LAST ORDERS for the Superquadro engine…

To celebrate before its Superquadro engine is phased out, Ducati’s released a fully loaded, limited-edition version of its Panigale V2.

The supersport sector used to be so simple. Four Japanese 599cc inline-four sportsbikes duking it out, plus the Ducati 748 throwing out the occasional conrod at the back while looking utterly gorgeous. Then we got Triumph 675 triples, MV Agusta F3s, and everyone stopped buying CBR600RRs and R6s. The race class is now a wild-eyed smorgasbord of 15-year-old GSX-R750s, 636 Ninjas, new CBRs, Moto2-lite Triumphs, and anything else you can squeeze past the tech regs rulebook.

Ducati’s kept a ‘middleweight’ sportsbike in its range, of course: the 748 became the 749, which was then boosted to an 848, 899, 959, and finally the current V2 Panigale, a 955cc beastie with 155bhp, around 60bhp more than the old 748 ever managed. The Bologna firm benefitted from having a slightly less insane, cheaper sportsbike offering, between the softer road-sport Supersport models and the full-fat 1099-1299 Panigale V-twins and later V4. For many discerning sports riders, the smaller models were perfect: similar premium looks, design and handling, with less of a mental hammer blow performance and lower costs.

But that’s all come to an end now with this, the Final Edition of the Panigale V2. Ducati’s released a £23,500 limited-edition variant of the bike, with just 555 being made, dripping in trick kit, and with a classy paint job. It seems that the Superquadro engine which powers the V2 is at the end of its development – a common story these days with the tightening of Euro emissions regs.

The upper-middleweight Duke is going out in style, though. The Final Edition features a full set of Öhlins track-ready suspension: 48mm NIX USD front forks, steering damper and TTX monoshock, as well as Brembo M4.32 brake calipers up front; billet aluminium numbered yokes; 17-litre aluminium fuel tank; carbon fibre front and rear mudguards; swingarm protector; chain guard; and clutch covers. You also get a special rider’s seat, adjustable machined billet rearsets and a custom key, plus a one-off animation on the dash at start-up, race grips, and GPS module as standard. There’s a box of track-ready add-ons as well: numberplate bracket removal kit; mirror blank-off covers; machined billet fuel cap; and a custom bike cover for the garage.

Lots of good stuff then – but the firm’s tight-lipped about what exactly will fill this gap in the line-up. The 955cc motor is also found in the Streetfighter V2 – will that model be discontinued, too? 

Thankfully, Ducati has already quietly confirmed there’s going to be a Panigale with a V2 motor in the range again soon. We’re told it’s going to be making an appearance next year, but that’s about as much as we know at this point. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait too long for the full lowdown – but for now, you can still get your hands on this handsome beast. If you’re keen, have a word with your dealer and beat the crowds ahead of its October release.