The final bike of Ducati’s 2022 model year releases has finally dropped, but technically it is a 2023 machine. That’s okay, because the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 is set to be a killer Italian superbike.
As we mentioned in our rumors coverage, there isn’t anything too surprising in the design and concept with this new SP2 model, as the Italian brand has taken the potent improvements brought to the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 S, given them the “SP” treatment, and added an extra number for good measure.
This means that the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 get the revised fuel tank and seat design found on the updated superbike model, along with an improved front-end, with more fork travel and softer springs out of the box.
Like its “S” model compatriot, the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 uses Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 electronic semi-active suspension, with NPX25/30 pressurized forks and a TTX36 rear shock.
The two bikes share the same spec Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine, which boasts 225hp / 96.6 lbs•ft of torque once the titanium Akrapovic race exhaust is installed (and lets be honest, just about every Panigale V4 SP2 is going to get one of these).
For the earned “SP2” designation, the bike also sees the addition of a dry clutch, carbon fiber wheels, Rizoma rearsets, a bevy of carbon fiber accents, and of course the murdered out “Winter Test” livery.
Less-obvious changes also include a 520 chain conversion, a remote front-brake lever adjuster, and the fact that the machine is a monoposto (single-seat) design – all changes that tip their hat to the Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 being a track-focused machine.
All of these changes account for a nearly 9 lbs weight reduction from the 2022 Ducati Panigale V4 S, with the SP2 tipping the scales at 429 lbs when fully fueled.
A “numbered edition” machine, the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 will hit the US market with a price tag of $39,500 MSRP, while our readers in Europe will see a price tags of €39,500 and £34,295 for the mainland and the UK, respectively.
Pre-orders will start in mid-2022, with bikes getting delivered at the end of this year.
Source: Ducati
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