Ducati's Ultimate COTA Trackday Machine
As we had previously mentioned last month, Ducati is introducing a new Panigale V4 SP2, a numbered series production we call the 'ultimate COTA trackday machine'. Internationally, the SP2 is a 2022 model, but for us it will arrive here in the fourth quarter as a 2023 model. For those of you who took advantage of our Reserve Your Ride feature, congrats - we'll receive your bike at V1 MOTO this quarter.
Being Ducati's preferred dealership, V1 MOTO usually gets a few extra 'reserve only' bikes so don't ever hesitate to contact us to see if we have what you're looking for in stock. As of right now we will receive two extra, so reserve your SP2 now.
COTA TRACKDAY FEATURES
- Carbon fiber wheels reduce un-sprung weight by over three pounds compared to the V4 S’s forged aluminum wheels.
- Stronger Brembo Stylema R calipers.
- The electronics on the 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 are track-ready
- Optional Ducati Performance Software that ups the traction control game to include slicks
- Upgraded base software
- An optional track-only full-titanium Ducati Performance exhaust system
- Dry clutch and final drive from Ducati's World Superbike machines
- Comes standard with an SP2 track kit to take it from H-Town legal to COTA track weapon in minutes
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
A follow up to 2021’s SP model, the SP2 takes all the updates the Panigale V4 and V4 S received for 2022, and adds a number of upgrades to make it worthy of the “Sport Production” label and $39,500 price tag.
These upgrades include carbon wheels, Brembo Stylema R calipers, MCS radial master cylinder, STM-EVO SBK dry clutch, lightened 520 chain, billet Rizoma footpegs and a matt black Winter Test livery.
Ducati also claims a 26% reduction in inertia for the front wheel and a 46% reduction at the rear. Along with a number of other carbon components, the wheels contribute to a claimed curb weight of 428.7 pounds, down from the Panigale V4 S’ claimed 431 pounds.
According to Ducati, the SP2’s five-split spoke carbon rims are 3.1 pounds lighter than the aluminum forged wheels of the Panigale V4 S.
The Brembo monoblock Stylema R calipers are a step up from the Panigale V4 S’ Stylema M4.30 units. The Brembo MCS (Multiple Click System) radial master cylinder offers three configurations to customize braking feeling.
The front brake lever is adjustable via a knob on the left grip, and both levers are milled at the ends to reduce drag. The Rizoma footpegs are also adjustable and further build upon the improved ergonomics of the 2022 Panigale V4 range.
The Panigale V4 SP2’s STM-EVO SBK dry clutch and 520 chain final drive are inherited from Ducati’s World Superbike machines. According to Ducati, the dry clutch offers an improved anti-hopping function and better “off-throttle” fluidity compared to the wet clutch of the V4 S.
The clutch also allows for a secondary spring upgrade from the Ducati Performance catalog to customize the engine brake level.
Like the relatively pedestrian Panigale V4s, the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine makes a whopping 210 hp at 12,500 rpm. However, Ducati offers an Akrapovič titanium exhaust system that adds another 12.5 hp while increasing the maximum torque from a claimed 90.6 lb-ft. to 96.6 lb-ft. That's 222.5 hp.
The suspension comes with a fully adjustable NPX25/30 43mm inverted fork and TTX36 shock from Öhlins, with the event-based Smart EC 2.0 electronic compression and rebound damping adjustments.
The Panigale V4 SP2 also comes standard with the GPS module and the Ducati Data Analyzer for an in-depth look at track data.
ELECTRONIC FEATURES
Other electronic features include selectable riding and power modes, Cornering ABS EVO, Traction Control EVO 3, Wheelie Control EVO, Slide Control, Engine Brake Control EVO, up and down EVO2 quick shift, and launch control.
The 2023 Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 comes with a track kit for removing the license plate holder, and open carbon clutch cover, and billet aluminum plates for mirror removal. It will arrive in U.S. showrooms later this year with a price of $39,500.