2023 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 First Look Preview

Ducati wraps up its series of new motorcycle reveals with the numbered-series 2023 Panigale V4 SP2 superbike. Customers who preorder can expect the sportbike by mid-2022; starting price will be $39,500.

Ducati has given its formidable V4 a thorough upgrade for 2022, elevating the bike’s aerodynamic efficiency, powertrain, chassis, and rider interface. Of course, the V4 SP2 takes things a step further with better braking, lighter weight, premium materials, a race-derived final drive and clutch, and quick trackday readiness.

In terms of braking, the SP2 gets new Brembo Stylema R calipers at the front biting dual 330mm discs. A Brembo MCS master cylinder allows for customizable brake feel, and a remote adjuster gives the rider the option to adjust lever position via a knob on the left grip.

The race-ready gearbox is enhanced by a lighter final drive, 520 chain, and an STM-Evo dry clutch. The clutch is derived from the kit used in Ducati’s SBK bikes and provides anti-hopping function during downshifts and smoother operation off throttle. The SP2 will also feature Ducati’s Quick Shifter.

The suspension package is Öhlins front and rear; the fork is a pressurized NPX 25/30 fork and the shock is a TTX 36 shock. Both components offer full adjustability through electronic compression and rebound damping.

Five-spoke carbon fiber wheels drop the bike’s weight over the standard V4 and are mounted with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires. The SP2 also gets specially designed Rizoma footpegs in anodized aluminum, complemented by carbon fiber heel guards.

The SP2 is powered by the same 1130 Desmosedici Stradale V-4 engine found in the standard V4, but performance can be improved by adding the Ducati Performance race exhaust from Akrapovič. Four power modes—Full, High, Medium, and Low—let riders calibrate performance output. Four ride modes—Race A, Race B, Sport, and Street—provide different levels of intervention from Ducati’s electronic aids, including traction control and wheelie control, among others. Information on all operating systems is displayed on a dashboard equipped with a Track Evo mode, similar to the interface used on MotoGP machines.

A GPS system is standard on the SP2, allowing riders to use such systems as automatic lap time right out of the box. The Ducati Data Analyzer is also standard equipment, making it possible to take a deep dive into all of your ride data. The Slick Ducati Performance Software is available as an add-on and provides Ducati Traction Control curves, the option to memorize coordinates of up to five different tracks, and five additional ride modes.

The SP2 is wrapped in a special Winter Test livery, which combines matte black with matte carbon, red accents, and brushed aluminum. Each bike will be individually numbered, with the number displayed on the machined steering head.

Additionally, each SP2 will come with a kit allowing the bike to be quickly adapted for a day at the track, including billet aluminum caps to be used when the rearview mirrors are removed, a license plate removal kit, and an open carbon clutch cover.