Photo: original image by autoevolution
It seems that Ducati is doing very well under Audi ownership. After the German automaker reportedly spent 1.2 billion dollars (€860 million) to buy one of the biggest names in the bike business, we now have an updated 2015 model lineup which promises to be the most impressive one in their history. The highlight of the Ducati 2015 World Premiere event held in Milan on the eve of EICMA 2014 is the new 1299 Panigale S, which we were more than a little impressed to see. Don't worry, we took plenty of photos for you as well.
The highlight of the superbike is, of course, a bigger engine. Displacing 1,285cc, the new Superquadro mill delivers very impressive numbers. Power is up to 205 hp, delivered at 10,500rpm, while torque is now rated at 144.6 Nm (106.7 lb-ft) at 8,750 rpm.
With a dry weight of 166.5 kilograms, the new 1299 Panigale is said to be "the new benchmark for ultra-high performance bikes" when it comes to power-to-weight ratios.
The 1299 Panigale is also one of the most technologically advanced models around. In fact, we could argue that the computerized systems are the real story here. The new electronic package developed by Ducati incorporates three distinct Riding Modes. Show them your instrument cluster and all your biker friends should agree that the 1299 Panigale is the coolest model they've seen.
The company also integrated an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which allows the rider to count on Cornering ABS, along with Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC).
We were also very eager to check out the new Ohlins Smart EC suspension system, which is also computer-controlled and is the the same one used by the new Yamaha R1M. Ducati describes this systems as being "event based". When braking for a corner, the dampers stiffen for extra body control and stability. Mid-corner, the front forks can loosen the damping to improve control and on the way out, the rear rear suspension stiffens to provide more grip, so you can put the power down sooner.
Are you worried about the 205 horsepower getting too frisky in a wheelie? The new Panigale S also has wheelie control, borrowed from the Superleggera. Simply put, the system allows you to select the amount of lift you expect to get.
With a dry weight of 166.5 kilograms, the new 1299 Panigale is said to be "the new benchmark for ultra-high performance bikes" when it comes to power-to-weight ratios.
The 1299 Panigale is also one of the most technologically advanced models around. In fact, we could argue that the computerized systems are the real story here. The new electronic package developed by Ducati incorporates three distinct Riding Modes. Show them your instrument cluster and all your biker friends should agree that the 1299 Panigale is the coolest model they've seen.
The company also integrated an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which allows the rider to count on Cornering ABS, along with Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC).
We were also very eager to check out the new Ohlins Smart EC suspension system, which is also computer-controlled and is the the same one used by the new Yamaha R1M. Ducati describes this systems as being "event based". When braking for a corner, the dampers stiffen for extra body control and stability. Mid-corner, the front forks can loosen the damping to improve control and on the way out, the rear rear suspension stiffens to provide more grip, so you can put the power down sooner.
Are you worried about the 205 horsepower getting too frisky in a wheelie? The new Panigale S also has wheelie control, borrowed from the Superleggera. Simply put, the system allows you to select the amount of lift you expect to get.
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