Ducati 1199 Panigale R 2014 — Specifications

Since the designation R has existed at Ducati, each model bearing this logo exalts a scent of fantasy, luxury, and sportiness. A superb pretext for refinement due to homologation in the Superbike championship, these quasi-race-ready machines have been dripping with racing since the 996 R to the culmination that is this 1199 Panigale R.

Exceptional? Not really. Oh yes, it’s a delight of technology, but which doesn't amaze us as much as each generation of R compared to the S version. Disappointed? Almost. It smells of the S tricolor version with a few parts from Ducati Corse rather than a true exceptional machine. More power? No, the 1199 Panigale R develops the same 195 horsepower as the other versions. A new mapping and refinement of the ride-by-wire are invited into engine management (this update will be applied to all Panigale). The interior of the Superquadro twin still has a few exclusives: titanium connecting rods, which save 630 grams, are associated with a lighter crankshaft and bucket tappets with DLC treatment to gain 500 rpm. Let's praise the performance: a maximum speed of 12,000 rpm for a 1200 twin with 112 mm bowls.

The 1199 Panigale R will be sold with an R kit, consisting of a racing bubble, a spider made of machined alloy, and a complete Termignoni exhaust with a dedicated mapping. This kit allows you to gain 3% of power at high speeds and 15% at mid-range. A USB key allows the unlocking / re-locking of the ECU. To further improve acceleration, a 41-tooth crown (2 more than originally) is provided.

The superbike from Bologna offers here a swingarm adjustable on 4 anchoring points thanks to two eccentric adjusters. Lightweight forged Marchesini rims further optimize the chassis. Carbon is obviously present, as on any R that is worthy of the name. Ah, on the other hand, forget the full carbon fairing as before. There's a bit of it everywhere (swingarm protection, clutch cover protection, rear fairing, rear fender, heel guards, starter surround and fork inner) but not for the fairing. Scandalous! Me who suspected for this exceptional sportbike a carbon self-supporting saddle and unknown delicacies.

Let’s console ourselves with the on-board equipment: ABS Sport, Brembo M50 monobloc calipers, GPS data acquisition, brushed aluminum tank, shifter, traction control, engine braking management, triple injection mapping, NIX 30 fork and TTX36 damper with electric adjustments from Öhlins. This may not be enough for those seeking a totally unreasonable motorcycle. So, a machine from the same family exists, ultra high-end: the 1199 Panigale Superleggera.

M.B - Photos manufacturer