This thing is a complete rethink of the modern sportbike.

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/07/...-at-eicma/ 

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/619/11484/Motorcycle-Article/2012-Ducati-1199-Panigale-First-Look.aspx 

 

195hp@10,750, 98.1tq@9000, 361.5 lbs.  This thing might be epic.

 

 

"The 1199 Panigale will utilize a new monocoque chassis which reduces parts, shaves weight and is designed to make the claimed 195 hp manageable. Moving away from the tradional Ducati trellis-style frame is a surprise departure that Ducati purists would never have expected so, like everyone else, we are eager to experience the new Ducati for ourselves. The engine is a stressed member of the frame, attaching to the aluminum monocoque frame at the cylinder heads. This section protrudes forward to house the steering head bearings and forms the airbox as a result. Integrating the 1199’s airbox into the frame is one of the factors Ducati claims helped reduce its latest superbike’s dry weight by 22-lb. The die-cast aluminum swingarm also attaches directly to the engine at the rear. The new swingarm is 39mm-longer than the one used on the 1198 which helped stretch its wheelbase to 56.6 inches. The aluminum rear sub-frame has been trimmed down and attaches directly to the engine while the front sub-frame is made of magnesium and attaches to the frame."

BUT.... I question the frame.  The current Ducati MotoGP bike also uses the engine as a stressed member resulting in short 'levers' for the front monocoque and rear swingarm.  The MotoGP bikes has serious issues wtih front-end feel and rear traction which I think are both due to the fundamental design of using the engine as a stressed member.  Every other MotoGP bike on the grid has a traditional frame where the engine is non-stressed.  And they all out handle the Ducati.  

Well, I guess we'll see how this thing performs!

Handling aside, bolting the rearsets and the swing arm to the cases was a pretty terrible idea on the CBR954. I wonder what they did to keep vibrations in check on a bike where EVERYTHING is bolted to the motor separately. Surely they didn't just solid mount everything and tell owners to suck it up?

I really want one of these but they are having trouble in MotoGP right now with front grip. Even Rossi cant get the thing to work.

Posted By vehicular on 11-09-2011 01:55 PM
Handling aside, bolting the rearsets and the swing arm to the cases was a pretty terrible idea on the CBR954. I wonder what they did to keep vibrations in check on a bike where EVERYTHING is bolted to the motor separately. Surely they didn't just solid mount everything and tell owners to suck it up?

 

Thats what  they usally what they do

Posted By Mike Kojima on 11-10-2011 02:02 AM
I really want one of these but they are having trouble in MotoGP right now with front grip. Even Rossi cant get the thing to work.

 

Are you gonna be as wild as they are on those things. With the riders position aside, I think it will be fine in the average hands on the street. Look at it this way, they have been working on a few different frame designs that hopefully pay off next year but this is a whole new ball game for Ducati as well.

As drool worthy as it is, my eye is on the 848 Streetfighter.

Front wheel washout scares me.