This 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale Superbike sets performance numbers of 195 hp and a claimed dry weight of 361.5 pounds, Ducati’s new superbike is said to be the new benchmark in production motorcycle power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios. If its peak output numbers, claimed to be 195 hp @10,750 rpm and 98.1 lb-ft torque @ 9000 rpm.
“Without doubt, this has been the most ambitious project in Ducati’s history and underlines our engineering excellence and ‘product emotion,’ an aspect of our brand which, in such a competitive market place, has become more important than ever. This motorcycle represents pure Italian style, the reference point for performance and a safety-enhanced, confidence-inspiring experience for our customers on road and track,” said Ducati President Gabriele Del Torchio about the motorcycle’s launch. The 1199 Panigale will utilize a new monocoque chassis which reduces parts, shaves weight and is designed to make the claimed 195 hp manageable. Moving away from the traditional Ducati trellis-style frame is a surprise departure that Ducati purists would never have expected so, like everyone else, we are eager to experience the new Ducati for ourselves. The engine is a stressed member of the frame, attaching to the aluminum monocoque frame at the cylinder heads.
This section protrudes forward to house the steering head bearings and forms the airbox as a result. Integrating the 1199’s airbox into the frame is one of the factors Ducati claims helped reduce its latest superbike’s dry weight by 22-lb. The die-cast aluminum swingarm also attaches directly to the engine at the rear. The new swingarm is 39mm-longer than the one used on the 1198 which helped stretch its wheelbase to 56.6 inches. The aluminum rear sub-frame has been trimmed down and attaches directly to the engine while the front sub-frame is made of magnesium and attaches to the frame.
The 2012 Ducati superbike will be available in three versions – 1199 Panigale, 1199 Panigale S and 1199 Panigale S Tricolore. With the Ducati 1199 Panigale S, owners get the aforementioned electronically adjusted Ohlins suspension system with a 43mm NIX30 fork and TTX36 rear shock. The “S” package also gets different 3-spoke Marchesini wheels and comes with an “Aero kit,” consisting of two lateral attachments for the top section of the fairing which have been designed to further enhance aerodynamic penetration and reduce its drag coefficient. More information and to make your order visit Naza Bike.
