KuwaitDrive ... On a Ride with 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale

For the first time, Ducati’s superbike range will depart from its traditional numerical nomenclature. As in past superbikes, “1199” is in reference to the engine displacement, while “Panigale” pays tribute to Ducati’s hometown of Borgo Panigale in Bologna.  

The main talking point that is garnering so much interest is its frame — or rather lack thereof. Like Ducati’s MotoGP bike, the new, 1199cc V-Twin will sport a semi-monocoque chassis, which does away with a traditional frame and uses the engine as a stressed member to which the suspension is attached. The front fork will bolt to an aluminum casting in the steering-head area, which is then fastened to the engine, while the single-sided swingarm pivots inside the engine’s crankcase. The main benefit here is a significant reduction in weight.

This concept isn’t new, as Britten and Vincent have adopted similar architecture in the past, but Ducati is the first major manufacturer to break from the mold and rest its future on frameless design on a mass-produced motorcycle. The nearly horizontal shock, hinged at the rear cylinder, will be actuated via a pushrod and finger-type rocker arm from the swingarm. In fact, this entire “frameless” design is taken directly from Ducati’s MotoGP program.

Judging from the spy photos we’ve seen, the bike is going to be very compact. We see a rather lengthy swingarm which will likely be longer than the 19.3-inch unit on the 1198. This should aid in traction and cornering stability. Educated estimates put the wheelbase under 56 inches. The lines and bodywork of the 1199 Panigale are said to be the result of countless hours in the wind tunnel.

As impressive as the new model appears to be on track, it’s no surprise that Ducati is going racing with the new bike right away. The 1199 Panigale will first compete next year in the 2012 FIM World Superstock championship with riders yet to be named (Petrucci seems like a natural choice for one of the seats), but a full assault on the World Superbike stage will have to wait until the following year. This allows the factory an extra year to develop the Panigale for the open rules of Superbike racing, while privateers and other teams currently running the 1198 can still compete with the assistance of Ducati engineers... and save up to buy what is shaping up to be the best thing since sliced ciabatta.

Many more details about the 1199 Panigale will be revealed November 7 during the EICMA trade show in Milan, Italy. Stay tuned for news about the sportbike world’s most exciting new model of 2012.

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