track rider) start on anything in this price range or size.
Troy, how is the power delivery of this V-twin compared to an RSV4 or the R1 crossplane? One of the big problems with the older, larger Ducati twins is the less smooth power delivery. It's harder to ride fast and the electronics have less ability to intervene smoothly. Hard to explain, sorry if I'm butchering it, but hope it makes sense.
Another thing I don't like about the twins is how low they rev. So they stretch out that power with longer gearing. Not sure how 155 horsies would feel with long gears... probably not that powerful... but what's your first-hand account?