Top 5 Highlights: Ducati Panigale V2

The design of the Ducati Panigale V2 is inspired by the Panigale V4. The fairing has been redesigned and the headlamp cluster has been slightly tweaked as well. The other substantial change is that the Panigale V2 now gets a single-sided swingarm like the Panigale V4 while the 959 Panigale had a conventional swingarm. The exhaust unit too is new and sits snug below the engine. The handlebar also gets a Sachs steering damper for better control.

The Ducati Panigale V2 gets a 955 cc super-quaddro L-twin motor that makes 153 bhp at 10,750 rpm and has a peak torque output of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm. The peak power and torque go up by 5 bhp and 2 Nm. The USP is that the motorcycle has a dry weight of just 176 kg.

The 4.3-inch touchscreen instrument console is new and can be used to adjust riding parameters. It also features the same electronics suite as the bigger Panigale V4, and gets a reworked traction control system, which is said to be better than the one on the 959 Panigale. The electronics package includes 6-axis inertial measurement-assisted traction control, called the Ducati Traction Control EVO 2, wheelie control, and cornering ABS. Also included is a bi-directional up/down quick-shifter as well as engine braking control. There are three riding modes on offer, which are Race, Sport and Street.

The V2 gets a single-sided swingarm, and is sharp, stylish and oh-so sexy! The new Panigale V2 features Showa Big Piston Forks up front, with a fully adjustable Sachs monoshock at the rear, with a steering damper. Electronic suspension is not offered on the Panigale V2. The travel for the front and rear suspension is 120 mm and 130 mm respectively. Braking is handled by Brembo M4.32 monobloc callipers and Brembo master cylinders with twin 320 mm discs on the front wheel. Both ends get a 5-spoke alloy 17-inch alloy wheel. The front wheel is wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 120/70 ZR17 rubber while the rear wheel is fatter Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II 180/60 ZR17 unit.

The Panigale V2 has a committed riding position, and you do get used to it on the road. But it's not something remotely comfortable in traffic. The Ducati Panigale V2 is priced at Rs. 17.49 lakh (Ex-showroom).