2015 New Ducati Panigale 1299
2015 New Ducati Panigale 1299, Ducati’s flagship Panigale superbike has been given a technical and technological makeover aimed at keeping the road bike ahead of a very strong field of rivals in 2015, and the racing machine up the front of the Superstock grid.
As MCN revealed weeks ago there are now two different engines in the 1299 range; one for the standard 1299 and S models that have the 1285cc variant, and another for the R model which keeps to 1198cc to comply with Superstock and Superbike racing regulations, and benefits from a host of upgrade parts first seen on the high-spec 1199 Superleggera model launched last year.
All of the 1299 models get a redesigned tailpiece and an all-new exhaust system that’s lighter than the outgoing model’s. At the heart of the standard and S models is the new 1285cc version of the Superquadro V-twin that was first seen in the 1199 Panigale launched in 2011. Power is now a claimed 205bhp and the torque a monstrous 106.6lbft at 8750rpm – all wrapped up in a package that weights a mere 166.5kg.
Like the Multistrada 1200, the new 1299 has the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) which works to control and process all of the other electronic systems including cornering ABS, anti-wheelie, a new quickshifter that works for both up and down changes, semi-active suspension, engine braking control and traction control, along with the riding modes. The quickshifter also features a bar-mounted two-button controller on the left handlebar which allows the rider to effect up and down gearshifts without using the gear lever or clutch.
Creating balance
The new 1285cc engine produces 10% more torque and 10bhp more power thanks to the 87cc extra capacity, with the pistons now a vast 116mm in diameter, while the compression ratio has increased to 12.6:1. Those pistons, rings and pins have been redesigned and the whole engine (still with a 90-degree Vee angle, and still a structural part of the bike) has been rolled back in relation to the horizontal measurement to improve the weight distribution between front and rear.
In addition, the steering head angle has been altered by 0.5degrees to 24 degrees from 24.5degrees and the trail has been reduced from 100mm to 96mm. The swingarm lower pivot point is also now 4mm lower.
UK on the road prices:
Panigale 1299 £16,995
Panigale 1299 S £20,795
Panigale R £28,995
- Published in Motorcycles
Ducati Panigale R Review
Ducati Panigale R
What’s it all about?
The latest Ducati Panigale R spearheads one of the most impressive model ranges in the manufacturer’s history. This model has so many innovative features that you could spend many hours just discovering the detail of the most advanced superbike ever produced. The R sits above the basic model and the S and has been specifically developed for racing.
What does it cost?
Ducatis are never cheap so you’ll be well prepared to pay a premium price to get your hands on one of these beauties. The Panigale R will set you back a cool £26,550, so you had better know what you are buying. If you can’t quite stretch to this then an S with ABS and lower gearing will be a nice compromise and save you £4,000.
How does it handle?
What is really pleasing and surprising about this bike is that it is incredibly comfortable to ride even for relatively tall riders. Ducatis have always been admired for their power, performance and style but never rated highly for rider comfort. Take a bow, Ducati.
The superb V-twin has been modified to include titanium con-rods and a lighter crank, which has allowed Ducati to increase the rev ceiling by 500rpm to 12,000rpm. This plus changes to the gearing provide increased grunt at the back wheel for the same power and torque figures.
With such an extreme engine, never before has Ducati’s unique desmodromic system been so vitally important. With the high engine speeds at which this engine operates combined with such large valves, it would be impossible for the valve’s rocker-arm to follow the steep closure profile of the cam lobe using normal valve closure springs.
The desmo system actuates valve closure mechanically with the same method and accuracy as it opens, enabling steep cam profiles, radical cam timings, large valves and high-operating speeds. This system is used on every single Ducati motorcycle and constantly proven on Ducati Corse’s World Superbikes.
The new bike is awash with clever Ducati technology. With the click of a button, the Ducati’s riding modes can deliver performance with enhanced rider confidence by combining seven class-leading technologies. The latest-generation sports ABS system, Ducati traction control, Ducati electronic suspension, Ducati quick-shift, Ducati’s new race-derived engine brake control and ride-by-wire are now all programmed into seamless, electronic rider assistance. Even the world’s most advanced LCD dashboard with the full colour thin film transistor display changes to suit the rider’s environment. All pretty impressive stuff!
Verdict
This bike is just unbelievable and although some traditionalists will moan about the non-trellis frame design, the bike’s overall performance and looks will dispel any negative thoughts. Ducati has produced a magnificent race bike and answered many of the questions that were voiced above its previous race models. In the Ducati Panigale R you have the ultimate race machine as long as you’ve got the asking price.
Bike: Ducati Panigale R
Price: £26,550
Engine: 1198cc V-twin: 8-valve, desmodromic, liquid-cooled
Weight: 189kg (dry)
Torque: 98lb/ft
Power: 195bhp
Tank size: 17 litres
- Published in Motorcycle Review
