DUCATI

Panigale V4 SP2 2022: Curling the curl

Carbon fiber rims, Brembo Stylema R® calipers, MCS radial pump, dry clutch inherited from WorldSBK bikes, machined footpegs, racing footpegs, specific kit for track use... the list of novelties for the new Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 , raise even more the sportiness of the original Panigale V4, improving of course its power and weight figures.

The new "SP" technical specifications seek, in addition to improving the performance of the model, to make it more usable and manageable, both for professional and amateur pilots. And in addition, it is delivered with a kit for use on the track, it removes everything unnecessary to enter the circuit, such as mirrors and license plate holders and includes an open clutch cover in carbon.

LIMITED SERIES... Produced in a numbered series, the Panigale V4 SP2 also receives an exclusive "Winter Test" decoration with matt black as the protagonist and a series of carbon fiber details. The headstock is machined and displays the serial number of each bike, making each model unique.

In 2022 the Ducati Panigale V4 has received improvements in aerodynamics, ergonomics, engine, frame and electronics, and now the SP (Sport Production) version adds more features than ever.

SBK PERFORMANCE...The double-profile design wings are adorned with the Italian flag, just like the official Panigale V4 R SBK. The Ducati Corse logo also appears on the lower part of the fairing with a red detail that bears the name of the bike, also present on the double upholstered black seat.

The Panigale V4 SP2 engine is the 1,103 cc Desmosedici Stradale of MotoGP origin with counter-rotating crankshaft. Which in 2022 has been improved, now yielding 215.5 hp in its Euro 5 version at 13,000 rpm, with a power increase of 1.5 hp compared to the 2021 Panigale V4. But the SP2 increases power even more by increasing 2 .5 CV above the maximum power peak and increasing the maximum revolutions up to 14,500 rpm.

ENHANCED PERFORMANCE...Ducati has also developed specific torque curves for each gear and four different engine modes (Full, High, Medium, Low). The Full and Low modes are newly developed, while the High and Medium settings use a new strategy.

It also features a new Ducati Performance racing exhaust completely in titanium, developed in collaboration with Akrapovič and available as an accessory, reducing weight by 5kg, leaving the dry weight of the bike at 168kg, also increasing power by 12.5 hp, which increases the maximum value up to 228 hp, while the maximum torque value increases to 131 Nm.

THE LATEST IN SUSPENSIONS...In the suspension section, it mounts an electronically controlled Öhlins NPX25/30 fork with 125 mm of travel, which uses a pressurized cartridge damping system derived from that of competition forks.

In the rear axle it mounts the Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber, which, together with the electronic steering damper also from Öhlins, form the second generation of the Smart EC 2.0 system characterized by the OBTI logic (Objective Based Tuning Interface) working "by objectives" and not through clicks, which allows the pilot much more intuitive management than traditional systems.

EXCLUSIVE ACCESSORIES...The SP2 inherits from the Superbike World Championship the gearbox, more circuit-oriented and already presented on the 2022 Panigale V4, adding to this bike the lightened final drive with 520 chain and STM-EVO dry clutch SBK anti-rebound, on which the level of engine braking can be mechanically customized, choosing a different secondary spring from those available in the Ducati Performance accessories catalogue.

The SP2 version is also equipped with bifid 5-spoke carbon rims, 1.4 kg lighter than the original forged aluminum rims, thus reducing inertia (-26% front, -46% rear) while improving shifting agility. of direction and a greater facility closing the curves.

BREMBO BLACK LEG BRAKES...The Panigale V4 SP2 also features exclusive Brembo Stylema R front brake calipers, which improve performance over long sessions without changing lever travel.

The calipers are powered by a Brembo MCS (Multiple Click System) radial pump that allows quick and easy wheelbase adjustment in three settings to customize braking feel.

COMPETITION DETAILS...The front brake lever is equipped with a "remote adjuster" device, which allows its position to be adjusted by acting on a knob on the left grip, as in competition. In the "SP2" version, the brake and clutch levers are also milled at the ends to reduce air resistance.

The Panigale V4 SP2 is that it comes equipped with Rizoma footpegs in anodized aluminum with carbon fiber heel cups, being fully adjustable and maximizing ground clearance for more effective use on the track.

CIRCUIT ELECTRONICS...The Panigale V4 SP2 has an electronic package that includes controls that manage all the driving phases, whose operating parameters are linked by default to the 4 Riding Modes (Race A, Race B, Sport, Street). All the electronic parameters of the bike can be clearly displayed thanks to the dashboard and the "Track Evo" display mode, derived from the one used in MotoGP.

In this screen, the rev counter moves on a horizontal scale located in the highest part of the instrument, or the most visible, and the indication of the engaged gear is in the center of the screen. On the right side of the screen there are four different colored parts, each one dedicated to an electronic control -DTC, DWC, DSC and EBC-.

These light up individually when the electronics is working on a certain parameter, remaining on for the time necessary for the pilot to identify which indicator is activated.

INTEGRATED GPS...In the SP2 version it also has a GPS module, which allows you to activate the automatic Lap Time function, which instantly provides the indication of the partial times of the track on which you are shooting.

In addition, the Slick Ducati Performance software (available as an accessory) makes cornering traction control specific for slick and wet tyres, and enables the possibility of memorizing the coordinates of five different tracks, as well as five additional fully customizable Riding Modes. , and thanks to the Ducati Data Analyzer, standard on SP2, it is possible to carry out an in-depth analysis of all performance data.

Autonews