Ducati India opens bookings for 2020 Panigale V2 ahead of launch

Ducati India has opened bookings for its first BS6 motorcycle, the Panigale V2 in India. The booking amount is Rs 100,000 and customers can book the bike at Ducati dealerships till stocks last.The all-new Panigale V2 will become the entry model into the Panigale superbike family. Ducati India, however, has not revealed the launch date. 

According to Ducati India, the deliveries for the Panigale V2 will begin soon after the launch and it will be available on display across all Ducati dealerships in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bangalorer, Kochi, Kolkata, and Chennai. Test rides for the new Panigale V2 will also begin shortly after the launch, under the ‘Ducati Cares’ program which ensures the practice of all safety measures to tackle the current covid-19 situation.

Bipul Chandra, managing director of Ducati India said, “The Panigale V2 has been the most awaited bike since EICMA and we eagerly waited to bring this ultimate superbike as our first BS6 motorcycle for the Indian motorcycle enthusiast. The new Panigale V2 is a beefy yet compact bike with clear-cut lines that convey power without compromising on the classic Ducati superbike flair. Considering the overwhelming inquiries for launch of the Panigale V2, we are confident the bike will do well in the market.”

Unlike the outgoing model, the Panigale V2 features a single-sided aluminium swingarm. Gently moulded around the refined monocoque frame, the extensive fairing highlights the more compact twin-cylinder Superquadro engine (smaller in comparison to the Desmosedici Stradale), creating a bike that is visibly leaner and less intimidating than the Panigale V4.

The new Ducati Panigale V2 replaces the 959 Panigale and, although it is based on the outgoing model, the motorcycle is improved in every way. 

The V2 is a 959 Panigale as it shares the same frame. Only the subframe is all-new, in order to accommodate the raised tail section. The 43mm Showa big-piston fork has also been carried forward, save for revised internals, whereas the Sachs monoshock at the rear has a 2mm longer shock and a softer setting on preload.

The Panigale V2's  955cc Superquadro, twin-cylinder engine is based on the 959 Panigale's motor but has been upgraded to meet Euro5/ BS6 emission norms. In the process, Ducati has managed to squeeze out five more horses and the engine now produces 155hp at 10,750rpm and 104Nm of torque at 9,000rpm. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a bi-directional quickshifter as standard.

The V2's IMU-based electronics suite consists of cornering ABS, anti-wheelie and engine brake control, and the motorcycle comes with three ride modes – Race, Sport and Street.

As far as pricing is concerned, the Panigale V2 is expected to sport a slightly higher price tag than the Rs 15.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai) 959 Panigale, considering the additional kit on offer.