A couple of decades ago, sports bikes meant serious business. Aggressive riding triangles, chasing apexes, and cutting-edge tech were all the necessary requirements. So much so that a comfortable sports bike felt like a crime. But today, comfort has become a peak priority in a way. In fact, the middleweight segment is almost full of full-faired bikes focusing on blending everyday comfort with sporty riding dynamics.
That made our lives rather difficult during the research for this article. Almost all of your favorite bikemakers have such a player in the segment, and even new brands like CFMoto had to alter their approach. Out of these, there is one middleweight sports bike that truly shines in offering everyday comfort and weekend track talent. Let’s dive in.
The Sports Bike That Feels Like A Ducati Without The Price Tag
Italian? Check. V4 engine? Check. More powerful and cheaper than the Panigale? Check and check!
The Ducati Panigale V2 Is The Sports Bike With Everyday Comfort And Weekend Track Talent
Look at the army of middleweight sports bikes, and you’ll notice it’s the Ducati Panigale V2 that justifies the title the best. Much of the credit goes to its extreme focus on weight reduction, which not only helps improve handling in the twisties but also makes everyday life effortless. Likewise, the engine serves a similar purpose. The new V2 layout promises to be more usable in day-to-day conditions, while also offering one of the highest power figures in the segment. It’s only outdone by old-school screamer supersport bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and MV Agusta F3 R.
In a close second, we have the V2’s arch-nemesis: the Yamaha YZF-R9. It also focuses on offering the same blend of everyday comfort and weekend track talent. You also pay less for the R9, thanks to its Japanese origins. However, the weight lies at 430 pounds wet. That’s considerably higher than the V2’s curb weight of around 415 pounds. Both bikes are really neck and neck in all other aspects, though, so you wouldn’t be wrong to pick either. We just side with the Panigale between the two.
Other than these two, the updated Aprilia RS 660 deserves a shoutout, too. It technically belongs to a segment below, so the performance is considerably lower than the above-mentioned bikes. That aside, the RS 660 has everything to impress you, be it usability, comfort, technology, or high-end equipment. You also save a hefty sum of money, as the starting MSRP is under $12,000.
The Ducati Panigale V2 Features A New 889cc, Twin-Cylinder Engine
In a not-so-Ducati way, the new Panigale V2 takes a less-is-more approach. Out goes the desmo-equipped 955cc engine and in comes a new 889cc V-twin powerhouse. The output also drops from 155 horsepower to 120 horsepower. Bummer, right? Well, not really, as this engine is said to be way more usable than before.
10 Middleweight Bikes That New Riders Should Upgrade To
Your ride’s power and fun quotient should grow with your skill level, and here are ten of the best to upgrade to
A New Variable Timing System Is Present Here
That is thanks to a new ‘Intake Variable Timing’ system, which ensures a broad spread of power all over the rev range. In fact, Ducati says 70 percent of peak torque is available at just 3,000 RPM. Another bold claim is that this is Ducati’s lightest twin-cylinder engine ever. All this while, a six-speed transmission sends the power to the wheel.
|
Layout |
90-degree V-twin, liquid-cooled |
|
Capacity |
890cc |
|
Power |
120 HP @ 10,750 RPM |
|
Torque |
69 LB-FT @ 8,250 RPM |
|
Transmission |
Six-speed |
|
Compression ratio |
13.1:1 |
A Unique Chassis Underpins The Panigale V2
Look at the middleweight sports bikes, and you’ll see most of them follow the norm by featuring perimeter or tubular frames. But the Panigale V2 takes a different approach. Inspired by the flagship Panigale, you get a monocoque aluminum chassis here. This joins hands with a racing-derived hollow dual-sided swingarm and an aluminum subframe.
Yes, the single-sided setup looked cooler, but the new one is lighter and better for improving the handling. So you shouldn’t really complain. All that, along with the new engine, helps the new V2 tip the scale at 395 pounds (wet, without fuel). In case you’re curious, that’s a 24-pound drop over the 955cc Panigale V2.
10 Perfect Middleweight Sport Bikes In 2025
Middleweight sports bikes are perfect, whether you want a companion for the commute or a demon for the track. Here are ten of the best.
Marzochhi, KYB, And Brembo Kit Completes The Mechanical Package
Joining hands with the chassis is a set of high-end equipment. The fully adjustable 43 mm forks come from Marzocchi, the adjustable monoshock is from Kayaba, and the front brakes comprise Brembo M50 monobloc calipers with 320 mm floating disc brakes. You also get 17-inch cast aluminum alloy wheels. Aside from this, other key dimensions include:
- Seat height: 33 inches
- Wheelbase: 57.7 inches
- Rake: 23.6 inches
- Tank capacity: 4 gallons
Modern-Day Electronic Aids Are Aplenty On The Ducati Panigale V2
Finally, you have all the technology on offer. A 5-inch TFT instrument cluster makes up the cockpit, and you can enjoy smartphone connectivity via the optional Ducati Multimedia System. The display also lets you toggle through various rider aids, such as ride modes, power modes, traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control, and cornering ABS. Ducati also has a new tire calibration system here, along with a two-way quickshifter as standard.
We also want to highlight the clean design. Unlike the YZF-R9 and RS 660, the Panigale V2 doesn’t succumb to the peer pressure of edgy aerodynamic wings. At the same time, it also looks like a proper mini-Panigale V4, thanks to the dual LED headlights and the minimalistic tail section. The twin underseat exhausts further amp things up.