Ducati 899 Panigale Debuts At Frankfurt

Updated: Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 11:21 [IST]

Frankfurt Auto Show is not usually the place where big tire motorcycle manufacturers showcase their new and upcoming models. Ducati for example. But yet at the IAA International Motor Show this year we'll witness Ducati displaying its 2014 model year facelifts.

Ahead of the official opening of the show Ducati also unveiled the new 899 Panigale. The announcement of the baby Panigale was rumoured and a red model was even spotted in the wild a few weeks back. Learn more about the new bike and enjoy the new video of the 899 Panigale spending time on the track.

While the EICMA show in Milan is the mecca for two wheeler manufacturers and enthusiasts alike, you should not be surprised with the unveiling of the new Ducati at Frankfurt.

Remember that the Italian bike maker is now owned by Audi, which in turn is part of the larger Volkswagen group, both of whom are Germans.

Coming back to the bike, the 899 Panigale is the replacement 848EVO and the smaller ‘Supermid' version of the 1199 Panigale superbike.

The biggest difference between the 899 Panigale and the larger 1199 Panigale is the engine. The engine is a smaller version of the 90 degree V-twin Superquadro motor, with it acting as a stressed member of the chassis.

The biggest difference between the 899 Panigale and the larger 1199 Panigale is the engine. The engine is a smaller version 90 degree V twin Superquadro motor, with it acting as a stressed member of the chassis.

The monocoque frameless chassis brings down the overall weight to 169 kg (dry). The calculated power to weight ratio is still impressive, at 1.31 kg/HP.

The most noticeable change the 899 Panigale brings to the road is the more conventional double sided swing arm, as against the modern single sided one from the 1199 Panigale.

The last major change is the digital instrument panel. Whereas the larger superbike features a TFT colour display panel, the smaller Panigale only gets a black-on-white LCD panel.

Apart from these cost saving measures Ducati has given the 899 Panigale all the armaments of the larger superbike. The bevy of electronic driver aids includes Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) and triple stage anti lock brakes.

The Ride-by-Wire throttle system, controlled by the ECU, offers three riding modes - Race, Sport and Wet, with the engine power going down to a more manageable 110 HP during wet mode.