2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale: 2012 ducati 1199 panigale

Showing posts with label 2012 ducati 1199 panigale. Show all posts

Imola: Forty Years of Desmo Domination

Yes, I realize the World Superbike race, Imola round, is already old news in today's 24/7 Twitter-powered insta-news social media fest. But that doesn't mean it wasn't worth watching twice.

Which I did.

And Imola may be the epicenter of Ducati Universe:

Forty years of Ducati Domination, starting with Paul Smart's improbable victory at the Imola 200 on a certain 750cc Desmodromic V-Twin unleashed on the racing community by Fabio Taglioni:

For video of the race, click: HERE

To last Sunday, when Carlos Checa cruised to two crushing victories on his Ducati 1098R, one of the fiercest Desmos ever to stalk the tarmac:

Guess it should be no surprise then that the newest Ducati Superbike, the Ducati 1199 Panigale, not only took the pole, but landed on the podium (3rd), in its debut, racing the Superstock 1000 class:

It is, after all, a Ducati Universe.

Imola: Forty Years of Desmo Domination

For video of the race, click: HERE

To last Sunday, when Carlos Checa cruised to two crushing victories on his Ducati 1098R, one of the fiercest Desmos ever to stalk the tarmac:

Guess it should be no surprise then that the newest Ducati Superbike, the Ducati 1199 Panigale, not only took the pole, but landed on the podium (3rd), in its debut, racing the Superstock 1000 class:

It is, after all, a Ducati Universe.

2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale at EICMA Motor Show

2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale

Italy, Silvio Berlusconi, the country’s sovereign debt plays a bit part in eurozone crisis, but when Italian manufacter like Ducati can still design and invest on something as awesome as the 1199 Panigale during this economic crisis, you’ve got to know that there may be still some hope for this country yet.

Yesterday the 1199 Panigale was officially unveiled at the EICMA show, after the usual lead-up teasers and the Superquadro twin cylinder 195hp powerplant review, and truly it certainly doesn’t disappoint anyone who loves the beauty and speed of Superbikes, and is really porn to any motorcycle lover.

Before we start with the derigeur press release, everyone will want know the pricing: for the standard version $17,995, $22,995 for the “S” version, $23,995 for “S” version with ABS and $27,995 for the Tricolore version and available early in 2012, so start saving your money.

2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale at EICMA Motor Show

2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale

2012 The Ducati 1199 Panigale available in April 2012

Ducati 1199 Panigale

Superbike lovers will get an opportunity to check out the new superbike from Ducati in November 2011. The Ducati 1199 Panigale will be showcased at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show that will be organized in Milan. For those who want to see the bike in action can check out the bike at the 2012 FIM Superstock Championship. The two stage introduction of the bike will give the development team make the required changes to enable it to take part in the race.

2012 The Ducati 1199 Panigale available in April 2012

Ducati 1199 Panigale

Ducati 1199 Panigale : The Verdict

The guys at Ducati News Today have made all our lives simpler.

They've read just about every review and first-ride report of the Ducati 1199 Panigale available and have broken down comments by catagory, compiled the best ones, and provided the rest of us with a cheat sheet.

Here's the break down. If you want to read the full article, click: HERE

Engine Performance

“Wind on the power at the apex and the drive out onto the next straight has you laughing maniacally, you can’t believe how much thrust combines with how much lean before the traction control even bothers to get out of bed.”

“Pulling the throttle hard at 5500 rpm is a little disappointing compared to the 1198’s lump, as the most oversquare bore/stroke ratio of any production motorcycle would lead one to think. But the mild disenchantment is entirely forgotten once past 7500 rpm when the Superquadro engine piles on revs with ferocity previously unknown from any V-Twin.”

“The powerband is more conventional in application, similar to that of an Inline Four. Low end thrust has been reduced but the engine spools up explosively fast for a Twin. Mid-range power is strong but still not quite as stout as before. Keep feeding RPM and you’ll be greeted with a rich, far reaching top-end power surge that feels more Inline than Twin.”

“The show really gets going after 7500, with drive near the 11,500-rpm limit fierce and accompanied by a bass-weighted-yet-strangely-high-pitched wail unlike any other Twin I’ve ever had the pleasure to hear. This is a really fast super bike.”

“Thumb the starter for more new sensations. The thunderous Superquadro is instantly identifiable as a desmo twin, but it sounds deeper at idle and nastier when revved. And with a bore/stroke ratio of 1.84:1—more aggressive than any other production bike, by far—the Superquadro loves to be revved out.”

Handling

“The Panigale’s agility will take your breath away, it makes other superbikes feel like lumbering beasts. Think supersport 600 and you’ll be about right, except for what happens when you turn the twistgrip of course.”

“Regardless of the barely altered geometry, the Panigale responds with eagerness the 1198 could only dream of. It’s less unwavering than the freight-train-like 1198 but not unstable. Its enthusiasm to tip into corners is due in large part to its higher and 1.26-inch wider handlebars that deliver more leverage, but credit also its lighter weight (415 lbs with its larger fuel tank full) and mass-centralization efforts that lower the inertia moment around its roll axis.”

“The S model we rode was fitted with electronically adjustable Ohlins suspension front and rear. With a push of a button the rider can adjust preload, compression and rebound settings without having to get off the bike. Calibration of the suspension proved to be good and the chassis resisted the urge to pitch fore or aft under heavy application of throttle or brakes.”

“As my pace rose at a slightly faster rate than my knowledge of the track, perhaps the most impressive thing was how easy it was to correct my lines midcorner, even while aggressively trail-braking, with no protest from the bike. All that work to centralize mass paid off in a big way.”

“Lighter makes everything righter, and deleting 22 lbs. improves everything from acceleration to braking to handling and stability. You’d never describe previous Ducatis as neutral or forgiving, but the Panigale is both. It feels almost twitchy at first. High, wide bars give lots of steering leverage, while a low center of gravity and even lower inertial moment make it dart into corners, especially at a slower pace. The chassis can be easy to upset when you move around, so you quickly learn to hang off less and use the ample available lean angle to turn, just like a MotoGP bike.”

The Downsides

“It even has a fault, a blemish to complete its beauty: the sidestand is quite hard to kick down. The perfect flaw.”
“Its windscreen provides only modest protection, and its clutch pack sticks out far enough to interfere with a rider’s right calf when at a stop. Heat from the engine might be excessive when ridden at low speeds, though likely no worse than the 1198 and probably better.”

“The 1199’s traction control system continues to use independent wheel speed sensors to determine when the rear tire is spinning. The updated version of the system employs eight levels of intervention based on information developed by the Ducati Corse racing arm. While we applaud Ducati at making the feature standard we continue to experience inconsistent results with it. With Level 3 selected it intervenes aggressively at times under requested throttle application, and at other times it doesn’t activate when the rider feels the back tire spinning excessively.”

“..although I could definitely use more fairing!”

“The Superquadro doesn’t have the same steam-catapult thrust at lower revs as its predecessor, but more manageable midrange makes it much easier to ride fast.”

Conclusions

“If I’m wrong and it turns out not quite to be a match for the BMW on a track… I’d want an 1199 Panigale just the same. As a motorcycle to live with, for the sheer pleasure of doing no more than owning it, then for the utterly involving riding experience it gives, and finally for the wild thrill of its performance, the Panigale is unsurpassed.”

“Simply put, Ducati’s Panigale astounded me with its sheer performance and its high level of refinement, plus it is mouth-wateringly stunning. The 1199 is a superb machine that had several jaded motojournalists considering buying one for themselves. It might even be the best sportbike ever made.”

“Ducati has neutralized some of the historically quirky traits without compromising the feel or fundamental character that is at the heart of the Italian brand.”

“Bottom line? If they aren’t already having emergency meetings in Germany and Japan about this new Italian superbike, they’d better get some on the schedule.”

“The Panigale is a brilliant update of the classic Ducati superbike, smoothing away all the hard edges and adding even more speed and soul.”

Ducati 1199 Panigale : The Verdict

“Wind on the power at the apex and the drive out onto the next straight has you laughing maniacally, you can’t believe how much thrust combines with how much lean before the traction control even bothers to get out of bed.”

“Pulling the throttle hard at 5500 rpm is a little disappointing compared to the 1198’s lump, as the most oversquare bore/stroke ratio of any production motorcycle would lead one to think. But the mild disenchantment is entirely forgotten once past 7500 rpm when the Superquadro engine piles on revs with ferocity previously unknown from any V-Twin.”

“The powerband is more conventional in application, similar to that of an Inline Four. Low end thrust has been reduced but the engine spools up explosively fast for a Twin. Mid-range power is strong but still not quite as stout as before. Keep feeding RPM and you’ll be greeted with a rich, far reaching top-end power surge that feels more Inline than Twin.”

“The show really gets going after 7500, with drive near the 11,500-rpm limit fierce and accompanied by a bass-weighted-yet-strangely-high-pitched wail unlike any other Twin I’ve ever had the pleasure to hear. This is a really fast super bike.”

“Thumb the starter for more new sensations. The thunderous Superquadro is instantly identifiable as a desmo twin, but it sounds deeper at idle and nastier when revved. And with a bore/stroke ratio of 1.84:1—more aggressive than any other production bike, by far—the Superquadro loves to be revved out.”

Handling

“The Panigale’s agility will take your breath away, it makes other superbikes feel like lumbering beasts. Think supersport 600 and you’ll be about right, except for what happens when you turn the twistgrip of course.”

“Regardless of the barely altered geometry, the Panigale responds with eagerness the 1198 could only dream of. It’s less unwavering than the freight-train-like 1198 but not unstable. Its enthusiasm to tip into corners is due in large part to its higher and 1.26-inch wider handlebars that deliver more leverage, but credit also its lighter weight (415 lbs with its larger fuel tank full) and mass-centralization efforts that lower the inertia moment around its roll axis.”

“The S model we rode was fitted with electronically adjustable Ohlins suspension front and rear. With a push of a button the rider can adjust preload, compression and rebound settings without having to get off the bike. Calibration of the suspension proved to be good and the chassis resisted the urge to pitch fore or aft under heavy application of throttle or brakes.”

“As my pace rose at a slightly faster rate than my knowledge of the track, perhaps the most impressive thing was how easy it was to correct my lines midcorner, even while aggressively trail-braking, with no protest from the bike. All that work to centralize mass paid off in a big way.”

“Lighter makes everything righter, and deleting 22 lbs. improves everything from acceleration to braking to handling and stability. You’d never describe previous Ducatis as neutral or forgiving, but the Panigale is both. It feels almost twitchy at first. High, wide bars give lots of steering leverage, while a low center of gravity and even lower inertial moment make it dart into corners, especially at a slower pace. The chassis can be easy to upset when you move around, so you quickly learn to hang off less and use the ample available lean angle to turn, just like a MotoGP bike.”

The Downsides

“It even has a fault, a blemish to complete its beauty: the sidestand is quite hard to kick down. The perfect flaw.”
“Its windscreen provides only modest protection, and its clutch pack sticks out far enough to interfere with a rider’s right calf when at a stop. Heat from the engine might be excessive when ridden at low speeds, though likely no worse than the 1198 and probably better.”

“The 1199’s traction control system continues to use independent wheel speed sensors to determine when the rear tire is spinning. The updated version of the system employs eight levels of intervention based on information developed by the Ducati Corse racing arm. While we applaud Ducati at making the feature standard we continue to experience inconsistent results with it. With Level 3 selected it intervenes aggressively at times under requested throttle application, and at other times it doesn’t activate when the rider feels the back tire spinning excessively.”

“..although I could definitely use more fairing!”

“The Superquadro doesn’t have the same steam-catapult thrust at lower revs as its predecessor, but more manageable midrange makes it much easier to ride fast.”

Conclusions

“If I’m wrong and it turns out not quite to be a match for the BMW on a track… I’d want an 1199 Panigale just the same. As a motorcycle to live with, for the sheer pleasure of doing no more than owning it, then for the utterly involving riding experience it gives, and finally for the wild thrill of its performance, the Panigale is unsurpassed.”

“Simply put, Ducati’s Panigale astounded me with its sheer performance and its high level of refinement, plus it is mouth-wateringly stunning. The 1199 is a superb machine that had several jaded motojournalists considering buying one for themselves. It might even be the best sportbike ever made.”

“Ducati has neutralized some of the historically quirky traits without compromising the feel or fundamental character that is at the heart of the Italian brand.”

“Bottom line? If they aren’t already having emergency meetings in Germany and Japan about this new Italian superbike, they’d better get some on the schedule.”

“The Panigale is a brilliant update of the classic Ducati superbike, smoothing away all the hard edges and adding even more speed and soul.”

Video: Ducati 1199 Panigale Dyno!

The first Ducati 1199 dyno testing video thanks to Motociclismo on a pre-production Panigale.

Awesome.

You can never, ever get too much Panigale.

To view on YouTube, click: HERE

Video: Ducati 1199 Panigale Dyno!

The first Ducati 1199 dyno testing video thanks to Motociclismo on a pre-production Panigale.

Awesome.

You can never, ever get too much Panigale.

To view on YouTube, click: HERE

Ducati 1199 Panigale: Lust at First Sight

I've read more articles about Ducati's new Panigale Superbike than I can count, or even care to remember.

I've studied the engine. Memorized the specs. Posted multiple blogs about its greatness. Plastered photos on every device I own as wallpaper.

Only one small problem. I had never actually seen the Panigale. Well, other than in photos, which doesn't count.

So, when I discovered that the International Motorcycle Show was traveling to Washington D.C. over the weekend, and that Ducati would be there, there was no way I was missing the event on the chance that they'd be bringing the 1199 Panigale with them.

And they did. Front, center; it was the first bike I saw when I walked into the room.

Lust at first sight:

The bike is beautiful. Pictures do not come close to doing it justice. Diminutive, sleek, sex on wheels.

There isn't a corner, angle, or detail that has been overlooked or appears out of place. It is moto perfection.

The MV Agusta F3 was 15-yards away and it looked dowdy in comparison.

Dowdy. But only when compared to the 1199 Panigale. This bike is still hot!

Again. Sick exhaust styling. Except for... the Panigale.

I'd still be happy if this were in my imaginary garage.

Before the Panigale, I never thought I'd use MV Agusta and dowdy in the same sentence. Well, unless I was describing how the F4, and now the F3, renders all the other bikes.

It was the same with the EBR 1190RS. Another of my favorite motorcycles.

No way was I passing on a chance to sit on an EBR 1190RS. Who says Americans can't produce sportbikes?

BMWs red/black/white S1000RR? Suzuki's newly revamped GSX-R750? The KTM RC8R? So what?

The new livery is a serious head-turner. Looks very good.

I was watching my moto icons fall one by one, and I didn't care, because the Panigale was just that stunning.

Not to say that I didn't wander around to admire the other bikes. In between stops at Ducati.

There were some great motorcycles on display, including ones I had wanted to see like the F3, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Norton's modern-day Commando, and Moto Guzzi's V7 Racer.

Toss in a few vintage motos and a race bike or two, and I was a very happy camper.

But I kept going back to that Ducati 1199.

It is Ducati's Universe now and the Panigale reigns King.