by Adrian McQueen
For some time the motorcycle community was buzzing regarding Ducati releasing a new flagship motorcycle to break the scene. Well, we were correct as the Italian motorcycle manufacturer chose Portimao, Portugal to introduce the 2015 Ducati 1299 Panigale superbike which will release in three different lines. There is the Ducati 1299 Panigale, the 1299 Panigale S and the Ducati 1299 Panigale R model. Each will feature a bored out V-twin Superquadro engine pumping 205 peak horsepower to the rear wheel, and standard componentry will include the Anti-lock braking system (ABS), the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and the company’s newfangled Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) system. DQS is otherwise known as “clutchless shifting”, a technique commonly used amongst racers but introduced to the general motorcycle world by BMW with their S 1000 RR.
The 1299 Panigale and 1299 Panigale S are putting out around 1,285 CCs but the 1299 Panigale R has been limited to 1,198 CCs since it has to stay in compliance with the World Superbike regulations. But rest assured that level of power is nothing to laugh at. In addition, the 1299 Panigale S comes equipped with an Öhlins Smart EC semi-active electronic suspension which will maintain its weight at 406 lbs. The standard and R models do not have this module, so they weigh around 420 lbs. Also, the R will receive Ducati’s Data Acquisition System with GPS as well as the sports mechanical Öhlins suspension, a lithium-ion battery and an Akropovič full-titanium competition exhaust. Lastly, the R is endowed with the tungsten-balanced crankshaft and two-ring pistons, which solidify its competitive nature.
[fsg_gallery id=”55″]
