2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R, Racing Spec From Ducati Panigale

Ducati has the envelope with its 1199 Panigale sets a new standard of what we expect from a sport-twin pushed. Although she has impressed in some areas, not the end result of many hoped the Ducati had received. This year, he gets a chance at redemption with the new R-Spec Superbike ($ 29.995).

Image of 2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R

The new 2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R is based on the S model, which is based, we went for the Ducati 1199 Panigale First round of 2012. It has described a variety of hardware and software updates in the 2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R First Look. This story focuses on the impression of riding circuit 20 again freshly paved the Formula One during the America in Austin, Texas.

Hop in the seat and the Ducati 1199 R Superbike is more accommodating to date. Engineers to further refine how the driver interacts with the control. After all, the more comfortable you are, the more you can go. Although the seat height measurement is still 32.5 inches, it feels as if we remind ourselves closer to the ground.

Thumb the starter button and it roars, without hesitation the life of the engine intake immediately or occasional hiccup we had about 2012 machines. Remove the shift lever into first gear, you lower your sights and time to install.

Escaping the pit is a simple exercise, because the final drive. Engineers mounted one or two large rear sprockets (41) to improve the acceleration of all six gears. It also reduces the amount of clutch slip necessary at startup. The extra speed is not at the expense of speed due to a ceiling of 12,000 high engine (later) come. Initial sensation and hand lever (clutch discs lubricated with engine oil) wet-style dry clutch than the previous generation set-up, even if it does not emit this nostalgic racy survey rattle-rattle-rattle clank. We never had the opportunity to give an introduction style racing at high speed aggressive, so we are curious if the drive train is the 1199 R has the stuff to line 9 second pause lasts through the quarter mile.

Ducati Panigale Stoplamp, Futuristic!

The tour begins at the end of the pre-fifth gear immediately. Leave the pit lane uphill prepare Turn 1, taken a narrow, steep turns left in second gear. Let drift bike painted cane stop, put your head down and press on the accelerator.

2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R is equipped with an electronic circuit breaker for a fraction of a second, full throttle upshift. Movement of the shift lever twice and have the outside of the track before diving into Turn 2, a slope on the right to continue to accelerate with the knee on the deck. Here, the frame is set, and it's a good deal of feeling from the front end. Aim for the right side of the track before cutting on and press the brake when entering the most difficult part of this 3.41-mile track: The Esses.

Here the ability to maneuver the bike from side to side is critical and highly accurate point of the R-Spec Panigale. With a curb weight of only 417 pounds Ducati is simply the lightest liter bike in the class and it feels like that. The forged Marchesini wheels help further changes direction. Ergonomics and low profile skinny tank allows the pilot to exercise their body on each side of the motorcycle without hang-ups. Our only complaint is that the pins on insufficient and sometimes drag our feet when standing or use a lot of pressure. This is not new, and a reproach, that we had in recent years.

The gearbox is precise and does not feel sloppy secret between courses an annoying character of the 1098/1198 bikes back. This is a big plus, if secretly in a less clutch downshift (in third gear) when turning between turns 5 and 6 Stuck with the gas pedal on the left side edge asphalt destination and wait for the return of the vehicle to turn 7 carry the maximum kinetic energy in the climbing gym. Hard on the gas point outside before throwing two bikes and bodies in motion and cut off the head of the train 8 While the engine low operating costs in the towers, the coils faster than the sidewalk falls. Short Shift into high gear, hold his breath and dive into the Turn 10 kink blind. Cells Panigale engine speed quickly, similar to the greed of a modern four-cylinder instead of a twin (thanks in part to titanium connecting rods and lighter flywheel) as the red lights on signs, it's time to upshift. Instead of maintaining the speed brake and prepare to turn 11 hairpin.

Brembo caliper from Ducati 1199 Panigale R

A firm pull two fingers on the front brake lever adjusts the speed with authority sensation. Öhlins fork compressed in its drive stroke, the sharpness of the steering angle and the increase in the reaction itself. Although the parameters were quick fork softer side / spectrum, compression adjustment and rebound damping is easily mounted on the handlebar controls on how to stop a couple of buttons. Spring preload is still set to the old with hand tools.

Ducati continues to refine packaged based on data from their efforts in MotoGP and World Superbike, the Panigale electronics. Crack on the gas pedal to the hairpin (turn 11) and ejected from a qualified manner. We took the second least restrictive framework of the Ducati Traction Control (DTC 2) almost completely, except for the last session of the day. This strengthened the confidence that we turn the throttle earlier and with greater confidence that we picked up the bike allows angle. Overall, the system performs more accurately than before, and was a great tool to build, especially since we heard a new track.

For our last outing, we went to the DTC 'off' and the output difference was obvious. The Ducati was able to control and finish the fastest corner, and the realization of something that looked like an upper disk. It is important to note, however, that the grip of the rear fresh Pirelli was excellent and it is possible that we would have a different result when the tire is worn more.

Although the bike wheelspin is missing wheelie control functions. And because the engine produces about 170 horsepower to the rear wheel (based on the results of the test bench tests last year, see Table horses here) a decent player equal to a power wheelie in the first three reports. Depending on the circumstances, the DTC cuts power for cycling or just happen. This type of inconsistency is that the driver requires to move from the short interfering with power range to ensure that the front wheel does not climb.

On the back of the starting motor windings quick upshifts require constant (good thing). Fortunately, help the large red shift lights on the color screen to convey the message, when the roar of two coffee breaks to big butts slapped back and forth does not work. Ducati has a heritage of building charismatic sports motorcycle and the Panigale Termignoni kitchen is no different. With the engine zinging on the tube, it is easy to built one of the best sounding production motorcycles. Again, ergonomics and functionality greater windshield R-Spec almost perfectly in the back for the start of the same six feet tall riders escape the wind over 170 mph.

Raise the gas, pop the bubble cocoon windshield and start airships accelerator, while the front brake lever, shift down four times (in second gear) out of Turn 12. Also the front brakes Ducati are excellent, with a strong performance. Initial bite is effective but not overpowering (a big plus for use on the road every day) and gradually ramps up to you to get feel in the lever. To date, it is best to brake production Ducati combination pad / caliper. It is also an anti-skid function, but we never manipulate the brakes hard enough to activate for them. However, it is good to know it's there just in case ...

Run the bike in the depth to the rev indicator flashes, then rotate to keep for a while before continuing the tour clipping the top of the T14. Here you have a high degree of angle and the throttle and the chassis responds well, moving forward with great stability. Goal in the curb at the elbow between turns 14 and 15, then let the bike drift off before they return in.

The bike wheelies in the output signal, it is time to short shift into third gear in anticipation of a quick succession handed Tours 16-18. Apart from the Esses is a difficult segment F1 career and a place where you can make a lot of time. The bike racing wide and point to the green artificial turf. The moment you realize you are about to flee track, turn on. Pin it as you over the apex of turn 18 and fly Panigale pushes forward with a vapor level that is somewhat reminiscent pesky propeller German Superbike brand do it right and you will feel the engine rev limiter. Do not brake too much for the next corner, as it can be taken with a deceptive amount of corner speed, instead of where you want to be precise and allow chassis Ducati do the work.

He's back on the brakes for the final round and you better stop the engine brake performs. It helps in maintaining composure of the chassis and keeps the rear wheel more in line with the front. This is a big plus if you jump under suspension, or if the driver has too soft damping setting selected. Back on gas, you just take a tour of one of the most beautiful racetracks in the world ready.

After about an hour later lapping Ducati Superbike it is clear that this is a top bike: It's faster, more agile and accurate electronic road conditions and the demands the driver react differently. This is ever built without doubt the most beautiful Ducati Sport. But even with his arsenal of driving aids, there is a very nervous machine that requires a lot of drivers. Get it right though and has all the good feeling that some other bikes.

Spec of 2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R :

Engine: Liquid-cooled 1198cc L-Twin; 8-valves
Bore and Stroke: 112.0 x 60.8mm
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Fuel Delivery: Marelli electronic fuel-injection
Clutch: Wet multi-plate; Hydraulic actuation
Transmission: Six-speed; chain final drive
Final Drive: Chain 15/41
Frame: Monocoque aluminum
Front Suspension: Ohlins 50mm inverted fork; 3-way adjustable for preload, compression and rebound; 5.0 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Ohlins gas-charged shock; 3-way adjustable for preload, compression and rebound; 5.12 in. travel
Front Brakes: 330mm discs with radial-mount Brembo four-piston M50 monobloc calipers
Rear Brake: 245mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Curb Weight: 417 lbs.
Wheelbase: 56.57 in.
Rake: 24.5 deg. / Trail: 3.94 in.
Seat Height: 32.48 in..
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons
MSRP: $29,995
Colors: Red
Warranty: Two years unlimited mileage