• According to sources, the bike is expected to be launched by end-August 

• Its deliveries will commence soon after launch

• Panigale 955cc, twin-cylinder engine makes 155hp, 104Nm of torque

Ducati India has begun accepting bookings for the upcoming Panigale V2. Prospective customers can reserve the motorcycle at all Ducati dealerships by paying Rs 1 lakh. Deliveries will begin after the motorcycle’s launch, which is expected towards the end of August 2020. The Panigale V2 was originally supposed to go on sale earlier this year, but the COVID-19 pandemic threw everything out of gear. Nevertheless, the new V2 is a machine to look forward to, as we can tell from our first ride experience.

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. To begin with, the styling is inspired from the new Panigale V4 and in many ways it looks like a baby version of it, replete with the single-sided swingarm. Ducati recently introduced the V2 in a fetching new White Rosso colour and we wait for Ducati India to confirm if that shade will be available in our market, besides the Red one. On the whole, the V2's sharp and aggressive styling is a big highlight of the machine.

Underneath the skin, however, 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.

Moving on, 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. Stay tuned for the price announcement in a few weeks.