In late 2020, Ducati Motor unleashed its ultra-capable Panigale V4 SP, giving Ducatistas an ultra-high-performance, track-focused motorcycle with a GP-grade suite of componentry and otherworldly performance figures. However, in the intervening time, the Italian firm’s flagship superbike has greatly evolved, prompting the brand to go back to the drawing board to deliver an even more impressive track weapon for 2022 with the new Panigale V4 SP2.
Touted by Ducati as being the “ultimate racetrack machine,” the SP2-spec Panigale V4 represents the brand’s new top-of-the-range model (excluding the Superleggera). To improve on the already cutting-edge first-gen SP, Ducati has treated the two-wheeled track weapon to a more powerful braking system, a new final drive and STM-EVO SBK dry clutch setup plucked straight from Ducati’s WSBK team, a redesigned set of billet Rizoma rear-sets with carbon heel guards, and a slew of carbon fiber components. Weighing just 381lbs (dry), the SP2 is powered by Ducati’s MotoGP-derived 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine that has been tuned to make 210hp and 90.6ft-lbs of torque.
The SP2’s componentry is also all top-of-the-line equipment, with five-split spoke carbon fiber wheels, Brembo Stylema R brakes, and a second-gen Öhlins smart (active) suspension package with an NPX25 / 30 pressurized fork and a TTX36 mono-shock. Made from carbon fiber, the special edition superbike’s bodywork comes cloaked in Ducati’s Winter Test livery — a la Ducati’s factory race bikes. The limited-edition superbike also gets an ultra-advanced suite of rider assists, as well as a GPS module, all as standard. Lastly, the SP2’s MSRP also includes a special track kit that features billet aluminum mirror block-off caps, a license plate delete, an open carbon clutch cover, and a new full titanium Ducati Performance racing exhaust that was developed in collaboration with Akrapovič and shaves 11lbs off the bike’s already svelte curb weight. This exhaust also bumps the SP2’s power up to a whopping 228hp and 96.6ft-lbs of torque.
The Panigale V4 SP2 will become available for preorder in mid-2022, with deliveries scheduled to commence in Q4. Restricted to fewer than 1,000 units, the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 has been priced at $39,500.
