Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 2024 — Specifications

The Panigale V4 has been adapted in every way imaginable: S / R / SP / Speciale / Corse / Race of Champions / Replica (Bautista–Bagnaia–Martin–Bezzecchi) / Superleggera... Enough to satisfy track riders, competitors, and collectors. Ducati doesn’t hesitate to add to that with the new and exciting limited series: the SP2 30° Anniversario 916.

The 916 is undeniably at the heart of Bologna’s sports history. Whatever the machine, the performance, or the design, the mythical 916 is always cited or suggested. This Panigale V4 SP2 does so with prestige, at the very limit of lust. The name/number embedded in the fairing flanks transcends the motorcycle like a tattoo synonymous with immortal love.

Ducati will not hesitate to tout the fact that the genes of the 916, its spirit, its appearance, the construction of certain elements are found in the 30° Anniversario. Okay, it’s a bit more marked than on the previous edition, the S 25° Anniversario, but let’s not go overboard with the homage before seeing a revival of the 1994 superbike.

There’s one person inextricably linked to Ducati and the 916: Carl Fogarty! The English rider claimed 4 world titles with this machine. Thus, the Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario orients its décor in memory of the 1999 competition model, with the 1 very prominent, and the Italian-colored stripes on the fork head and rear fairing. There are also a few references to the production model, such as the laurel wreath on the tank or the gold trim around the large 916.

Two factors will be called into question if the presence of this motorcycle proves rare: first the price, customarily toxic and symbolically just above the Panigale V4 R. Then the distribution: 500 units will be commercialized, all identified by a certificate of authenticity and a sumptuous fork stem machined from aluminum with the serial number laser-engraved in the metal. Another delicate moment, the perforated and quilted leather seat, with the dedicated embroidery “30°”. The factory also installs additional carbon fiber parts on this special edition (exhaust heat shield and brake caliper cooling ducts). Will you dare to put it on the track? No problem, Ducati also provides a license plate removal kit, aluminum replacements for the mirrors, and a keyless racing fuel cap, in brushed aluminum. A dedicated cover to protect it when it’s at rest, and you’re sated with prestige.

Until the Panigale V4 starts. Because before being a tribute to the 30th anniversary of the 916, this motorcycle is first and foremost a Panigale V4 SP2 – that is, a highly enriched hypersport, almost on par with a Panigale V4 R (requiring very serious technical experience to exploit). Its large 1103 cm3 V4 engine sends as much power as in the other Panigale V4s, namely 215.5 horsepower and 12.6 mkg - but a whole host of elements make it more effective. We’ll start with the semi-active Öhlins suspension, tweaked from the S model, and then discover the elements exclusive to the SP2: carbon fiber rims to boost agility (3.4 kg lighter than those of a Panigale V4) and reducing inertia by 26% at the front and 46% at the rear, a STM EVO dry clutch that is more efficient and smoother in anti-dribble phases (with the possibility of adjustment by changing springs) while passing a little more power at acceleration, an even more insane braking system with Brembo Stylema R calipers commanded by a Brembo MCS 19.21 master cylinder with remote adjustment, a 520 pitch chain for more feel and less power loss, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires, and mass-machined adjustable footrests. Regarding electronics, the Panigale V4 SP2 incorporates everything Ducati knows how to do: 4 Riding Modes, a cornering ABS, the DTC EVO 3 traction control, the DPL Launch Control, the DSC slide control, the DQS EVO 2 Up&Down shifter, the EBC EVO engine braking management, the DWC EVO wheelie control, and automatic tire pressure calibration. As a bonus, the DDA+ with GPS will allow you to analyze your performance after track sessions.

Let’s go back to the carbon fiber. The 30° Anniversario edition offers a few parts, in addition to those of the SP2. Namely the winglets, the front mudguard, the heel protectors, the chain guard, and the open clutch cover.

More desirable, isn’t it!?! The Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916 resembles a diva AND junkie of competition. The kind of machine for which you would leave a kidney. For many, it will be a fantasy. For Ducati, a new and formidable tool for technical and commercial expression. Proof of that, everything was sold in 4 days.

M.B - Photo constructeur