Motorcycle specifications Ducati1100 Panigale V4 SP2 2022 Delicious terror

The Panigale V4 SP 1st of its name was an intoxicating blast of performance, almost as strong as the mephistophelic R. An elitist motorcycle with a high adrenaline discharge, this track bike is 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 shows any 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 mudguards (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 upside-down 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 a carbon openwork 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 aids 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