First Ride: 2025 Ducati Panigale V2S

The two- and four-wheeled worlds are often viewed as separate, individual things, and never shall the twain meet. Lotus founder Colin Chapman famously said, “Simply, then add lightness,” which is a mantra that turned Lotus into a racing legend. As luck would have it, it’s also a quote that motorcycle engineers wear like a badge of honour, and the 2025 Ducati Panigale V2S is a fine example of that ethos in action.

Ducati took a different path in an industry obsessed with peak horsepower figures to the point that we seem like Wall Street traders pouring over stock tickers. Any dip in power, we collectively cry foul. The V2 isn’t about sheer power; it’s about balance, agility, and making every ounce of weight count. Throwing power at problems is a longstanding tactic used by the Italian firm, but in a clearheaded moment of restraint, they’ve hatched a machine built for precision handling. And you know what? It’s a hell of a lot more fun.

For starters, Ducati took the old Panigale V2, showed it the door, and started fresh. This isn’t just a facelift or a tweak here and there; this is a ground-up rethink. The 955cc Superquadro twin is out, replaced by an 890cc V-twin that, at first glance, seems like a downgrade. But hold the pitchforks — as Chapman’s guiding principles will take us to the cornering promised land.

The new engine makes a claimed 120 horsepower at 10,750 rpm and 69 pound-feet of torque at 8,250 and, when paired with Ducati’s clever intake-side Variable Valve Timing, delivers power where it matters: in the meat of the rev range. Peak power might be down 35 ponies from the old bike, but in return, you get an engine that’s smoother, torquier, and flat-out better both on and off the track. You don’t have to wring its neck to extract performance — it’s just there, waiting to be used.

Shedding weight was also high on Ducati’s priority list, and the V2S is nearly 14 kg (30 lbs.) lighter than its predecessor. That’s not just a diet; that’s an entire lifestyle change. A redesigned aluminum monocoque frame contributes to weight loss, making the bike more flickable, while an inch-longer wheelbase adds stability to the mix. The ergonomics follow the engine’s user-friendly nature, with higher handlebars and clip-ons that merge seamlessly with the top triple clamp. The result? A sportbike that won’t tax your wrists when on road rides nor fatigue you while on the track, thanks to the Panigale V4-inspired fuel tank that makes for a solid anchoring point.

Suspension-wise, Ducati again goes for the gold with fully adjustable Öhlins units at both ends — a NIX30 forks up front and a TTX36 shock in the rear. Frankly, these high-end suspenders are tuned for performance and keeping the chassis perfectly composed, allowing you to brake late, tip in instantly, and crack the throttle on as early as you dare. Now, we owe a tip of the hat to the V2S’s lower operating weight, as it becomes a bike that flatters your inputs rather than punishes mistakes. Botch a line? Pah! It’s forgiving enough to correct anytime, anywhere. And speaking of braking, the Brembo M50 calipers paired with beefy 320mm rotors provide enough stopping power to rival a small asteroid impact.

Electronics? Oh, Ducati made sure you’re covered. The V2S boasts an up-to-date electronics suite with cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, and Ducati’s up-and-down quickshifter. It’s the tech that works seamlessly in the background, stepping in only when needed and never overstaying its welcome. The quickshifter, while generally smooth, has its quirks — mostly, it happens when pushing in a racetrack setting, like during our test at Circuito de Seville in Carmona, Spain.

Now, let’s talk numbers: the Panigale V2S carries a $22,500 (CDN) price tag, which isn’t pocket change. There are plenty of litre-class bikes with MSRPs hovering in that zone, but that’s post-COVID pricing for you. At that price point, a steering damper should be standard, not an accessory. And while the brakes are sturdy, the lever adjustment can be finicky. But those are minor gripes in the grand scheme of things.

What Ducati has done with the 2025 Panigale V2S isn’t create another sportbike chasing ever-increasing horsepower figures — it’s redefined what a middleweight Supersport will be. By sacrificing peak output and targeting the 120ish hp zone, they’ve made up most of the difference with superior cornering ability compared to the outgoing model. The raw, aggressive edge that the Panigale range has always flaunted is being honed into something more riders can utilize even more confidently. Notably, that doesn’t just mean at the racetrack since everything here hopes to translate directly to the road, too. Now, we’ll always give our friends on the four-wheeled side of things a nice ribbing, but it’s nice to think that if Chapman were around today, he’d approve.

Quick Specs: 
Engine: 890cc Superquadro V-twin
Power: 120 hp @ 10,750 rpm
Torque: 69 lb.-ft. @ 8,250 rpm
Weight Savings: –14 kg (–30 lbs.) vs previous model
Frame: Aluminum monocoque
Suspension: Öhlins NIX30 fork / TTX36 shock, fully adjustable
Brakes: Brembo M50 calipers, 320mm discs
Electronics: Cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, up/down quickshifter
MSRP (CDN): $22,500