More than a month after its existence was accidentally revealed at a dealer convention, Ducati has officially unveiled the 2015 1299 Panigale at the EICMA Show in Milan, Italy. With the 1299 Panigale, the Italian manufacturer has whizzed past the 200bhp mark for a production motorcycle for the first time. While most of the mechanicals have been carried forward from the 1199 Panigale, the 1299 Panigale gets a more powerful engine and an advanced electronics package.
The 1299 Panigale is powered by a rebored version of the 1199 Panigale’s engine, which now displaces 1285cc. The engine now pumps out 205hp and 145Nm of torque through a six-speed gearbox with a wet clutch and a progressive self-servo mechanism. Other mechanical changes include a new steering head angle and 4mm lower fork pivot, which is supposed to increase rear traction and make the 1299 Panigale more agile than the 1199.
The electronics package includes cornering ABS, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), a quick shift system and an Engine Brake Control (EBC) system. The 1299 Panigale will also come equipped with Ohlins Smart EC, which is an event-based control system for the suspension. Cosmetic changes include a wider fairing and a larger windshield. The rear section gets a new tail piece, which has now been split into two sections.
Ducati has also released the details on the new Panigale R and the 1299 Panigale S. The Panigale R will be available with all the revisions from the 1299 Panigale, except for the higher displacement engine. The Panigale R will retain the old 1199cc displacement engine mated to titanium Akraprovic exhaust system, which has been tuned to produce 205hp and 141Nm of torque. It will be six kg lighter than the old Panigale R, which should make it noticeably faster than its predecessor.
All three motorcycles come with a new Special R colour scheme with black wheel rims, though the 1299 Panigale S gets unique forged alloy three-spoke wheels. The decision to develop a new 1299 Panigale seems to be influenced by the new regulations for the WSBK championship. Many two-wheeler manufacturers are on their way of crossing the 200bhp threshold and Ducati seems to have taken this step in order to stay competitive in the cut-throat litre-class superbike segment.
