Ducati will have a brand new 90° V-twin engine in 2025, initially powering completely revised Panigale V2 and Streetfighter models.
Having announced the retirement of the old Superquadro V-twin from the previous Panigale V2, the introduction of a replacement was no real surprise. The outgoing Panigale V2, with its 955cc short-stroke motor, was dominant in supersport racing late in its career and the latest version will be hoping to maintain that reputation. Despite being a replacement model, Ducati have taken the Panigale in a different direction to create a motorcycle which should feel significantly different to ride.
At 890cc and 120bhp, the new V2 is smaller and less powerful than the outgoing machine. However, the more modern design is 9.5kg lighter than the outgoing engine and the latest version promises to be a more usable everyday bike, even if the concept of a less powerful successor is highly unusual in the sportsbike world.
Ducati have admitted that the new machine is slightly slower than its predecessor around the Valelunga race track, although that’s to be expected considering it carries a 35bhp power deficit. For all that, it would be hard to imagine the new bike won’t be faster in race trim. The old 955 was heavily restricted by the rules in order to compete against 600cc machines in supersport racing, while the 2025 Panigale packs a very similar looking spec sheet to that found on the new Yamaha R9, which is expected to be its main racing rival.
That said, Ducati are bigging up the Panigale V2 as a sporting road bike. The torquey engine features variable timing for the intake valves and weighs just 54.4 kg, Ducati’s lightest ever V-twin engine. They say that the riding position is more modern and the lightness and power curve make it a more intuitive bike that’s less physically demanding to ride. It ties in with a general trend for sports bikes, which sees manufacturers moving away from 200+bhp superbikes and towards more manageable middleweights.
Styling is in line with the V4 S which was unveiled in the summer, although it doesn’t have the big aerodynamic wings and, under the bodywork, the two machines share very little. The stubby dual underseat exhausts pay homage to Ducati’s dominant MotoGP racers, while the monocoque chassis is another common Ducati design element.
As is usually the case for the Bologna manufacturer, Ducati is presenting the Panigale V2 in two versions – with the ‘S’ spec machine offering higher quality suspension. The standard Panigale V2 costs £14,995 and is equipped with a Marzocchi fork and Kayaba shock absorber, while the £16,995 Panigale V2 S runs a Öhlins fork and shock absorber, in addition to a lightweight lithium-ion battery to contribute to an overall weight reduction of 3kg. The S also comes only with a solo seat, although a pillion kit is available as a retro fit accessory. Braking comes from Brembo and their M50 monobloc calipers, while the electronics package is typical Ducati with every kind of imaginable rider aid built in.
Very closely related to the Panigales is the new Streetfighter V2. Sharing the same platform, it comes with the usual streetfighter modifications: being minus a fairing and with higher handlebars – not to mention a £1000 price saving. Otherwise the engine and chassis spec are the same, with the choice between a standard and ‘S’ spec machine. The Panigale V2 is expected in showrooms from January, with the Streetfighter following a few months later.
Ducati launched the majority of its new models ahead of this week’s big EICMA show, which is taking place in Milan as we write, with the new Panigale V4 S superbike showcased with an all-star ‘Race of Champions’ at the World Ducati Week celebration at the Misano World Circuit back in July.
Adventure bikes continue to be among the best selling motorcycles today and Ducati’s flagship model has been revamped and will be making its UK debut at Motorcycle Live this month. Despite its high price tag, the Multistrada range has emerged as Ducati’s best selling model family in recent years. It might be expensive, but the Multistrada V4 range brings with it a staggering level of performance and spec. Ducati has taken the need to update to Euro 5+ standards as an opportunity to go through the V4 with a fine toothcomb. The 2025 Multistrada V4 might look very similar, but under the new bodywork there are a host of small modifications which all add up and make this sophisticated grand tourer even more sophisticated, and even more grand. Our man Phil West was lucky enough to be on the press launch last month, and you can read his full review here.
In addition, the Italian company has revamped its Scrambler range with a pair of blacked out models. The entry level Icon Dark is the complete antithesis to the bright and breezy colours which have symbolised the popular retro over the years. The flat track inspired Full Throttle also gets a healthy dose of black paint as part of its 2025 makeover, with gold coloured wheels creating the classic look which never fails to impress.
You can see them all make their UK debuts at Motorcycle Live, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC between 16-24 November.
