2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale Superbike Power

The Ducati 1199 Panigale sets the most extreme benchmark ever and its arrival represents one of the most historic moments in Ducati’s incredible Superbike history. Designers and Engineers were given a “blank canvas” to reach the apparently impossible 1199 Panigale targets of 10kg less weight and 25hp more power. Every detail, every dimension and every design decision has been driven entirely by a zero-compromise brief to create the highest performance Ducati Superbike of all time.

This new model Ducati 1199 Panigale breaks with our Superbike tradition by adding a name to its 1199cc engine capacity, making a significant association to our historic roots in the Borgo Panigale area of Bologna. In an Italian territory known as “Motor Valley” and where high performance and racing runs through the veins of its passionate people, we now underline our pride in being world ambassadors for the “Made in Italy” title and immortalize our birthplace in the name of the new Superbike.

Every last detail of the 1199 Panigale pays tribute to our rich heritage of racing: each component is not only functionally efficient, but beautifully engineered into pieces of automotive art. The fairings sweep back towards the rear of the bike, emphasizing the pulled-in effect, so much that the fairing surface had to be cut to house the engine covers and exhaust pipe. Monocoque technology was the fundamental starting point for achieving the twin objectives of reduced weight and increased power. By integrating the activities of the individual components there was a reduction in the overall number of components and their weight. The end result is a reduction in bike weight of 10 kg compared to the 1198. The 1199 Panigale has achieved an incredible benchmark for the sector: dry weight of only 164 kg.

Monocoque technology was the fundamental starting point for achieving the twin objectives of reduced weight and increased power. By integrating the activities of the individual components there was a reduction in the overall number of components and their weight. The end result is a reduction in bike weight of 10 kg compared to the 1198. The 1199 Panigale has achieved an incredible benchmark for the sector: dry weight of only 164 kg.

The Ducati 1199 Panigale S and Tricolore are fully equipped with front and rear Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) system by Öhlins. Both the 43mm Öhlins NIX30 forks and the Öhlins TTX36 rear unit are electronically adjustable in compression and rebound, while spring pre-load is manual. The 1199 Panigale rolls on brand new 10-spoke wheels in 3.5in front rim width and 6.00in rear. Enabling an even faster change of direction and enhanced acceleration and braking performances, the new black-finished wheels provide a 0.5kg (1.1lb) weight-saving over previous components.

All 1199 Panigale versions roll on Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres, at 120/70 ZR17 for the front, and 200/55 x ZR17 on the rear the widest rear tyre ever fitted to a road-going Ducati Superbike. Designed for precise line-holding and corner trajectory, the rear 200/55 x ZR17 effectively increases the contact patch area and speed of lean by combining the 200mm width with a higher profile. The structures and compounds are derived directly from Pirelli’s experience in World Superbike competition. They present a complex carcass designed for stiffness under heavy braking and shoulder areas that maximise contact patch, further enhanced with a bi-compound tread laced with new polymers to generate rapid warm-up and constant grip.