PH2: Ducati 1199 Panigale - well worth the wait...
Ducati kicks off the Milan Motorcycle Show in fine style
Ducati has finally put us all out of our misery and launched the full specifications and final version of the 1199 and 1199S Panigale, two bikes that are certain to stamp their authority not only on the track, but also on the sales statistics.
The V-twin Desmo engine, as revealed by PH2 a few weeks ago, is called Superquadro and is massively over-square, with a 112mm bore and 60.8mm stroke. This allows it to rev to 11,500rpm and produce a staggering 195bhp (claimed) with 133NM (98lb ft) of torque. This is 25bhp up on the current 1198, with 1000rpm more on the top end. And Ducati claims it can go for 24000km between valve services, which is amazing considering this is the most powerful production twin on the market.
Away from the motor, the 1199 loses the 1198’s underseat exhaust design, favouring an under-engine mounting for better weight distribution. The trellis chassis has also gone, replaced by the slightly controversial monocoque design.
The aluminium frame weighs just 4.5kg and is designed to incorporate the airbox into the structure to increase strength, something that the MotoGP bike has been struggling with. Moving on, the subframe is also aluminium and weighs just 2.1kg, while the headlamp support is magnesium alloy and just 0.6kg in weight. Overall, and here is where it gets impressive, the 1199 is 10kg lighter than the 1198, tipping the scales at 177kg wet or 164kg dry. Impressed yet? Well how about the suspension?
The stock 1199 gets 50mm aluminium Marzocchi forks and a Sachs shock, while the S version gets electronically adjustable Öhlins units with an Öhlins steering damper. The neat part is that the shock’s links can be placed in one of two positions, giving totally different damping characteristics. In the ‘flatter’ position the feeling is more akin to a superbike while in the other position it is more progressive and like the firm’s 848 road bike. Want more? Now we move onto the electronics package…
Both models get traction control, electronic engine braking assist, variable ABS, a full colour dash with varying displays, power modes (195bhp in full power or 120bhp in wet) and a quick shifter while the S also gets the electronic adjustability in its Öhlins suspension. The front lights are LEDs rather than conventional bulbs and the bars are actually 10mm higher and the mirrors wider than the 1198 so you stand a fighting chance of seeing behind you. There is plenty more about this bike, but for now we will leave you with the big question…cost.
The stock 1199 will cost £14,995 (£15,750 with ABS) while the S is £19,750 with ABS. A very funky Tricolore is £23,495 and comes with extra bling, as if you need it…
Ducati also unveiled the 848 EVO Corse Special Edition, which is an 848 EVO with improved electronics, including traction control and a quick shifter, and will cost £11,995. Oh, and the Diavel Cromo – a Diavel with black components and a vintage-style seat.
Looks mighty cool but not sure what I'd really get in real-world fun by chopping in my 07 1098 Tricolore and paying an additional £15k. Seems a kinda expensive upgrade.
Valentino Rossi has been lamenting the monocoque chassis all year laying the blame for the 2011 MotoGP bike's lack of performance squarely at the chassis' door.
Ducati unveil the new 1199 Paginale with the monocoque to great fanfare yesterday but across the Med in Spain, what was Mr Rossi up to at the same time?
Testing the new Desmosedicci with the 2012 1000cc engine and the good old aluminium beam frame and he was.......
4th fastest. Immediately. Only the two Honda's and a Yamaha in front of him.
Valentino Rossi has been lamenting the monocoque chassis all year laying the blame for the 2011 MotoGP bike's lack of performance squarely at the chassis' door.
Ducati unveil the new 1199 Paginale with the monocoque to great fanfare yesterday but across the Med in Spain, what was Mr Rossi up to at the same time?
Testing the new Desmosedicci with the 2012 1000cc engine and the good old aluminium beam frame and he was.......
4th fastest. Immediately. Only the two Honda's and a Yamaha in front of him.
How do they relate ??
Ones a Superbike, the other is a GP bike, they don't relate ....
When have we ever seen the GP tech (chassis) appear in a road bike that races in WSBK ?? And there are no single siders on the GP bike either, never have been, you're comparing apples with pears fella ....
Wonder if they'll do a new GP rep like they did with the Desmo ??
Ones a Superbike, the other is a GP bike, they don't relate ....
When have we ever seen the GP tech (chassis) appear in a road bike that races in WSBK ?? And there are no single siders on the GP bike either, never have been, you're comparing apples with pears fella ...
I disagree. Ducati don't go racing just for a laugh do they? As with most manufacturers racing is the proving ground technical innovations and new designs and which in many cases will then end up on road vehicles.
I disagree. Ducati don't go racing just for a laugh do they? As with most manufacturers racing is the proving ground technical innovations and new designs and which in many cases will then end up on road vehicles.
Primarily as with almost all manufacturers the true road / race relationship is WSB to Road, not GP to Road .....
I didn't disagree with racing being used to improve the breed but comparing the chassis within GP to whats been launched on the road is pointless and irrelevent .....
Primarily as with almost all manufacturers the true road / race relationship is WSB to Road, not GP to Road .....
I didn't disagree with racing being used to improve the breed but comparing the chassis within GP to whats been launched on the road is pointless and irrelevent .....
How is it irrelevent? Ducati trial monocoque chassis in MotoGP bike and something similar ends up in the new road bike. That is relevent.
