Ducati is known worldwide for designing and crafting some of the world’s grandest, fastest, and most expensive bikes. As an icon of speed and power, Ducati is back with a brand-new bike for 2020. And even though it may be a smaller Ducati than the world is used to, it might just be the best superbike of the year.

The best superbike you can get in 2020

Experts at Popular Mechanics used their “over 10 years of experience,” market research, professional surveys, and their own personal riding experiences to make a list of “The 6 Best Motorcycles to Ride This Year.”

Each of the six selections falls into separate categories, such as “Best for Beginners” and “Best Cruiser.” So which bike receives the honor of “Best Superbike?”

According to the research (and riding) done by experts at Popular Mechanics, the 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 is the best superbike for riders this year. Surprisingly enough, although it’s not the fastest bike on the market, the Panigale V2’s “restraint is what makes it the ideal performance-focused motorcycle.”

With “more than enough to thrill any rider,” the Panigale V2 is the very reason why Ducati makes bikes better than anyone else: high-tech features, ludicrous speed, and visually striking.

The 2020 Ducati Panigale V2: all the details

According to Top Speed, the 2020 Ducati Panigale V2 is the much-anticipated replacement to the Panigale 959. As Ducati’s latest twin-cylinder superbike, it’s body design is borrowed from its bigger brother, the Panigale V4.

The bike weighs (fuel and fluids included) 441 lbs, complete with a 955cc V-twin engine. The “Superquadro” engine makes 155 hp and 104 lb-ft of torque. It also features a new exhaust silencer, injectors, and throttle bodies that are independently controlled through a Ride by Wire system. The Panigale V2 is paired to a six-speed transmission that comes with Ducati Quick Shift and an oil-bathed clutch.

According to Ducati, the 2020 Panigale V2 is the “perfect fusion of power and elegance.” Smaller and less intimidating than the V4, the new Panigale V2 gets the Ducati-famous single-sided aluminum swingarm and more slender lines for a leaner, easier-to-handle bike. A new, compacted headlight makes more room for new intakes that are designed to boost the efficiency of air intake. 

The powerful Panigale V2 also comes with certain features that allow riders to push the bike to its limits better than ever before, like a six-axis IMU (inertial measurement unit) that identifies your lean angle to communicate to the braking and traction control. It’s also better designed for rider comfort, with a newly designed seat that’s heightened by 5mm to allow for greater “longitudinal movement of the rider.”

Other features of the new Ducati Panigale V2 include Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa II tires, a cornering function in the ABS, a 4.3-inch dashboard, and the choice between three riding modes (Race, Sport, Street). Base pricing for the Ducati Panigale V2 starts at just over $16,000, though packages and additional options are available.

Is there anything bad to say about the Ducati Panigale V2?

Checking out what the experts have to say lets potential owners know that Ducati has certainly done it again with the 2020 Panigale V2. The newest superbike from Ducati provides all the speed and power the brand is known for, but in an easier to manage package.

The Panigale V2 is smaller and less intimidating, making it a great choice for almost any level of rider. Those riders who would normally shy away from an overly-powerful bike may be drawn into the sleeker, but still speedy, Panigale V2.

The biggest drawback to any Ducati is its price, but anybody who buys a Ducati knows they are buying quality. While the price of a brand-new Ducati may be intimidating for some, the price of the Panigale is comparatively low and more affordable than most competitors.

According to Cycle World, the “poor man’s Panigale inherits a wealth of riches,” making it one of the cheapest, most powerful, high-performing superbikes for 2020.