Motorcycle specifications Ducati1100 Panigale V4 SP2 2023 Delicious terror

The Panigale V4 SP2 is available again in 2023. Excellent news for track enthusiasts, lovers of beautiful objects, blistering performance and over-activated technologies. Slightly improved, it receives an update, like the rest of the family, with a fine-tuning of certain riding aids.

The DQS shifter gains in fluidity, with an ignition timing delay procedure in addition to injection cut-off. Also, with the throttle wide open, torque delivery has been optimized for greater stability.
Traction control offers greater precision when the bike is at an angle; Ride by Wire provides a better connection with torque distribution; fans manage engine heat better; but most important of all is the new version of engine brake management (EBC Evo 2). This modulates its intervention during corner entry. Little restraint is applied at the start of braking, then it becomes increasingly important as the hypersport approaches the chord point. The 2022 model will be able to receive these updates, via a dealer intervention.

ducati's electronic evolution is certainly the most relentless in motorcycle production. All the more reason to push the SP2's potential a little further. An elitist, adrenaline-fuelled motorcycle, an evolution of the SP presented at the end of 2020. A jewel cut from the forge of the track, uncompromising, expensive and addictive.

Immediately recognizable with its black "Winter Test" color scheme, the Panigale V4 SP2 is visually indistinguishable from the SP. The red piping changes place subtly; only a piece of red fairing between the clutch and exhaust points to a real difference.
The V4 is where the action is. It benefits from recent improvements to the range: new parts, recalibrated engine management and mapping, 1.5 more horsepower, 215.5 horsepower in total, and a little less torque (from 124 to 123.6 Nm). The gearbox has been given a more track-style gear ratio, the ergonomics have evolved, the winglets and fairing are more effective, and the swingarm axle has been moved up - in fact, the SP2 recovers the Panigale evos, with all the athletic luxury its predecessor had captivated us with.

It is distinguished by its winter evening dress, enhanced by carbon fins and front mudguard (taken from the R), as well as a brushed aluminum fuel tank. Suspension is borrowed from the S, so you can enjoy the efficiency of electronically-controlled Öhlins components. The new 43-mm NPX 25/30 inverted fork and TTX36 shock absorber are adjusted via a Smart 2.0 unit, giving you the choice of managing settings in real time or fine-tuning them at the handlebars.

In terms of damping, we're clearly at the top end of the market. Dynamics and chassis are also top-of-the-range, with greater efficiency than the V4 and V4S. Carbon wheels derived from the Superleggera save 1.4 kilos compared with forged aluminum wheels. This reduction in unsprung weight will give the Superleggera a boost when changing angles and entering corners. The Panigale V4 SP2 is also equipped with Stylema R brake calipers, the very latest generation from Brembo, to help you throw yourself around like a pig. Combined with an MCS radial master cylinder with remote adjustment, braking is as good as it gets on a production machine. No sooner do you look at the lever than you're already experiencing negative Gs.

to further optimize the large watts sent to the rear wheel, Ducat adds an STM-EVO SBK dry clutch to the V4, delicately updated via an openwork carbon housing. It provides better power delivery, more effective anti-dribble and mechanical adjustment of engine braking via a secondary spring set. Final drive is provided by a 520-pitch chain, 400 grams lighter. Every link could be seriously weakened by the thrust of 12.6 mkg. Fortunately, the electronics will regulate this a little. As for the almost-slicks Pirelli SuperCorsa SP tires... they'll be hot and dry.

An almost megalomaniacal regret : that the matching exhaust is not included as a gift. With the full Akrapovic titanium line, the 1103 cm3 becomes overpowered with 228 horsepower. Torque climbs to 13.4 mkg, while 5 kilos are shaved off, slimming the diva to 168 kilos.

Like the rest of the Panigale V4 family, the SP2 is equipped with the latest EVO 3 DTC traction control, which is even more predictive. Alongside DTC are anti-wheeling, slip control, engine brake management, Up&Down shifter, cornering ABS, automatic tire calibration, start-off assistance, different power levels and riding modes. Four are available: street - Sport - Race A for fine surfaces - Race B for uneven surfaces. Each can be configured as required. Given the power of the mill, all these assistances will be heavily used. A "Track Evo" display mode, similar to that of MotoGP, makes it possible to read the on-board information even more racy.

other top-quality features include the red-stitched saddle and the anodized aluminum Rizoma footrests. These are fully adjustable, as befits a racing bike. The grips are racing-style. Between the two, and under the TFT instrument panel, the machined upper tee is engraved with this SP2's serial number.

The V4 SP was born to enable experienced riders to achieve better lap times than with the V4-R, if they don't have the high level of experience required to exploit it. And also to make up for its absence from the range.

You don't have to be a cad to appreciate its rear end; single-sided and single-armed, the V4 SP2 is pure Ducati. Weighing one kilo less than the V4-S, this bewitching Panigale is sold with a racing kit containing everything needed to remove the mirrors and number plate, DDA+ telemetry with GPS and the aforementioned clutch cover. The price is as muscular as the engine, but when madness boosts efficiency, there are some things you just don't look at anymore.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos