The new Panigale and Streetfighter V2 mark a new chapter in Ducati’s long love affair with twin cylinders. How were these bikes conceived, and what sets them apart from previous models?
This is a true revolution. Unlike previous versions, the Panigale V2 is not derived from its Superbike siblings; it was designed from scratch. This allowed us to give it a strong design identity, while making it incredibly light and agile. The goal was to create a bike that’s not only fast on the track, but also intuitive and fun to ride on the road. The result is an agile bike, easy to handle in any situation, and above all, capable of delivering pure emotions at every turn.
From Panigale to Streetfighter. Who are these two bikes aimed at, and how do they differ from each other?
The Panigale V2 embodies Ducati’s sportiness. A mid-size bike for those seeking top performance on the track, but also comfort for everyday road use. The Streetfighter is the Panigale stripped down and applied with the "Fight Formula": no fairings, a higher handlebar, and revised chassis. The result is a fan bike meant for those who want to have fun with an aggressive, irreverent, naked bike; truly a "spirito molesto".
At the heart of these two bikes is the new V2 engine. What are its main features, and how do they impact the riding experience?
The new engine continues the legacy of Ducati’s great 90° V-twin engines, which have achieved more than 400 victories and 1,000 podiums in production-based championships. It has a displacement of 890 cc, features the Intake Variable Timing (IVT) system, and aluminum-lined cylinders. It weighs only 54.4 kg, making it the lightest Ducati twin-cylinder engine ever. It produces 120 HP and delivers 70% of its torque, as early as 3,000 rpm. This engine combines performance with lightness, translating into maximum fun on the road and high performance on the track.
Both bikes were presented at EICMA 2024. How did the enthusiasts react when they saw the new Panigale V2 and Streetfighter V2? Were there any comments that particularly stood out to you?
The reactions were truly enthusiastic. Many fans immediately noticed the sleek and aggressive lines of the Panigale V2, as well as the evident ease with which it promises to be ridden, especially on the road. As for the Streetfighter V2, one comment in particular struck me: "It’s as if every element of the bike was designed to unleash pure adrenaline." This perfectly sums up the troublesome and fun spirit of this naked bike, which captivates and thrills you as soon as you twist the throttle.
