The Ducati 1299 Panigale replaces the award winning 199 Panigale. Photos / Supplied
The Ducati 1299 Panigale replaces the award winning 199 Panigale. Photos / Supplied
The 2015 Ducati Superbike family have unleashed what is hoped to be a new major player in the category: the 1299 Panigale.
The latest arrival at the Bologna-based firm, with its 1285 cm3 Superquadro engine, raises the standards once again in terms of performance for supersports bikes on the internationalmarket. Thanks to the incredible amount of torque now on hand with a peak of 144.6 Nm at 8,750 rpm, a dry weight of 166.5 kg, and maximum power of 205 hp at 10,500 rpm. With an extremely high power to weight ratio, Ducati hope the 1299 Panigale retaken the title of being the benchmark standard for very high performance superbikes.
The new 1299 Panigale builds upon engineering and design solutions introduced on the 1199. The new 1299 Panigale has more torque, it's more powerful and responsive than the 1199 which is being replaced by the 1299, while at the same time it's easier and safer to ride thanks to the use of innovative solutions devised by Ducati Corse.
Powering the 1299 Panigale is the Superquadro, the most advanced and powerful twin-cylinder engine produced on the planet, which is made even more extreme by pistons with a diameter of 116 mm, a value that's used for the very first time on a supersports road bike. The Panigale has evolved in terms of chassis set-up too: the innovative monocoque chassis now has a steering head angle of 24° to increase agility when cornering, while the fork pivot is 4 mm lower allowing for increased rear traction in a variety of situations.
The new electronic kit, created specifically for the 1299 Panigale and integrated in the three different Riding Modes, makes it easily ride-able, even with the increase in performance. With the Ducati's innovative Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), Cornering ABS is made available, along with Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and, on the S version of the 1299, Öhlins Smart EC, an event-based control system for the bike's suspension.
Other updates from the 1199 include the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) now being able to work during down-shifting to further improve track performance and make the bike more easy to use on a daily basis. Ducati's Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and the Engine Brake Control (EBC) have been optimised for the 1299 Panigale by an automatic calibration system which allows for easy changes in tyre size and final drive ratio.
Every single detail of the Panigale is a tribute to the legendary sports tradition where Ducati's roots lie. Just as the famous 916-996-998 series, which 20 years on is still a unique and instantly recognisable example of Italian style. With its incredibly contemporary and practical design the 1299 Panigale closely follows in the footsteps of the award winning 1199 Panigale. As well as improving the aerodynamic penetration, the wider nose fairing and more protective windshield make the fairing of the new 1299 Panigale even more aggressive, thanks also to the wider front air intakes. The new tail fairing, divided into two sections, completes the form of the 1299 Panigale, which also has new lateral ducts and mirrors.
Rider comfort has also been addressed with the 1299 Panigale fitted out with a new and more comfortable saddle and with machined aluminium footrests which also help to provide maximum on-road grip.
Ducati Panigale 1299 Corse
Ducati Australia & New Zealand expect the 1299 Panigale to arrive in New Zealand mid - late April with pricing yet to be announced.
