Ducati 1299 Panigale – 205hp, Across the Board

As was rumored, Ducati’s flagship machine, the Panigale superbike, gets an update for the 2015 model year. Now called the Ducati 1299 Panigale, the number designation means different things for the base, S, and R models.

All three models will sport a class-leading 205 peak horsepower, have the “cornering ABS” thanks to the inertial measurement unit (IMU) that is installed, and have the new Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) system, with its up and down clutchless shifting.

All three models also have a revised chassis geometry, with the steering head angle set at 24° now, while the fork pivot is 4 mm lower — all in the name of more precise steering (a critique of the 1199 model).

For the Ducati 1299 Panigale and Ducati 1299 Panigale S trim models, the high-revving Superquadro motor gets a displacement increase to 1,285cc, via a larger bore size (116mm). The Ducati 1299 Panigale R will remain at the original 1,198cc displacement, in order to comply with World Superbike regulations.

The Panigale R will also not get the electronic suspension that is found on the Panigale S, thus keeping its weight 406 lbs wet (the other models tip the scales at 420 lbs wet); however, it will get Ducati’s data acquisition system, with GPS (DDA).

More importantly, the Ducati 1299 Panigale R will get the tungsten-balanced crankshaft and two-ring pistons found on the Ducati 1199 Superleggera, a critical element since those items are not available for change in the WSBK regulations.

The 1299 R also sports mechanical Öhlins suspension, a lithium-ion battery, and comes with an Akropovič full-titanium competition exhaust.

Lastly, it should be noted that the Ducati 1299 Panigale S has been fitted with Öhlins Smart EC semi-active electronic suspension, bringing it inline with rival offerings from other superbike competitors, like the 2015 BMW S1000RR.