BIKES: 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale First Ride
in NewBike
Make no mistake about it: motorcycle racing is at the nucleus of Ducati. Never is this more evident than the release of the 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale Superbike. This fifth generation Italian-built sportbike makes use of radical technologies born from success in World Superbike and MotoGP competition. For the full tech analysis read the 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale Superbike First Look and 2012 Ducati 1199 Superquadro Engine Info analysis as this review focuses on the hour-long riding impression aboard the up-spec S model ($22,995) from the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
ERGONOMICS
Historically Ducati sportbikes have demanded an awkward riding position, but that ends with the Panigale. In fact, the interaction between rider and machine is one area of substantial improvement.
Grab a hold of the handlebars and the riding position is more ‘Japanese’ than ever before. It’s still one of the slimmest feeling literbikes around, but the lofty seat, elongated handlebar reach and sky-high foot controls have been repositioned more traditionally allowing for enhanced freedom of movement.
This increased rider comfort will be welcome for those that ride on the street. But despite the lower feeling (and non-adjustable) foot controls, ground clearance is still high and the footpegs continue to offer inadequate grip which can cause the rider’s feet to slip off during spirited maneuvers.
External dimensions have also been reduced and the Panigale feels more compact from front-to-back despite gaining 7mm of wheelbase. My six-foot-tall frame still fit adequately, but those that are taller might encounter difficulties achieving a clean tuck. As before, the Ducati feels light between the rider's legs and there is little doubt that it offers the lowest curb weight in its class (claimed at 415 pounds even with a larger 4.5-gallon fuel load). Another plus is its reduced top heaviness at low speeds.
ENGINE
Flip the key (thankfully, the 1199 retains the simplicity of a metal ignition key), thumb the starter button and the engine roars to life in a faster, more responsive manner due to the re-engineered starting/engine decompression system. Although the classic rattle of the dry clutch has vanished, we didn’t miss it especially considering the effectiveness of the oil-bathed unit. The exhaust note proves to be more ear pleasing and we were also impressed with the spot-on fuel-injection settings attributing to a crisp running motor.
Ducatis are renowned for robust bottom-to-mid engine performance, but the new oversquare motor offers a vastly different experience. The powerband is more conventional in application, similar to that of an Inline Four. Low end thrust has been reduced but the engine spools up explosively fast for a Twin. Mid-range power is strong but still not quite as stout as before. Keep feeding RPM and you’ll be greeted with a rich, far reaching top-end power surge that feels more Inline than Twin.
Where the old bike needed to be short shifted and ridden a gear high, the new Superquadro mill responds optimally with revs. Power remains strong and doesn’t fall off until upwards of 11,000 rpm. If you’ve ever spent any time at the controls of previous generation machinery you have to modify your riding approach—it’s that different (good thing).
Source : http://motorcycling.speedtv.com
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