The Ducati Superbike 1199 Panigale represents the epitome of Ducati’s sport motorcycles and its excellent performances are hardly equaled by its rivals.

The 2012 Ducati Superbike 1199 Panigale features a magnetic personality which is enhanced by its sporty design and the advanced technologies.

Compared to the previous generation, the 2012 Ducati Superbike 1199 Panigale is a 10 kg lighter and 25 HP stronger, two key upgrades which helps it deliver first class performances. At the heart of the bike lies Ducati’s Superquadro L-twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled engine which puts out 195hp (143kW) @ 10750rpm and 132Nm of torque @ 9000rpm.

On the styling side of things, the Ducati Superbike 1199 Panigale comes with a tasty headlamp which disappears into the air scoops, LEDs for position lights and an aggressive fuel tank design.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2012 Ducati Superbike 1199 Panigale.

2012 Ducati Superbike 1199 Panigale

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Ducati Superbike 1199 Panigale
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: L-twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled
  • Horsepower: 195 @ 10750
  • Torque: 98 @ 9000
  • Transmission: 6-Speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press Release

Supreme performance, superlative technology, magnetic personality, enthralling design: on track or on road there's nothing to beat the 1199 Panigale.

Concept

Extreme Standart of Reference

"The 1199 Panigale sets a new and extreme standard of reference in the world of superport bikes. The project that brought the 1199 Panigale into being based itself on two seemingly impossible objectives, which have been brilliantly achieved: a 10 kg reduction in weight and a 25 HP increase in power. Its arrival is a milestone in the glorious history of the Ducati Superbike."

Distinctively Ducati

"The beauty of speed translated into design. The pure racing spirit is instantly channelled into the rider just by gripping the 1199 Panigale's handlebar. The front headlamp disappears into the air scoops to give a look of no holds-barred competition. While the 1199 Panigale features LEDs for position lights and lamps for the headlights, the S versions and S Tricolore have full LED lighting, a totally new concept for motorcycles. The elegant forms of the saddle and the tail are heightened by the position of the exhaust and by the full LED tail light. Perspectives and lines are designed to attain aesthetic perfection; every one of its components is a true achievement in the integration of engineering and design. Breathtaking, trademark Ducati design.

The 1199 Panigale is a bike that conveys power, elegance and agility. "

Engine

Flawless Performance

The Superquadro is the most powerful twin-cylinder engine on the planet, and as evidence of the Ducati 1199 Panigale's flawless performance, it has been given the task of equipping the new bike. In the innovative Superquadro engine, the power has been increased up to 195 HP@10,750 rpm, an absolute reference for a series-produced twin-cylinder, while torque has been increased to 13.5 kgm@9,000 rpm. And thanks to the Riding Mode options, the rider is able to modulate power delivery based on riding style and road conditions.

Magnesium Cover

The clutch covers, the cylinder head covers and the oil pan are all produced in a magnesium alloy casting to ensure the lowest weight of the engine while guaranteeing the desired mechanical strength.

Lubrication

The journals of the main bearings are lubricated by pressurised oil admitted through ducts inside the engine block. This serves to assure the efficient lubrication of the new crankshaft, followed by a rapid recovery of the oil thanks to a new Ducati component, a lobe pump that places the connecting rod compartment under vacuum, similar to the engines used for the MotoGP races. The pump is driven by gears built in a special high-strength techno-polymer and maintains the crankcase area below the pistons in controlled conditions of constant vacuum, thereby reducing the resistance during the downward travel and assuring an efficient recovery of lubricating oil in any condition of engine use.

Decompressor

At the extremity of the exhaust camshaft of each cylinder head is a centrifugal decompressor. On start-up, the device allows the profile of the cam opening lobe to be modified, resulting in a slight lift of the valve that discharges part of the mix contained in the combustion chamber during the engine's compression phase. This effect makes it possible to reduce the resistance to the motion of the piston in the compression phase. Once the engine is started, the increase in rpms and the relative centrifugal force modify the configuration of the device, cancelling the effect of the valve lift and bringing the engine back to normal operating conditions. This ingenious device facilitates the starting of the Superquadro engine without having to use a more powerful battery and a large starting motor, in turn making it possible to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle by 3.3 kg. The system further underlines the synergistic strength achieved by engineers and designers in the intense effort to reduce the bike's weight.

Extreme Bore / Stroke Ratio

The new bore/stroke ratio of 1.84:1 (112 mm bore/60.8 mm stroke) has superbly increased the revolutions thanks to the ultra-short stroke of the crankshaft, while the larger surface of the piston has led to an increase in valve diameter. Compared to the 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione engine, the intake valves have gone from 43.5 to 46.8 mm and exhaust valves from 34.5 to 38.2 mm.

Architecture

"The engine has been designed as the structural element of the frame. As such, its architecture has been completely reviewed to ensure the best design in terms of structure, weight distribution and robustness.

The cylinders, at a 90° angle of each other, have been rolled back an additional 6° on the crankcase to produce a 21° angle between the front cylinder and the horizontal plane. This has allowed the engine to go forward by 32 mm, as a result improving the distribution of weights between the front and rear end and achieving the perfect position of the fastening points of the cylinder heads into the monocoque chassis of the 1199 Panigale."

Superquadro Breathing

After achieving the goal of improving engine "breathing", the Superquadro engineers turned their attention to the next challenge: to attain an engine calibration that optimally combines the high-performance delivery with regular operation achieved by reducing the cyclic dispersion of combustion. To obtain this, Ducati introduced a system of secondary air that completes oxidisation of the unburnt hydrocarbons, effectively reducing the levels of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide (CO). The system is controlled by an electronic valve commanded by the engine control unit and is activated according to the specific condition of engine operation. This valve makes it possible to let in the exhaust pipe of each cylinder head (in a position slightly downstream of the exhaust valve) a flow of clean air originating directly from the airbox. A second reed valve located in the engine head makes this flow unidirectional. The controlled inlet of oxygen makes it possible to complete the combustion of outgoing hot gases, eliminating eventual fractions of unburnt fuel which in certain conditions can reach the exhaust.

Full Ride by Wire

"The opening and closing of the fuel feed throttles on the Superquadro are controlled by the electronic device Ride by Wire. The absence of a mechanical connection between the twistgrip and the throttle bodies allows the engine ECU to regulate the power delivery by acting upon the throttle's opening angle; the Ride by Wire makes it possible to have different power and delivery based on the selected Riding Mode (Power Modes), and also to punctually manage the engine brake (EBC), as well as aiding to control the slipping of the rear wheel (DTC)."

Intake

"The increased amount of air and fuel the engine can mix due to the larger diameter of intake valves is guaranteed by the new oval-sectioned throttle bodies, which compared to a 63.9 equivalent diameter as on the 1198 Testastretta Evoluzione has been increased to an incredible 67.5 mm. The throttle bodies are controlled by a full Ride-by-Wire system, each separate from the other and are fitted with 2 injectors each: the first is set below the throttle and feeds the engine in conditions of low load use, whereas the second is fitted above the throttle, is activated when the engine is given the command to unleash its maximum performance."

Crankcases

The crankcases, produced through a vacuum casting technology called Vacural®, ensure a maximum reduction in weight, a uniform wall thickness and superior mechanical strength, and are designed in such a way to incorporate the water jacket around the cylinder barrels. The Superquadro engine is fitted with aluminum wet barrels coated in Nicasil inserted into the holes of the engine block's housing during the initial stages of assembly. This design allows the head to be fastened directly onto the crankcase, combining the needs for rigidity of the engine's structure with a significant advantage in terms of compactness. Due to their thin walls, the barrels also achieve an effective thermal exchange with the coolant running along the walls. In addition to the barrels, the crankcase stands out for the use of main bearing shells, previously utilised only in the Ducati Desmosedici RR engine. The elimination of the ball bearings has made it possible to increase the diameter of the journals for the main bearings of the crankshaft, allowing an increase in the section of the engine block in the area surrounding the main bearing journals so as to maximise the rigidity and the mechanical strength and adapt it to the extreme power of the Superquadro.

Essential Desmo

The need to control the enlarged valves with the extremely precise Desmodromic system prompted engineers to replace the original belt transmission, mounted on the first Ducati Pantah in 1979, with a configuration mixing both chain and gears. As a result, the chain timing allows an efficient transmission of the motion between crankshaft and camshaft transmission and thanks to the automatic tensioning adjustment, ensures constant reliability and a reduction in routine maintenance costs.

Transmission

"Ducati engineers took their design freedom to the limit by increasing the distance between centres of the six-speed gearbox shafts and allowing the use of wheels with an increased diameter and superior strength for the transmission of power delivered. The oil bath clutch is a new feature for a Ducati Superbike at the top of the range. The design of the clutch, very similar to the Multistrada and Diavel models, provides for a progressive system which allows the load to be increased on plates without penalising the effort required required by the rider to pull the lever and disengage the clutch. This optimally satisfies both the need of high torque transmission and an optimum comfort for the rider. In sport riding conditions with abrupt shifting down and heavy exhaust braking, the same mechanism reduces the pressure on clutch plates, allowing them to slip as in a racing system, contrasting with the loss of stability of the rear end during aggressive shifting down and offering the supplementary advantage of an excellent modulability during hard braking into corners."

Chassis

Monocoque Technology

"The 1199 Panigale's chassis marks an enormous innovation: different components have been integrated to give shape to a single compact and lightweight element that enhances the rider's posture to perfect the riding position. The monocoque structure in cast aluminium for increased strength uses the Superquadro engine as a structural element and aids in reducing the bike's total weight by 5 kg. The monocoque frame is fixed directly to the cylinder head, and at front are two aluminium bushings inserted with the steering tube bearings. In addition to performing the traditional function of frame, the monocoque also acts as an air-box and significantly contributes to lowering the overall weight of the motorcycle. Housed inside, besides the air filter, are the throttle bodies and fuel circuit complete with injectors, and the bottom of the aluminium tank (lighter by 1.9% compared to the 1198) is used as a cover for the airbox."

Exhaust System

"The layout of the exhaust manifolds is 2 into 1 into 2 with twin tailpipe under the sump. The design of the exhaust assembly is a work of highly refined engineering: the ends have a complex exterior shape due to the size restrictions necessitated by the "deep sump" of the engine (on the interior) and the leaning angle (on the exterior). The primary manifolds have a Ø 55 mm diameter, the central manifolds a Ø 57mm; they are built in stainless steel and have a thickness of 0.8 mm, with only the two short exits from the cylinder heads having a larger thickness (1.0 mm) to better resist vibrations. Even the silencers are in stainless steel with exception of the outer sleeve (or outer jackets) in aluminium alloy with a 2 mm thickness (result of a process of pre-deep drawing, rolling and longitudinal welding). The reflection silencers have three chambers; in this application the chamber layout is especially complex with respect to the traditional design (used for the 1198) because the exhaust gas enters from the rear (with respect to the direction of travel) inside the silencer and exits again from the outside rear. From a construction perspective, this also implied a complex design, and at several stations of deep-drawing of the aesthetic rear endcap, the catalytic converters are positioned at the inlet of the silencers and have dimensions of Ø 80mm x 74.5 mm."

Ergonomics

New ergonomic guidelines assure a perfect integration between rider and the motorcycle. The saddle-handlebar height has been lowered by 30 mm and the handlebar has been raised by 10 mm and broadened by 32 mm.

Innovative Suspension

"On all models of the 1199 Panigale, the fork legs are set at an increased distance between centres, typical of racing bikes in the Superbike World Championship. Thanks to this detail, even the brake discs have a greater width when mounted to allow optimal cooling in any condition of use. The 1199 Panigale carries the brand new Marzocchi pressurised fork with 50 mm upside down legs. Exceedingly lightweight, it has anodised aluminium legs and forged fork axle lugs in aluminium. Fully adjustable in compression and rebound and spring preload, it features a pressurised hydraulic system that utilises a smaller amount of oil for each leg, a factor that significantly contributes to a weight reduction. The rear suspension consists of a fully adjustable Sachs rear monoshock. The rear suspension on the 1199 Panigale is mounted laterally to make the unit easily accessible when adjustments are required. The system has also been designed to enable linkage adjustment, which leads to two possible configurations of the rear suspension: "progressive" for road use with a passenger, and "flat" for use on the track"

Rims

The 1199 Panigale mounts newly designed black 10-spoke rims, 3.5 inches at front and 6 inches at rear, which allow an even faster change in direction and improved performance both on acceleration and during braking. They also guarantee a reduction in weight of 0.5 kg with respect to the previous versions.

Equipment

Anti-Lock Blocking System (ABS) 9ME

The ABS 9ME equipping the 1199 Panigale and 1199 Panigale S as an option and fitted as a standard on the Tricolore, is a latest-generation system with two channels that performs combined braking with control of the lifting of the rear wheel to guarantee not only shorter braking distances, but also the greatest stability during braking. Specifically intended for a sport use, the ABS 9ME, offers three levels of operation, each associated with a Riding Mode; in the RACE mode, the system works only on front discs to guarantee top performance during track use.

Ducati Traction COntrol (DTC)

"The Ducati Traction Control (DTC) monitors control of the slipping of the rear tyre and operates on the basis of eight different levels of interaction, each of which has been programmed to respond to a different tolerance to rear slipping. Each Riding Mode is assigned a pre-set level of activation.

Level 8 indicates an activation of the system at the detection of the slightest slipping, while Level 1, reserved for very expert riders, has a higher tolerance and thus a less invasive intervention of the system."

LED Light

The 1199 Panigale S and Tricolore have all LED lighting, an absolute innovation in the world motorcycling. The total racing look of this new Superbike also comes through in the full LED twin headlamp at front designed to be an integral part of the front air scoops. The double LED lights at rear harmoniously wrap around the air vents in the seat-tail assembly and, when turned on, create an alluring effect of signalling lights enhanced by stop lights. LED has also been used for the front and rear turn indicators and the number plate light.

Ducati Quick Shift

"The DDA+ (an option on the 1199 Panigale and 1199 Panigale S, standard on the Tricolore) is the latest generation of the Ducati Data Analyzer, which integrates the GPS signal to create a "virtual finish line". The system automatically detects, without any intervention by the rider, the conclusion of the lap and stops the chronometric time. Integration with the GPS signal also provides visualisation on the circuit map of the trajectories ridden and the main parameters of the vehicle: throttle opening, speed, rpm, gear engaged, engine temperature, DTC activation."

Tyres

"As an exclusive, all 1199 Panigale motorcycles sport new Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres, the road version of the tyre used in the Superstock 1000 World Championship: 120/70 ZR17 at front and 200/55 x ZR17 at rear, the widest ever mounted on a Ducati Superbike designed for the road. Designed to maintain precise trajectories on straight stretches and around curves, the rear 200/55 x ZR17 tyre maximises the area of contact and the leaning speed by combining the 200 mm width with a higher profile. The tyres have structures and compounds deriving directly from the Pirelli experience in the Superbike World Championship, and feature casings specially studied to guarantee rigidity in extreme braking and shoulders that maximise the area of contact. In addition, the double compound obtained by using new polymers facilitates the rapid heating of the tyres and assures a constant grip."

Full TFT Instrument Panel

"The instrument panel on the 1199 Panigale takes the revolutionary TFT panel designed for the Diavel to another, even superior, level by applying the most highly advanced technology in the field of data visualisation. The colour display's configuration is variable and automatically adapts to the variations in environmental light and to the selected Riding Mode. In the "Road" and "Wet" Riding Modes, speed takes centre stage and is displayed in large numbers in the middle of the display, whereas the two boxes containing "supplementary information" underneath provide data on total mileage and engine coolant temperature. In the "Race" Riding Mode, the display layout is automatically reconfigured, shifting the display of the vehicle's speed in the lower information box at left and making room for the last lap time, centrally displayed in large numbers."

Breaking System

"As an exclusive feature, the1199 Panigale is equipped with the brand new M50 Monoblock callipers. Sporting an extremely compact design that has led to a weight reduction of 7% with respect to the previous system and machined out of a single alloy block, the M50 callipers offer higher rigidity and deformation resistance during the hardest braking."

Riding Mode

"The Riding Modes are programmed to instantly vary the engine's Power Mode and suspension setup, in addition to the ABS, DTC and EBC levels. The available modes, Race, Sport and Wet, are the result of the combination of highly advanced dedicated technologies. The rider atop the 1199 Panigale can choose among three different pre-set configurations (Riding Modes) that best adapt to the riding style or conditions of the trajectory. The Riding Modes make it possible to instantly modify the power delivered by the engine (Power Mode), the activation levels of the ABS (when present), DTC, DQS and EBC, the graphics on the instrument panel and, on the "S" version, the suspensions setup (DES).

The available configurations for the 1199 Panigale include Race, Sport and Wet, with the rider left to customise the pre-configured settings of each Riding Mode as he pleases."

Engine Break Control

The exhaust braking control system (EBC) works in combination with the slipper clutch to prevent and manage any blockage of the rear wheel when aggressively shifting down. If the system detects any slipping of the wheel, it sends a signal to the control device of the engine, which then slightly increases the rpms until the rear wheel resumes a speed conforming to that of the vehicle.

1199 Panigale Outfit

"The 1199 Panigale mounts the brand new 50 mm Marzocchi fork in aluminium with Sachs steering damper and Sachs monoshock absorber at the rear. This motorcycle is also equipped with DTC, DQS, EBC and Power Mode, all under the control of the Ducati Riding Modes, which also manage the ABS, available as an option.

Conclusion

The new Superquadro 195 HP engine is exquisitely incorporated into the monocoque chassis. Engineering solutions marked by an innovation in details have been implemented to take the dry weight down to an incredible 164 kg. Ducati styling inside and out is further enhanced by the most exclusive components. Cutting-edge electronics unleash power and refine riding precision, and with a power-to-weight ratio of 1.19 HP/kg, there's nothing like it in the world. 1199 Panigale: 5 moves to become the new and extreme standard of reference in sport bikes.

Aggressive design enhanced by full LED headlamps, front mudguard in carbon fibre, machined Marchesini rims, electronic control suspensions and adjustable Öhlins steering damper. With this racing outfit, the 1199 Panigale S is ready to enter the track and win the race against the clock.

Specification

ENGINE TYPE

Superquadro: L-twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled

DISPLACEMENT

1198cc

BORE X STROKE

112x60.8mm

COMPRESSION RATIO

12.5:1

POWER

195hp (143kW) @ 10750rpm

TORQUE

98.1lb-ft 132Nm @ 9000rpm

FUEL INJECTION

"Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system. Twin injectors per cylinder. Full ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies."

EXHAUST

2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers with alumimum outer sleeves

FRAME

Monocoque Aluminium

WHEELBASE

1437mm (56.6in)

RAKE

24°50'

FRONT SUSPENSION

"Öhlins NIX30 43mm with TiN, fully adjustable usd fork. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment"

FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL

120mm (4.72in)

FRONT WHEEL

3-spoke forged light alloy 3.50" x 17"

FRONT TYRE

120/70 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP

REAR SUSPENSION

"Fully adjustable Ohlins TTX36 unit. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment. Adjustable linkage: Progressive/flat. Aluminum single-sided swingarm."

REAR WHEEL TRAVEL

130mm (5.12in)

REAR WHEEL

3 spoke forged light alloy 6.00" x 17"

REAR TYRE

200/55 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP

FRONT BRAKE

"2 x 330mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M50 4-piston callipers ABS optional +2.5kg (+5.5lb)"

REAR BRAKE

245mm disc, 2-piston calliper

FUEL TANK CAPACITY

17l - 4.5 gallon (US)

WET WEIGHT

188kg (414.5lb)

DRY WEIGHT

164kg (361.5lb)

INSTRUMENTS

TFT

WARRANTY

2 years unlimited mileage

BODY COLOUR

(FRAME/WHEEL) Red

VERSIONS

Dual seat

SEAT HEIGHT

825mm (32.48in)

GEARBOX

6 speed

RATIO

1=37/15 2=30/16 3=27/18 4=25/20 5=24/22 6=23/24

PRIMARY DRIVE

Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.77:1

FINAL DRIVE

Chain 525; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 39

CLUTCH

Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control

EMISSIONs STANDARD

Euro 3 (Europe) - USA: follows the US Federal Regulation

DDA

DDA system-ready for Ducati Performance accessory

DTC

Standard equipment

ABS

ABS optional


Quotes

Ultimatemotorcycling ---- "And everything about the 1199 machine that replaces the 1198 screams passion, from the 195-horspower Superquadro motor to the three rider modes to the eight levels of traction control to the redesigned non-trellis Monocoque chassis that helped shaved 22 pounds on Ducati's 2012 superbike."

Motorcycle-usa ----"IThe 1199 Panigale will utilize a new monocoque chassis which reduces parts, shaves weight and is designed to make the claimed 195 hp manageable."