2018 Ducati Range At EICMA 2017 Unveiling – Video
The Panigale V4 replaces the iconic 1299 at the top of the Ducati supersport range, doing so by enhancing performance and ridability so that riders of all skill levels can enjoy boundless fun and excitement. The Panigale V4 has been developed in close collaboration with Ducati Corse, drawing directly on know-how and technology from the racing world to provide a road bike that is the closest thing possible to its MotoGP counterpart.
For Ducati, the V4 layout at 90° is the utmost expression of sportiness for a motorcycle engine. It is no coincidence that it is the same solution used in the MotoGP Desmosedici engines. The 90° V layout of the cylinders creates a natural balancing of first-order forces without the need to resort to a balance shaft to eliminate the vibrations that notoriously entail increases in weight and power absorption. In addition to this primary benefit, which is extremely important for the reliability and mechanical efficiency of an engine that reaches rotation speeds greater than 14,000 rpm, there are others that make the configuration chosen by Ducati the most technically refined.
At the heart of this latest upgrade is the most recent Testastretta engine, bumped to 1,262cc by lengthening stroke to 71.5mm and now incorporating Desmodromic Variable Timing (DVT). The latter is a stroke of genius from chief project engineer Gigi Mengoli, who combined variable timing with desmo valve actuation for an optimal combination of horsepower, low-rpm torque, and Euro 4-satisfying emissions.
This version of that engine was first fitted to the XDiavel, which quickly lost favor with consumers, and now the Multistrada is a much more appropriate home. The 1260 DVT is capable of 158 hp at 9,500 rpm and 95.5 pound-feet of peak torque at 7,500 rpm, but with a very flat curve featuring 85 percent of that peak value at 3,500 rpm, which is exactly what ADV/GT riders are seeking.
The new DVT version of the Multistrada is available in three trim levels: Multistrada 1260, Multistrada 1260 S, or Multistrada 1260 Pikes Peak. To get the best out of the new engine, the chassis also has undergone an upgrade intended to make the ride more enjoyable under any circumstances, more stable and comfortable at speed, and more precise on twisty back roads.
The 959 Corse treatment is simple but effective. Ducati takes an already quick-from-the-factory “midweight,” and add Ohlins suspension, Akrapovic exhaust, a Lithium Battery and a paint scheme inspired by Ducati Team’s colors in MotoGP.
The Ducati 959 Panigale Corse is highlighted by titanium-treated Ohlins NI30 43mm fork, and a TTX36 rear monoshock. The fully adjustable Ohlins setup is complimented by an adjustable Ohlins steering damper.
Due to the aluminum fuel tank, lithium battery and titanium exhaust, the 959 Corse weighs 435 lbs. (wet), 5 lbs. lighter than the base 959 Panigale.
Like the 848 Corse models before it, the 959 Corse arrives with a special racing color scheme. The 2018 Corse model is inspired by the MotoGP GP17 prototypes piloted by Jorge Lorenzo and Andrea Dovizioso. It also arrives with black wheels.
The 2018 Ducati Monster 821 is not a next-generation bike, but upgrades bring it closer in line with its 1200cc sibling. A lighter and more muscularly sculpted tank is the most noticeable styling change along with the brushed aluminum “ski-buckle” attachment clasp that gives a nostalgic nod to the Monster pedigree. The tail section is shorter and more streamlined, and is complemented with a new Euro IV compliant 2-into-1-into-2 exhaust that is analogous to that of the 1200. Up front, a new TFT display and LED headlight round out the styling changes, punctuating the aesthetic message that the iconic cult hero from Bologna is continuing to evolve.
The 821cc Testastretta 11° L-twin is a fantastically fun motor. With a claimed 109 horsepower at 9250 rpm and a peak of 63 ft/lbs of torque delivered at 7750 rpm, the powerplant is not overwhelming, yet has enough breath up top for some very spirited riding. With a redline at 10,500 rpm, most of the power is made in the upper-third of the rev range, along with a healthy midrange, which is the sweet spot for a wide swath of riders.
Along with the other new announcements this evening, Ducati released an unexpected, but not unwelcome new bike to the XDiavel range; their ‘S’ XDiavel is now yours to buy in white.
The S version is equipped as standard with a DRL (Daytime Running Light) system for the front light, DLC for the stems of the front fork and Brembo M50 monoblock callipers for the front brake.
Ducati isn’t just releasing one variant; it has three models of the new Scrambler 1100 to try and snag a variety of different buyers. For those looking to save a little coin or do any customization themselves, there’s the standard Ducati Scrambler 1100. The Scrambler 1100 Special adds fancy gray paint, gold fork tubes, a different handlebar, a brushed swingarm, and a brown seat. The Scrambler 1100 Sport has Öhlins suspension, a special black and yellow colorway, aluminum wheels, a special handlebar, and custom trim on the seat.