2015 Ducati 1299 Panigale Red

2015 Ducati 1299 Panigale Red

Breathtakingly stylish, the new 1299 Panigale leaves no room for compromise when it comes to technical excellence. Such is the case of the new Superquadro engine with an unprecedented 116mm bore producing 205 hp of pure adrenaline and 106.7 lb-ft of stunning torque. State-of-the-art electronics ensure maximum control with the Bosch Inertial Platform. Ducati Quick Shift, both fast and precise, even for downshift. New 1299 Panigale, your deepest desire.

The new Superquadro's bore/stroke ratio of 1.91:1 sets an extreme example of the power-maximizing "oversquare" architecture used in the world's most advanced racing engines. A short-stroke crankshaft and enormous pistons combined with large Desmodromically-actuated valves allow the Superquadro to breathe freely at high rpm, while a 1285cc combustion chamber ensures the ample torque that has made so many enthusiasts fall in love with Ducati's signature L-twin power.

At the end of the exhaust camshaft of each cylinder head is a centrifugal decompressor. On start-up, this device allows the profile of the cam opening lobe to be modified, slightly lifting a valve so that part of the combustion charge can escape the chamber during the engine's compression phase. Once the engine fires, the increase in rpm and associated centrifugal force modify the decompressor, cancelling the valve lift effect to bring the engine to normal operating conditions. By temporarily reducing the compression effect of the piston during start-up, a much smaller and lighter starter motor and battery can be used, contributing significantly to the extreme light weight of the overall engine and motorcycle. This ingenious system further underlines the synergistic strength achieved by engineers and designers in the uncompromising creation of the Superquadro.

The new Superquadro uses large intake valves fed by advanced oval-section throttle bodies, which emphasize high air flow for maximum power production. Independently controlled by the fully Ride-by-Wire system, the throttle bodies are each fitted with 2 fuel injectors: the first is set below the body and operates in lower rpm/load conditions, while the second is fitted above the throttle body and is called into action when it's time for the Superquadro to unleash the full scope of its power and torque.

The crankcases, produced through a vacuum casting technology called Vacural®, ensure high strength at low weight along with a uniform wall thickness, and are designed to incorporate water jackets around the cylinder barrels. The engine uses wet barrels coated in Nicasil, which are inserted into the holes of the engine block's housing during the initial stages of assembly. This design allows the head to be fastened directly onto the crankcase, combining the need for rigidity of the engine's structure with a significant advantage in terms of compactness.

The 1299 Panigale mounts stylish tri-Y spoke black aluminium wheels, in widths of 3.5 inches at the front and 6 inches at the rear, which allow rapid changes in direction together with stability at high speeds.

The 1299 Panigale and 1299 Panigale S benefit from the experience of Ducati Corse, and adopt a new geometry which uses a 24° steering head angle along with a swingarm pivot point 4mm lower compared to the previous generation of Panigale. This enhances the bike's agility, and provides better rear traction in a wide variety of conditions.