2022 has brought great news to the various engine manufacturers: a restyling of which the Ducati is also a great protagonist. Through a gradual process at the end of 2021, the Borgo Panigale manufacturer announced all the new models with which it renews its price list in the new year. A roundup of models that, below, will be described in detail.
Panigale V4
The list of new bikes starts with the Panigale V4, a model that has undergone numerous restyling since 2018 and has been constantly improved on a technical and aesthetic level In the 2022 model, the exhaust system changes, the main responsible for the power gain to which the engine is subjected: the peak value increases by 1.5 horsepower, but above all the extension remains more sustained, with two more horsepower until the limiter is cut. Power is declared in 215.5 horsepower at 13,000 rpm (cut at 14,500 rpm) and torque in 12.6 kgm at 9,500 rpm: from 6,000 it makes 80% of the maximum value available.
All electronic controls are refined and recalibrated to adapt to the changes made to the Panigale V4, while remaining manageable through the TFT dashboard. The latter includes a new color-coded display of the various electronic controls, which makes it easier to understand which of the traction, slide or wheelie control is intervening at any given time.
In terms of chassis, it is worth mentioning the adoption on the V4S of the new Ohlins NPX 30 pressurized fork at the front, naturally always managed by the semi-active Smart EC 2.0 system with OBTi interface and lengthened by 5 mm in the travel. This made it possible to adopt a reduced spring in the spring constant, and thus increase the load transfer. In addition, the height of the swingarm pivot has been varied, thus making the rear suspension anti-squat when opening the throttle.
Streetfighter V2 and V4 SP
The list goes on to mention two new models in the Streetfighterfamily. The V4 fits into the top of the range by replicating the formula used on the Panigale, and the V2 completes the family. The first of the two models is distinguished by the progressive printed on the handlebar and the colors of the Italian flag on the carbon wings. Of course, there are the 5-spoke split carbon wheels (introduced in the Ducati range with the Superleggera) and the exclusive Brembo Stylema R front brake calipers. The picture is completed by adjustable billet aluminum footpegs, the carbon front mudguard, the lithium-ion battery and the open carbon clutch cover as well as the cap for removing the license plate holder.
The "small" Street almost entirely replicates the lines of its "big sister", but leaving the mechanics a little more visible and losing, at least in the standard trim, the aerodynamic fins. The ergonomics have naturally been redesigned for road use and greater comfort in everyday use.
Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak
The Multistrada Pikes Peak V4 is a crossover, high off the ground with its nice wide handlebars and a 17-inch front sports wheel (a must even of the V2 Pikes Peak of the past). The rear one is housed by the single-sided swingarm (instead of the double-sided swingarm of the Multi V4 we know). Precise, stable, fast. In a word: none of this category is as effective on the track. It can be said that it is the new benchmark among crossovers.
Multistrada V2
This is the first novelty from the house Ducati unveiled for 2022, which takes the place of the current Multistrada 950 and also introduces the 35 kW version for A2 license holders. The design, characterized by fluid lines and clean surfaces, is the well-known one but with new graphics that see the name of the bike "Multistrada V2" on the sides of the tank.
The confirmed 937 cc Testastretta 11° engine, with desmodromic distribution, four valves per cylinder, water-cooled and Euro 5 homologation, always delivers 113 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and about 10 kg of maximum torque. However, this engine has some new features: new connecting rods, a new eight-plate hydraulic clutch and an updated gearbox for smoother and more precise shifting. The quick-shifter has an optimized operating strategy. The main development work, noticeable once you get on the saddle, has been done on the riding position to make it more comfortable.
The seat height has been reduced to 830 mm (-10 mm), with a now narrower and more compact shape between the rider's legs, so as to allow the feet to touch the ground more easily. In the Ducati Performance catalogue, the low seat and the lowered suspension kit are also available, which, combined, allow for a seat height reduced to 790 mm. The new riding footpegs are inherited from the Multistrada V4 which, thanks to a 10 mm increased seat distance, ensure good roominess even for tall riders.
Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary
The Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary celebrates one of the most successful riders of all time and the symbol of an entire community: Troy Bayliss. A special bike, made in a numbered series, a pure expression of Ducati sportiness and a tribute to a timeless passion.
Created from the Panigale V2, this version is made unique by the special livery, inspired by the 996 R with which Bayliss won his first world title in 2001, and by the fine Öhlins components, which take the track performance of the Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary to a higher level. At this link a beautiful kit of Troy Bayliss tribute stickers for Ducati Panigale V2.
DesertX
The roundup of new Ducati models closes with the one presented last at the end of 2021. It is a new Adventure bike, designed to offer great off-road capabilities thanks to a completely new chassis designed around the 21-inch front wheel and will exploit the performance and reliability of the 937 cm3 liquid-cooled Testastretta engine.
Whether it's exploring the hills behind the house, challenging the desert or discovering new mountain trails, the new Ducati DesertX - they assure in Bologna - is the bike that will allow motorcyclists to turn their most adventurous travel dreams into reality.
