Ducati Panigale V4 SP revealed

Ducati has taken the wraps off the Panigale V4 SP, thereby reviving the Sport Production moniker that was first introduced on the Ducati 851. Ducati says that the SP tag is used to recognize a 'production bike with specific technical equipment', that makes it faster on track.

• 1,103cc V4 engine develops 214hp
• Weighs 173kg dry, 2.5kg less than V4 S variant
• On sale in international markets by March 2021

Ducati Panigale V4 SP: Design

The new Ducati Panigale V4 SP shares the same body panels as the other Panigale V4s, but it is distinguished by its stealth black paintwork that is inspired by the Ducati Corse winter test livery. The red accents and contrasting aluminium finish lend it a menacing air along with the carbon winglets. The front mudguard is made of the same exotic material as well. Some of the other intricate bits include adjustable aluminium footpegs by Rizoma and a billet aluminium steering stem with the bike number embossed on it. While each bike will be numbered, this is not a limited production run model.

Ducati Panigale V4 SP:  Engine and chassis

The Panigale SP is powered by a Euro 5/BS6 compliant 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine that develops 214hp at 13,000rpm and 124Nm at 9,500rpm. Ducati managed to meet the stricter emission norms by employing larger exhaust catalysts and an updated variable intake system. The engine is paired to a six-speed gearbox with a STM EVO-SBK dry clutch which according to Ducati is ideal to cope with the demands of this track focused machine. It also has a lighter, 520 pitch chain than the standard V4.

Being an SP model, Ducati has put carbon rims that are 1.4kg lighter than the aluminium ones in the S model. This translates to reduced rolling inertia, which makes the bike agile while changing direction. In fact, the lighter wheels and other carbon fibre elements have contributed to bringing the V4 SP's weight down to 173kg dry, (which is 2.5kg less than the V4 S variant). In case you were wondering, the carbon fibre bits have been borrowed from the Ducati Panigale V4 Superleggera.

The suspension components consist of the V4 S's an Ohlins 43mm NIX 30 front fork and TTX36 monoshock, governed by Ohlins Smart EC 2.0 electronic damper.

Ducati has also introduced new Brembo Stylema R brake calipers that bite on twin 330mm discs at the front. The system also consists of a Brembo MCS radial master cylinder with a remote lever adjuster, taken from the Superleggera.

Ducati Panigale V4 SP: Electronics

Just as the rest of the 2021 Panigale V4 range, the SP is filled to the gills with electronics. The list includes cornering ABS, Ducati EVO 3 traction control, slide control, wheelie control, launch control, engine brake control and a bi-directional quickshifter. In addition, the SP gets 'Race A' and 'Race B' modes, designed for the track. Race B mode is programmed to reduce torque in lower three gears and make the bike less taxing to ride. In fact, Ducati claims that the SP isn't as demanding to ride as the V4 R, which will make it easier for inexperienced riders to go fast.

Ducati Panigale V4 SP: Additional kit

You also can choose to get a full track conversion kit with solid aluminium caps for the removal of the rear-view mirrors, license plate holder removal kit, open clutch cover and a Ducati Data Analyzer with GPS module.

Ducati Panigale V4 SP: Price and availability

The Panigale V4 SP will set you back by £32,294 (Rs 32 lakh) which is still below the Panigale V4 R that retails at £34,995 (Rs 36 lakh). The motorcycle will go on sale in International markets by March 2021.

Also see:

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2021 Ducati Scrambler range revealed

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