A formula one car, at 640 kg and about 800 horsepower, has a power-to-weight ratio around 1.25 horsepower per kilogram. The new 1199 Panigale, with 195 horsepower and 164 kg, has a ratio of 1.19 horsepower per kilogram. Granted, that figure changes significantly if you add my porky badonkadonk and a full tank to the equation ...
but regardless, this roaring L-twin beast is not only the new power-to-weight champion of the production motorcycle world, it's a ground-up reinvention of the Ducati superbike that has reportedly been in development since the venerable 1098 first hit showroom floors in 2007. Even without factory support, the 1198 won this year's World Superbike championship ... and absolutely everything about the Panigale looks significantly better, including Troy Bayliss' lap times. Let's take a closer look at what is easily the most desirable supersports bike of 2012.
Ducati 1199 panigale
Ducati 1199 panigale
Ducati 1199 panigale
Ducati 1199 panigale
Ducati 1199 panigale
Ducati 1199 panigale
Ducati 1199 panigale
Ducati keeps producing one hot bike after another; just releasing information on the all-new Ducati 1199 Panigale. The 1199 Panigale will be made public on November 10 at EICMA, the 69th Milan motorcycle show will be held from November 10 to 13, 2011. The Ducati 1199 Panigale is not only lighter than the 1198 but also packs a bigger punch. The superbike is powered by the Superquadro twin-cylinder engine that produces 195 horsepower, 20 more than the standard 1198. The 1199 weighs in at 361 pounds, 22 pounds lighter than the 1198. The thing should be a hoot to rip around on some twisty roads. Ducati has included traction control (DTC) as a standard feature on the bike; ABS is not standard but is available as a stand-alone option. The bike features a monocoque frame and the first electronically adjustable suspension (DES) on any superbike. Additionally, the 1199 Panigale comes with Ducati Quick-Shift (DQS), Engine Brake Control (ECB), and Ride-by-Wire (RbW). The Ducati 1199 Panigale will go on sale in 2012 and will be available in three varieties: the base 1199 will be priced at $17,995, the 1199 S will be priced at $22,995, and the top of the line 1199 S Tricolore will set you back $27,995. Ducati 1199 panigaleEngine
Ducati 1199 panigale
Ducati 1199 panigale
Ducati 1199 panigale
Ducati 1199 panigale
Ducati 1199 panigale
Unmistakably Ducati ( Ducati 1199 panigale )
Every last detail of the 1199 Panigale pays tribute to our rich heritage of racing: each component is not only functionally efficient, but beautifully engineered into pieces of automotive art.
The fairings sweep back towards the rear of the bike, emphasizing the pulled-in effect, so much that the fairing surface had to be cut to house the engine covers and exhaust pipe.
Another highly distinctive feature of this bike is the rear light mounted in the streamlined and pointed tail.
Everything about this bike communicates power, elegance and agility.
