Pared back Pani! Ducati pull the covers of their lightest twin cylinder Panigale model ever

Following the announcement of their all-new 890cc V-Twin motor, Ducati have pulled the covers off a radically redesigned Panigale V2 and Panigale V2 S. 

• Related: 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 revealed

Available from January 2025 at £14,995 for the base bike and £16,995 for the higher spec S, practically every element of the bike has been altered with the update in a move that aims to make the supersport more rideable and easier to live with, whilst still offering oodles of track performance  

For the first time ever, younger riders will also be able to swing their leg over a Borgo Panigale sports bike, with the factory also offering an 47bhp A2 licence compliant version too. 

At the heart of the changes is the move to the new smaller displacement, 54.4kg twin engine that produces 118bhp at 10,750rpm, alongside 68.8lb.ft of torque at 8250rpm.  

The overhaul has produced what the Bologna brand describe as the “most fun sports bike ever created”, as well as being the lightest Panigale to date, tipping the scales at a lithe 172kg. 

While Ducatis of old – including the likes of the 748, the 848 and the 959 – sacrificed road manners for performance, the new bike is pegged more towards everyday enjoyment with improvements made to the midrange and rider comfort – including reworked heat management courtesy of a fresh air ventilation system that directs hot air from the radiator away from the pilot’s legs. 

That’s not to say performance is lacking. It may come with a 35-horse deficit over its 955 Superquadro predecessor, but Ducati say the new Panigale V2 has lapped Vallelunga just two-tenths of a second off the previous model – a machine that leaves big shoes to fill having just taken the Supersport World Championship crown for the second year running. 

It’s thanks to a significant 17kg diet and totally reworked chassis that such a feat has been achieved. The new frame is a monocoque aluminium structure weighing in at 4kg. In addition to fulfilling the classic function of a frame, the monocoque also acts as an air-box; housing the air filter, throttle bodies and fuel circuit complete with injectors. 

In a nod to its flagship sibling, the Panigale V2 also moves to a double sided aluminium swingarm set-up, which is more compliant than the former single sider. 

In terms of suspension, the V2 makes use of fully adjustable 43mm Marzocchi forks paired with a fully adjustable Kayaba rear shock. The more premium V2 S, on the other hand, benefits from Öhlins componentry at both ends—also fully adjustable, naturally. 

Both the base model and the S roll on new six spoke wheels, with the rear being 1kg lighter than the old hoops. These are shod from the factory in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres. 

Restraining the new machine are four pot Brembo M50 calipers gripping twin 320mm discs – again these contribute marginally to the diet by shedding a combined 280 grams over the former bike’s M4.32 units. 

Expectedly, Ducati have crammed their latest suite of electronics into the new Pani, all of which are accessed via a new 5-inch TFT dash which can be configured between three display modes – namely Road, Road Pro and Track.  

The jewel in the crown of the electronic rider system in Ducati’s ‘predictive’ traction control system, as unveiled on the Panigale V4 earlier this year.  

A six axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) also allows for a lean-sensitive ABS system, which offers three different levels of intervention, including a ‘slide by brake’ function in Level Two, or the ability to disengage assistance on the rear altogether in Level One. 

There’s also an inbuilt wheelie control, engine braking control system, an up/down quickshifter to boot. Riders can also make use of four distinct ride modes, from a full fat Race mode which reduces electronic assistance whilst offering full power and the most aggressive throttle map, to a Rain setting that meters power down to 96bhp. 

Keep an eye out for the full 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 review coming soon on MCN.