Ducati Gets Dark With Panigale V2 Superbike
A new “Black on Black” livery makes for one menacing motorcycle.
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Ducati Red is firmly in the pantheon of iconic motorsport colors, so much so that the Italian marque named its traveling demo program “Ready 4 Red 2023.” Its flagship superbike, the Panigale V4, is offered exclusively with a predominantly Ducati Red scheme, save for the track-centric Panigale V4 SP2 variant.
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Some might complain that the new Black-on-Black livery for the Panigale V4’s twin-cylindered little sibling, the Panigale V2, is an affront to Ducati heritage. Or they would if the murdered-out moto didn’t look so damn good.
Ducati brilliantly weaved glossy black elements front fender, exhaust cover and “V2” decal with a predominantly dark matte gray fairings to create the menacing aesthetic, splashing hits of red on the rims, “Ducati” and “Panigale” lettering, and within the Italian tricolor flanking the tank.
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The overall result is a look that will immediately in-demand, even if at a premium, as soon as it’s rolled out.
The Black on Black livery isn’t a limited-edition trick to move bikes, but a staple colorway in Ducati’s configurator. It adds a standout option to Ducati’s sole twin-cylinder model, which, as Maxim discovered at a track day, is more bike than 99 percent of riders will ever need.
![](https://www.maxim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Ducati-Panigale-V2-Black-3.jpg?resize=1180,787)
The 955cc Superquadro engine is churns out 155 horsepower and 10,750 RPM and 76.7 pound-feet of torque at 9,000 RPM, while a six-axis electronics package helps riders stay safe at speed, including ABS Cornering EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO 2 and Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO.
![](https://www.maxim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Ducati-Panigale-V2-Black-5.jpg?resize=1180,787)
The Pangale V2 starts at $18,295, but you’ll only need to throw in an $300 to get the new Black on Black livery from dealerships beginning in the second half of 2023.