Ducati Revives SP Moniker for Murdered-Out 2021 Panigale V4

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The 2021 Ducati Panigale V4 SP. (Ducati /)

Before the “R”—first introduced on the 748R in 2000—came to designate homologation-spec superbikes from Borgo Panigale, Ducati used the SP (Sport Production) and then SPS letters for the job. Not since 2012 has a Ducati superbike carried those two letters, so rife with meaning for Ducatisti. Until now. Hail the 2021 Ducati Panigale V4 SP.

The SP does not replace the Panigale V4 R as the homologation-spec superbike, and is in fact $3,000 less expensive at $37,000. It’s basically a Panigale S (in respect to engine and chassis) with elements of the Panigale V4 R and the Superleggera thrown in. Each bike is individually numbered but not limited in quantity.

Billet triple clamp, individually numbered for your gratification. (Ducati /)

The SP uses the same 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale engine (now in Euro 5 guise) as the Panigale V4 base and S models, delivering a claimed 214 hp at 13,000 rpm and 91.5 pound-feet of torque at 9,500 rpm. However, like the V4 R and Superleggera, the SP has an STM EVO-SBK dry clutch. The rhapsodic rattle and ssssss of a dry clutch in the background of the Desmosedici Stradale soundtrack is so, so right. There are many of us who simply haven’t outgrown our infatuation with heavy-ish clutch feel and that signature sound, so intrinsic to the enduring legacy of Borgo Panigale superbikes. We all have our weaknesses. An open carbon fiber clutch cover is part of a pack of track goodies, which also includes mirror deletes.

The SP also inherits the V4 S’s Öhlins NIX 30 fork, TTX 36 rear shock, and electronic steering damper. The inclusion of semi-active suspension hints that the SP is not designed for pro-level riders. It’s great stuff for mere mortals, mind you, but track gods can typically cut faster laps with dialed-in suspension of the conventional variety. You and I will happily take the electronic stuff for the sake of ease of adjustability and usefulness.

Dry clutch. Rubs hands together. Is it a bad time to cash out the old IRAs? (ANDREA SOTTANA/)

Also from the Superleggera, the SP gets a smattering of carbon, most notably carbon fiber rims. The rims drop unsprung mass, decreasing the moment of inertia for quicker handling. Carbon fiber winglets and front mudguard are standard. It also inherits the Superleggera’s 330mm discs, Brembo Stylema R calipers, and remote adjusting device—that same little knob on the left grip one always see MotoGP riders fiddling with down the straights to adjust feel at the lever lost with the rise of hydraulic braking fluid temperature. Other trick goodies include an individually numbered billet top triple clamp, Rizoma billet footpegs with carbon fiber heel guards, and adjustable rear brake and gearshift levers.

Carbon fiber rims from the Superleggera. (Ducati /)

The styling package features a brushed aluminum tank and a murdered-out look inspired by Ducati Corse winter test livery.

Like the rest of the 2021 Panigale V4 lineup, the SP features some electronics updates, including Race A and Race B ride modes, the latter of which limits torque in the lower three gears to accommodate for low-grip conditions, or to help riders with less masterful throttle hands. The Panigale range also gets Ducati Traction Control Evoluzione 3 (DTC Evo 3), which further refines the traction control system. At corner exit, as the rider first touches the throttle, the system adjusts torque to compensate for the otherwise abrupt acceleration of the crankshaft that transfers an extreme amount of energy to the drive chain; when that force takes up the slack it can cause rear wheel slip. The new system makes the on-throttle transition smoother for the rider and can improve corner exit speed.

While purists will assert top-end Ducatis should be red (they’d be right), there is something very fetching about the SP’s color scheme. (Ducati /)

In sum, the Panigale V4 SP is a V4 S with fancy paint; a dry clutch; carbon wheels and components; and super-trick, up-spec Brembo brakes. It will be available at your local Ducati dealer in March.

Take one last look before you click away. (Ducati /)

Let’s face it, one way to make a bike feel special is to make it individually numbered. Throw in some carbon fiber, add some trick parts, grace it with historic letters, and everyone’s happy. Is the world a better place for having another ultra-expensive superbike? Probably not. But it doesn’t hurt. And if you’re a Ducatisti, it’s another reason to open a glass of montepulciano and reminisce about all those SP/SPS racebikes that defined decades of daydreams. May the sound of dry clutches haunt your dreams tonight.

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