Imagine going from Road-ready, to Race-ready, all just within a touch of a button.
With the Ducati 1299 Panigale, you can.
As if its predecessor, the 1199 Panigale, is not powerful enough, Ducati raises the limits of superbikes by building a machine storing up to 205 hp in a twin-cylinder engine, with a set of high technology electronics working its magic behind-the-scenes.
To have experienced it.. is just pretty damn amazing!
Put the 1299, 1199 and 899, you might almost miss the subtle difference of the 1299 having a slightly wider front fairing than both the latter.
Reason for this? Granting better aero dynamics.
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| Credits to ducatitriumpnyc |
If you offer me free tickets to Batman VS Superman, I'd rather spend 153 minutes of movie time admiring the stunning curves of the 1299 Panigale. Paired with a set of beautiful LED headlights, the frontal sleek design of the 1299 works its way nicely towards to back, with it's sexy rear nicely accentuated.
Oh, Italians and their designs..
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| Credits to youtube |
Browse through its menu of riding modes via it's neat dashboard, simply select and there, you'll find yourself switching from road to race mood in a breeze. Even when the roads get wet, the bike is fitted on with such sophisticated set of technology that would electronically tune the suspension, DTC, ABS and overall engine performance of the bike according to the road condition you're in.
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| Credits to pirelli |
Fitted on with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP that warms up quickly, you can be confident on the tarmacs with maximum grip at maximum lean angle.
Marzoochi front forks and fully adjustable Sach shocks both enhances the bike's overall suspension's behavior, no wonder I find it so comfortable to ride on despite being initially intimidated by its big CC and acclaimed power.
And with such overwhelming power on this Superquadro L-twin horse, you'd need equally powerful brakes like its Brembo Monobloc calipers that can efficiently bring it to a halt when you need to.
To tame things a little, Ducati has got its Engine Braking Contol (EBC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), and even a Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) to ensure even the big-bike-beginner riders that they are in total control of the beast.
Overall verdict
As someone who loves the occasional adrenalin of speed but leaning more towards a relaxed ride exploring vast landscapes via touring, the power of the 1299 is a little too overwhelming for me, although Ducati never fails to impress with it's design and ever-upgrading technologies.
The 1299 Panigale - Yet another impeccable creation from Ducati.
Ducatisti Singapore
9 Kaki Bukit Road 1
Singapore 415938
Tel: 6631 8166
Opening Hours: 0900 - 1830