Frankfurt Auto Show 2013: Ducati 899 Panigale

Ducati has pulled the veil off the 899 Panigale at Frankfurt. Being a tuned down version of the 1199 Panigale, the 899 is technically tweaked to  for the streets.

The bike is powered by Ducati's latest power-plant, the 899 Superquadro. Using a reduced bore and stroke of 100mm X 57.2mm as compared to the 1199's 112mm X 60.8mm, the 898cc twin-cylinder engine delivers 148PS and a peak torque of 99Nm. The engine remains a fully stressed member of the bike's monocoque chassis frame. The cylinders are in typical Ducati 90° L-twin configuration. The Superquadro engine has effectively rotated the top-end backwards around the crankshaft to enable perfect engine positioning.

The Superquadro engine has effectively rotated the top-end backwards around the crankshaft to enable perfect engine positioning

Rider assists include, a sport-derived ABS system, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Quick-Shift (DQS), Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire (RbW).

Using and altering all of these elements, the bike has three riding modes. The 'Race' mode provides the rider 148PS with direct RbW throttle response, reduced DTC system intervention, a race-oriented EBC level and front-only ABS with reduced anti-rear lift-up. The 'Sport' mode provides the rider with 148PS with smooth RbW throttle response, slightly increased DTC system intervention, a sport-optimised EBC and front and rear ABS with increased anti-rear lift-up. And finally, the 'Wet' mode provides the rider with a controlled 110PS with smooth RbW throttle response, increased DTC system intervention, environment-appropriate EBC and fully enhanced ABS for low grip conditions.

A performance accessory available with the 899 Panigale is the Ducati Data Analyser+ (DDA+). It consists of a software download and a USB-ready data retrieval card and evaluates the performances of the motorcycle and its rider by graphically presenting specific information. DDA records include throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine rpm; gear selected, engine temperature, distance travelled, laps, lap times and traction control index.