Showa/Sachs suspension and Brembo brakes complete the impressive chassis. It still requires some rider input, though, like any powerful sportsbike. It's a stiff setup alright, but with 'only' 155hp to contend with the machine handles superbly and corner speed is way up there. The signature clamour and clatter of the engine remains, and the unit is now a stressed member in the monocoque frame. It's smooth enough on the road, but its sportier roots are obvious as it likes to rev. It's not only cleaner, but Ducati also claims 5hp/2Nm performance gains. That includes Ducati's Superquadro engine – present in the Ducati family since 2011 – that now meets Euro 5 emissions regulations. The Panigale V2 takes most of its mechanical foundations from the outgoing Panigale 959. It's, dare we say it, a 'rational' superbike that looks after bodies and tyres a lot better than the emerging brace of 200hp juggernauts. Granted, that's a refrain we've used plenty of times over the years, but in terms of a sportsbike that manages to engage riders for a consistently long period – and not just for short bursts – the Panigale V2 is where it's at.Īnd you'll get the job done with less effort and probably a bigger smile.

īikesales was able to sneak in a ride on the 155hp/104Nm/176kg 90-degree V-twin just before we had to shut up shop for reviewing potential 2020 BOTY hardware (it hasn't been easy, with COVID-19 throwing a spanner in the works.), and we are glad we did as we think we may have a new sportsbike favourite. In fact, with the introduction of the mighty V4 range in recent years the heights remain as dizzying as ever – at last there's consistent and strong opposition for Kawasaki's Jonathan Rea in the World Superbike ranks, for one! And now there's another model to add to the mix – the Ducati Panigale V2. Ducati's diversified aplenty in recent times – the success of its ever-expanding Scrambler range just one example – but that doesn't mean it's watered down the superbike wing of its vast Bologna-based empire.

Best supersport bike