Once again the Italians have managed to outdo themselves and create an absolutely desirable and top-of-the-line superbike. The Ducati 1199 Panigale.
Starting from blank paper, the engineers' goals were to create a motorcycle 10 kilos lighter than the model it replaces. Difficult, but not impossible, if you also consider the speed with which technology advances. Where things get complicated and make the whole Italian project extremely impressive, is the second goal.
Increase in power by 25 whole horses (!) from the same capacity, but also clearly better reliability that is also reflected in the long intervals between services. Add to the equation the new electronics that should work perfectly and occupy the least possible space and then you have before you the Italian project that seems to have been created "without compromise", as Ducati typically mentions and manages to impress in every detail.
Frame: Turn 180 degrees
For her new representative in Superbike, Ducati ditched the trademark lattice frame and adopted the aluminum monocoque solution it has also used in MotoGP for the past few years. The use of the miniature frame was only the beginning of the significant weight reduction achieved in the 1199. The latter also plays the role of the filter box and is only a part of the general "framework". Its active part is also the new Superquadro engine, which is designed to manage the forces that develop.
At the back rests a new cast aluminum subframe, significantly lighter than the previous one, as it no longer supports the exhaust which moved under the motor. In front and on top of the frame is a very light and powerful magnesium subframe. Up there rest the projector, the fairing but also the TFT information screen.
The motor has been rotated an additional six degrees on the crankcases relative to the 1198. So the engineers were able to bring him closer to the front wheel vs 32 mm. and better distribute the weight between the two wheels.
The frame geometry is also different with the caster and trail now set to 24,5 degrees and the 100 mm. respectively. The one-arm scissor is 39 mm. longer, while the wheelbase is also longer at 1.437 mm. With a medium-sized rider in the saddle, weight distribution now amounts to 52/48, from 50/50. We also have differences in ergonomics. The steering wheel has been placed higher by 10 mm. and is wider by 32 mm., with the saddle being closer to it vs 30 mm.
Motor: Mighty and desmo
The most powerful production engine Ducati has ever built is a fact. The 195 horses and the 13,5 Kgm of torque that it produces demanded its design from the beginning keeping only the contained angle of them 90 degrees and the desmodromic system of the valves.
Target, yet it was not only the top performance values but also the reliability with the new service intervals set at 24.000 km. The extreme over-square dimensions were also the first major change to reach these performance numbers. The diameter jumped to 112mm. the route fell on 60,8 and together with the first, the diameters of the valves, which are now made of titanium, also increased. The export reached the 46,8 and of importing them 38,2 mm. from 43,5 and 34,5 respectively.
A big difference compared to the past can also be found in the movement of the chain and gears system instead of a belt, but also the adoption of a wet clutch instead of the classic dry one we knew until now. Significant weight savings have been achieved thanks to the new casting method for the vacuum engine cases which also increases their strength, while battery and starter weigh 3,3 kilos less. Magnesium was also used for the camshaft caps, of the clutch, of the box and sump. End, the gearbox is new with larger gears for increased durability.
Brakes: With top specifications
For its new motorcycle, Ducati could not do without a new braking system which is optionally combined with the new ABS. So the new Brembo radially mounted calipers, they are called M50 and they make their debut in 1199. They are monobloc four-pistons with a piston diameter of 30 mm. and combined with diameter discs 330 mm. At the same time it is 0,5 kilos lighter than those used by the 1198 shedding even more unsprung weight.
Posts: Both auto and manual
In this area there are two options that have to do with the base version and the S/Tricolore versions. In the first case, we have a brand new inverted and fully adjustable Marzocchi fork with fork diameters of 50 mm. It is made of aluminum and weighs one kilogram less than its predecessor 1198. In addition to the use of aluminum, this was made possible by the less oil it uses as it operates under pressure. A fully adjustable Sachs shock absorber completes the picture. In the S version both the inverted fork NIX30 of 43 mm. and the TTX36 shock absorber are electronically adjustable and belong to Ohlins.
Ducati Riding Modes: Transformers!
Its electronic systems 1199 they could in themselves draw the spotlight on the Italian company. What impresses is the absolute integration and cooperation they have with each other. At the push of a button, they change the behavior of the motorcycle, adapting it to the rider's requirements. The latter has three different options at his disposal (Race, Sport and Wet) which change the operating characteristics and interfere with the engine mapping, the operation of the Traction Control, ABS behavior, in the set up of the electronically adjustable suspensions and in the brake produced by the engine when the throttle is closed.
In several of them, the rider can also intervene individually or disable them completely. In the Race program, engine response is immediate, the Traction Control intervenes as little as possible and the ABS intervenes only on the front wheel thus allowing positioning before the turn. In Sport mode, electronic throttle response is sweeter, suspension settings are best suited to a public road, the DTC becomes more sensitive, as well as the ABS which also intervenes in the rear wheel and corrects any lifting of the latter.
The engine brake is also set at a different level. In Rain, motor performance is limited to 120 horsepower the response becomes even sweeter, DTC and ABS are more alert and DQS is disabled. Alongside, electronic suspensions gain settings for reduced grip conditions.
Help for the… ABS electronic aids
Bosch's ABS 9ME system is the latest and most advanced generation that the German company has introduced. Works with all engine performance programs (Race, Sport and Wet) changing its characteristics accordingly. In Race mode, in fact, only affects the front wheel, in order to allow the blocking of the rear wheel and the most ideal positioning before the turn. End, the system also detects any lifting of the rear wheel, activated in Sport mode and becomes even more intrusive in Rain. ABS can also be deactivated at the rider's request.
Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
Even more sophisticated than his 1198 Traction Control is introduced on the Panigale. Its software naturally comes from the company's racing experience in MotoGP and WSBK. He keeps them 8 default Ducati settings and intervenes initially in the ignition of the engine and if the situations require it and in the injection, cutting it off completely if necessary.
Ducati Electronic Suspension (OF THE)
The S and S Tricolore versions come standard with Ohlins electronically adjustable suspension. The rider, choosing one of the three default programs, interferes with compression and recovery, both of the fork, as well as the shock absorber. He can also choose his own settings and save them. The spring preload in both cases, it is the only one that is done by hand.
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS)
The system in question that allows the rider to change gears during acceleration, without closing the throttle or using the clutch, we first saw it on 1198. It is activated via a small switch located on the gear lever. The new model has been improved and has become even more efficient and fast.
Engine Brake Control (EBC)
This particular electronic system, as its name testifies, controls the brake produced by the engine - due to compression- when closing the throttle and helps stabilize the rear wheel, especially in cases of extreme deceleration. It does this by constantly checking the throttle opening, selected speed and crank acceleration/deceleration rate under limit braking conditions. To prevent the rear wheel from locking up, the ride by wire throttle system keeps the injection throttles slightly open thus reducing the forces developed on the rear tire.
Ducati Data Analyser+ ( DDA+)
DDA+ is the latest generation of the telemetry system developed by the Italian company. Its purpose is to record rider and motorcycle performance in a track environment and can then present them in the form of diagrams on its PC. In this latest version, it also has a GPS function thanks to which it can automatically record the rider's itinerary, it is enough for the latter to mark the starting point of the track in the system. Now also compatible with Mac.
Thin Film Transistor Information Display (TFT)
On this screen, everything is really displayed and depending on the selected operating program as well, each time a different priority is given to some indications of greater importance. For example, in the Race program, the speed indicator moves from the center of the screen to the bottom left. Its place is taken by the timer which is activated either automatically (via GPS), or from the button for the signal.
Three editions
Panigale
With Marzocchi fork and Sachs shock absorbers. Equipped with DTC, DQS, EBC and the system that changes the engine mappings. LED lights only for the seats, flash and stop.
Panigale S
The letter S makes a big difference when it comes to the electronically adjustable Ohlins suspensions that the 1199. also, it also uses LEDs for the running lights and this makes it the first production model in the world to use exclusively LEDs for its lighting.
Panigale S Tricolore
It also has ABS in its equipment as well as the DDA+ telemetry analyzer, while the front fender is also made of carbon fiber. also, the final one is made of titanium, while it carries exclusively festive colors for the 150 years since the unification of Italy.
