Replacement for the Ducati Panigale 959, the Italian bike manufacturer has revealed the new Panigale V2. The new motorcycle will be launched as a 2020 model and will be on display at the EICMA show in Milan next month. While it is a successor to the Panigale 959, the new 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 takes design cues from the big daddy Panigale V4. Almost a litre-class motorcycle, Ducati still dubs this one as a middle-weight supersport motorcycle and it would hence rival the likes of Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R.
On the exterior styling, the Panigale V2 gets a similar headlamp unit which is recessed in the fairing with LED DRLs being highlighted, new bubble shaped clear windscreen, new midship exhaust, all-new fairing with improved aerodynamics, new pillion section, new LED tail lamp, new design rims, single-sided swing arm, new mirrors, new fuel tank and more. In short, the 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 is a complete departure from the Panigale 959 and is more close to the V4. The new model also makes use of full digital speedometer cluster we also see on the elder sibling.
Powering the Ducati Panigale V2 is a 955cc, liquid-cooled, V-Twin petrol motor producing 159 BHP of power @ 10500 RPM and 109 Nm of torque @ 9000 RPM matched to a 6-speed gearbox coupled to a slipper-assist clutch. This bike makes 5 BHP and 2 Nm more than the Panigale 959 which will make a huge difference along with other hardware changes. The single midship exhaust has also helped manage the weight compared to the predecessors twin-exhaust end cans.
Ducati has reworked the chassis for the Panigale V2 along with a lowered suspension pre-load & damping, higher centre of gravity, Showa front USD forks, Sachs rear monoshock and Brembo brakes. The bike also benefits from cornering ABS, traction control, riding modes, wheelie control, quickshifter up / down and engine braking control.
Ducati could launch the Panigale V2 in India by mid-2020, but at a premium compared to the outgoing Panigale 959.
