Ducati has announced the addition of a fourth model to the Panigale line of Supebike models, the R. Developed with World Superbike Homologation in mind, the R model incorporates all the features of the S model - including forged Marchesini aluminum wheels and electronically controlled Ohlins suspension - and adds engine modifications, an adjustable swingarm pivot, carbon fiber trim and a full Termignoni exhaust system.
Upgrades to the engine specification include lightweight titanium connecting rods, DLC-coated rocker arms, a lighter flywheel and a 500-rpm-higher rev limit of 12,000 rpm. A race kit included with the bike has the full Termignoni exhaust system, "up-map key" with dedicated ECU mapping, a racing windscreen and caps for the fairing mirror cutouts. The exhaust system is claimed to offer three percent more top-end power and 15 percent more midrange. The swingarm pivot location is adjustable using two eccentric inserts that can be placed in various orientations to give offsets 2mm higher, 2mm lower and 4mm lower than the stock position.
The R model is equipped with ABS as standard equipment, in addition to Ducati's GPS-enhanced Data Acquisition system.
More information from Ducati's press material:
As “S” version with:
- Ducati red with white racing features colour scheme
- ightweight titanium con-rods
- Lightweight flywheel
- DLC-coated rocker-arms
- Increased rev-limit (12,000rpm)
- 4-point adjustable swingarm pivot
- Carbon fibre: Single-sided swingarm protector, Clutch cover protector, Rear hugger, Rear suspension guard, Footrest heel guards, Ignition switch surround, Top fairing inner panels
- Race kit: Full Termignoni exhaust system, Up-map key with dedicated ECU mapping, High-penetration racing screen, Fairing mirror-caps
The pursuit of perfection
The “R” version of Ducati’s Superbikes has always been the dream model, the machine taken by Ducati Corse and enhanced with high performance preparation for homologation into the highly competitive environment of World Superbike.
The 1199 Panigale R model introduces the very latest version of engine and R-b-W mapping to all the 1199 models, improving performance and refining the overall Superbike riding experience. The “R” takes everything that the “S” model is currently equipped with and applies a list of enhancements to the technical specification that enable the model to achieve even greater targets. Titanium con-rods, which save an overall 0.63kg (1.38lb), a 0.7kg (1.54lb) lighter crankshaft flywheel, DLC-coated rocker-arms and revised engine mapping now enhance the Superquadro engine’s crank acceleration and allow it to rev 500rpm higher to a 12,000rpm limit, an incredible engineering achievement for 112mm pistons.
The famous “R” race kit components consist of high-penetration racing screen, fairing mirror caps in machined alloy and a full Termignoni exhaust system with dedicated ECU mapping (for track use only). The system provides an impressive power increase of 3% at the top of the rev-range and 15% in the mid-range, further amplified by the R’s acceleration-enhancing 15-41 final drive ratio.
The race-oriented “R” model also features a 4-point adjustable swingarm pivot, designed to enable riders a personalised and precise set-up of varying levels of pro or anti-squat to optimise traction on corner exit. The settings are dialled-in using two user-friendly eccentric adjusters that offer pivot positions at +2mm higher, - 2mm lower and -4mm lower than the standard position, each positively and accurately locked and located. The clearly marked, easy-to-use system provides optimum adjustability for competition use.
Additional enhancements to the machine include lightweight carbon fibre rear hugger, rear suspension guard, heels guards, ignition switch surround and top fairing inner panels and carbon fibre protectors for the single-sided swingarm and clutch cover. These lightweight chassis and engine components enable the “R” version a dry weight of just 165kg (363.7lb), even with an ABS braking system fitted as standard equipment. This top-of-the-range model is also fitted with a special race-style seat fabric for added “feel” and equipped with the GPS-enhanced Ducati Data Acquisition system, for automatic lap times and circuit map-linked data.
The 1199 Panigale R is dressed in Ducati red with defining white race features, sporting a mix of red and brushed aluminium on the fuel tank with lightweight forged wheels by Marchesini in black.