Ducati isn’t done showing its 2022 model lineup, with the Italian manufacturer suggesting that we will see three more model announcements in the next few weeks.
Teasing three release dates (and thus presumably three new models), Ducati has virtual launches set for February 17th, March 3rd, and March 10th, which will stream on the company’s YouTube channel.
What models could Ducati be getting ready to launch? According to the sleuthing done by Motorcycle.com, we have a good idea what two of those three bikes might be.
Found on Ducati’s owner’s manual download page and on the Ducati Austria’s spec-sheet page, the Italian brand makes reference to 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 R and 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 motorcycles.
Later than Expected, the 2022 Panigale V4 R
For those keeping score, a new Ducati Panigale V4 R was a bike we tipped in our predictions for Ducati’s last new bike web series, so it doesn’t surprise us to hear the launch was delayed by a few months.
The timeframe allows Ducati Corse to get the feedback necessary from the team’s WorldSBK riders at the recent Portimão test, and make sure that the homologation-special sold to customers has everything that the World Superbike squad needs for victory in 2022.
As such, we would expect some chassis and engine updates, though it would be unlikely to see a radical departure from the current-spec Panigale V4 R.
We would expect the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 R to incorporate some new aerodynamic elements from Bologna’s MotoGP program, as well as an updated electronics package.
The bike will likely feature the ergonomic changes found on the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 street bike, to keep the lineup consistent (this isn’t required for WorldSBK, however).
Pricing will be pegged to $40,000 / €40,000 MSRP – per WorldSBK regulations.
A Winning Formula, the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2
Those previously mentioned ergonomic changes are most likely to feature on the new Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 as well, with the SP2 designation likely signifying that Ducati wants to take the Panigale V4 SP concept and update it with the changes already made for the 2022 model year.
This means a revised fuel tank and seat design, along with an improved front-end, with more fork travel and softer springs out of the box.
The “SP” treatment also means that we are sure to see carbon fiber wheels and bodywork on the machine, along with a dry clutch kit. It’s anyone’s guess if Ducati continues the murdered out “Winter Test” livery for this trim level.
Likely to be a “numbered edition” (whatever that actually means), we would expect to see the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 touching close to $40,000 MSRP when it hits dealerships.
And Then What?
As for the third model, the folks at MO suggest that an electric street bike could be coming. This is based on signs pointing to a project name that mimics the one found on Ducati’ MotoE race bike.
We very much doubt that Ducati will debut an electric sport bike at this point in time, and would expect that Italian brand to time such a release closer to the end of its MotoE contract.
Never say never, of course, but we would believe an update to the Monster 1200 before an electric Ducati – at this point in time.
Source: Motorcycle.com
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