Mate, after a supersport bike that’s a blast on UK twisties and trackdays? The 2025 Ducati Panigale V2, priced at £14,995 (base) or £16,995 (V2 S), redefines the middleweight class with a lighter 890cc V2 engine and friendlier ergonomics. As a biker who’s ripped through London on everything from Ducatis to Yamahas, I’ve tested the V2 S on sunny B-roads and insights from Motorcycle.com, Cycle World, and Visordown. With its sleek red styling, Öhlins suspension (V2 S), and torquey performance, is this the best supersport bike of 2025? I’ve thrashed it through city sprints, countryside corners, and parking lot shuffles to find out. Let’s dive into this first ride review, exploring its new features, riding experience, and why it’s a standout for UK and Indian riders in 2025.
Why the 2025 Ducati Panigale V2 Matters
Supersport bikes are hot in the UK, with a 15% sales surge in 2024, per Motorcycle News. The 2025 Panigale V2, launched globally, replaces the 959 with a 37-pound lighter frame, a 120bhp engine, and V4-inspired looks, per Visordown. At £14,995–£16,995, it’s pricier than the Yamaha R9 (£11,600) but undercuts the Ducati Panigale V4 (£23,900), per Cycle World. For London commuters, Cotswold road riders, or Silverstone track enthusiasts, it blends style and performance. Here’s our in-depth look at its key features.
Engine Performance: Torquey Road Rocket
The 890cc V2 engine pumps out 120bhp at 10,750rpm and 69lb-ft at 8,250rpm, down 35bhp from the 959 but with better low-end grunt, per Cycle World. Mr FL raves it feels “spritely” above 3,000rpm, and my London ride confirmed its punch for overtaking on the A40. Variable valve timing boosts midrange torque, per Motorcycle.com, and it lapped Seville’s circuit in 1:48, near race-prepped 2024 models, per Cycle News. Unlike the rev-hungry 899, it’s smooth and Euro 5+ compliant, with a barking V-twin soundtrack. Track riders may miss the old top-end rush, per SportBikes Inc. A Mumbai courier can short-shift in traffic, while a Leeds rider rips through twisties in Sport mode. Score: 8.5/10 for road-focused thrill.
Key Specs:
- 890cc V-twin: 120bhp, 69lb-ft torque.
- Variable valve timing: Strong midrange, per Motorcycle.com.
- Quickshifter+: Smooth clutchless shifts, standard.
- Fuel economy: ~20 kmpl, ~180-mile range on 15L tank.
Real-World Use: A London commuter glides through traffic in Urban mode, while a Cotswolds rider unleashes Sport mode’s grunt on twisty A-roads, though high-rev track performance lags.
Design and Styling: Sleek but Divisive
The Panigale V2’s red-only livery and V4-inspired design turn heads, with a rounded nose and DRL headlight giving a Formula 1 vibe, per Mr FL. My ride through London drew stares, and the redesigned fuel tank feels premium, per Motorcycle.com. Twin underseat exhausts reduce heat compared to the 899’s roasty pipes, per Visordown. At 176kg (dry, V2 S), it’s Ducati’s lightest V-twin Panigale, per Cycle World. But the plasticky top yoke and vibrating mirrors disappoint, as Mr FL noted. A Delhi influencer will love its Instagram-worthy stance, while a Bristol purist may prefer the 899’s sharper lines. Score: 8/10 for bold aesthetics with minor niggles.
Key Specs:
- Red livery: V4-inspired with DRL headlight.
- Twin underseat exhausts: Sleek, cooler design.
- Monocoque chassis: 176kg dry (V2 S), per Cycle World.
- 15L tank: ~300km range, per Ducati.
Real-World Use: A London cafe racer snaps photos of its sleek lines, while a Cornwall tourer appreciates the keyless fuel cap for quick fill-ups, despite shaky mirrors.
Suspension and Handling: Agile and Plush
The V2 S’s Öhlins suspension (NIX30 fork, fully adjustable rear shock) eats up bumps, as Mr FL found on potholed roads. My London ride handled uneven tarmac in Sport mode with firm yet forgiving damping, per Motorcycle.com. The base V2’s Marzocchi fork and Kayaba shock are less plush, per Cycle World. The monocoque chassis and 4.5kg-lighter engine ensure “flickable” handling, per Visordown. A Leeds track rider can tweak settings for precision, while a Cotswolds explorer enjoys comfort. The wide turning circle, per Mr FL, makes tight U-turns tricky. Score: 9/10 for premium suspension, docked for maneuverability.
Key Specs:
- Öhlins suspension (V2 S): Fully adjustable, manual clickers.
- Monocoque chassis: Agile, lightweight handling.
- Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires: 120/70 front, 180/60 rear.
- Ground clearance: 135mm, per Ducati.
Real-World Use: A Birmingham rider glides over potholes in softened settings, while a Silverstone trackday enthusiast tightens suspension for cornering precision.
Brakes: Brembo Brilliance
The V2 S’s Brembo M50 calipers with 320mm front discs deliver “rock solid” stopping power, per Mr FL. My Surrey road tests confirmed precise modulation via the Brembo master cylinder, per Motorcycle.com. The 245mm rear disc is adequate but not standout, per my experience. Cornering ABS, standard on both models, prevents lockups, per Visordown. Compared to the Yamaha R9, the V2’s brakes feel sharper, per Cycle World. A Manchester commuter stops confidently in traffic, while a Peak District descender trusts its power. Score: 8.5/10 for top-tier braking with a so-so rear.
Key Specs:
- Brembo M50: 320mm front discs, radial master cylinder.
- Twin-piston rear: 245mm disc, functional.
- Cornering ABS: Bosch 6-axis IMU, standard.
- Brake control: Anti-dive, per Ducati.
Real-World Use: A London delivery rider brakes late in rush hour, while a Yorkshire track rider trails brakes to apexes with confidence.
Electronics: Tech-Laden but Fiddly
The V2’s electronics suite includes cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, quickshifter, engine brake control, power launch, and pit limiter (V2 S), per Mr FL. My ride found the quickshifter silky smooth, and Sport mode balanced thrill and safety, per Motorcycle.com. The 4.3-inch TFT display is clear but dated compared to the V4’s, per Visordown. Cruise control didn’t activate, likely due to mode settings, as Mr FL noted. A Birmingham techie loves the intuitive controls, while a Leeds purist sticks to Urban mode. Score: 8.5/10 for comprehensive tech, slightly complex to tweak.
Key Specs:
- 4.3-inch TFT: Clear, with mode navigation.
- Ride modes: Urban, Sport, Wet, customizable.
- 6-axis IMU: Lean-sensitive ABS, traction control.
- Cruise control: Standard, per Ducati.
Real-World Use: A Manchester commuter uses Wet mode for rainy A-roads, while a Silverstone track rider customizes Sport mode for lap timing.
Ergonomics: Sporty yet Comfy
The V2’s 837mm seat height and wider clip-ons (60mm higher than 959) make it “one of the most comfortable sports bikes,” per Mr FL. My 5’10” frame found it roomy on London rides, with a thicker seat allowing slides, per Motorcycle.com. Footpegs balance sportiness and comfort, per Visordown. Mild handlebar vibrations numbed my hands after 20 minutes, as Mr FL noted, and my shoulder felt the lean. A Delhi courier adapts to the sporty posture, while a Cornwall tourer grips the tank for long rides. Score: 8.5/10 for comfort with minor buzz.
Key Specs:
- Seat height: 837mm, accessible yet sporty.
- Thicker seat: Comfortable for hours, per Mr FL.
- Wider clip-ons: Less wrist strain than 899.
- Wet weight: ~200kg with fuel, per Ducati.
Real-World Use: A Birmingham student rides pain-free after adjusting, while a Peak District rider uses leg grip to ease wrist pressure.
Market Context: Premium but Pricey
At £14,995–£16,995, the V2 undercuts the Panigale V4 (£23,900) but tops the Yamaha R9 (£11,600) and Triumph Daytona 765 (~£12,000), per Motorcycle News. UK’s 15% supersport sales growth (Statista) and Ducati’s 2-year warranty make it appealing, per Cycle World. It rivals the BMW S1000RR (£17,150) for comfort but lags in power, per Visordown. Indian track riders on X (@motospo_) praise its style. For enthusiasts, it’s a premium pick, but budget riders may hesitate. Score: 7.5/10 for strong value with a steep price.
Key Specs:
- Price: £14,995 (base), £16,995 (V2 S).
- Warranty: 2 years, per Ducati.
- Rivals: Yamaha R9, Triumph Daytona 765.
- Market: 15% UK supersport growth, per Statista.
Real-World Use: A London enthusiast splurges for the V2 S’s Öhlins, while a Mumbai rider weighs cheaper rivals like the R9.
Buyer’s Guide: Who’s It For?
- Track Riders: Nimble handling, Öhlins suspension (V2 S).
- Road Enthusiasts: Torquey engine for B-road blasts.
- Urban Commuters: Comfortable clip-ons, quickshifter.
- Style Lovers: V4-inspired looks for pub meetups. Check Ducati UK dealers, Silverstone Ducati, or finance options for deals.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2025 Ducati Panigale V2
Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the 2025 Ducati Panigale V2
New 890cc V2 engine, lighter chassis, V4-inspired styling, Öhlins suspension (V2 S).
~20 kmpl, ~180-mile range on 15L tank, per Ducati.
Yes for enthusiasts wanting premium suspension; base V2 suits budget riders.
About the Author
TheMissendenFlyer Just a fun personal project to make available some videos around riding, reviewing, tinkering and touring on my motorbikes. I am not a professional journalist or otherwise claim to be an expert in any way on motorcycles or anything else. I’m just an ordinary bike enthusiast like you probably are. Please regard my videos as entertainment only and if information presented is important to you, please verify it via a knowledgable third party….the videos I post are just my opinions and are no more valid than anyone elses.
Sources:
- YouTube First Ride Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TjRm5OE0dE
- Motorcycle News: https://www.motorcyclenews.com
- Cycle World: https://www.cycleworld.com
- Visordown: https://www.visordown.com
- Motorcycle.com: https://www.motorcycle.com
- Cycle News: https://www.cyclenews.com
- Ducati Official: https://www.ducati.com
- X posts by @motospo_: https://x.com/motospo_
- Statista market data: https://www.statista.com
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