New Delhi: Ducati lovers, finally the wait is over, Ducati has finally launched the Panigale V2 in India at Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom India).

This makes the new baby Panigale Rs 1.70 lakh dearer than the bike it replaces, the Panigale 959. In fact, for around Rs 1.50 lakh more you could have the more serious BMW S 1000 RR! Ducati had opened bookings for the bike a while back, so expect deliveries to commence soon.

The Panigale V2 is equipped with a 955-cc twin-cylinder Superquadro engine which is now BS-VI compliant, delivers 5hp more 2 Nm more of torque thanks to new injectors which has grown in size with a different working angle and a more efficient snorkel which minimizes pressure loss.

Underneath the new fairing though are the same mechanical elements as the old 959. The 955cc L-twin, however, has been reworked to meet new emission norms. It is now lighter and dishes out 155PS and 104Nm, 5PS and 2Nm more than what it made in its Euro 4/BS4 guise. The six-speeder remains unchanged and comes with a slip-and-assist clutch and a bi-directional quick-shifter.

The front headlight assembly is extremely compact on the Panigale V2. The DRL and the upper rim of the dual headlight assembly create the iconic V-style profile. At the rear, the full-LED tail light features a two-part design as per Ducati sports tradition.