2015 Ducati 899 Panigale Red

The engine has been designed as the structural element of the frame. As such, its architecture has been completely reviewed to ensure the best design in terms of structure, weight distribution and robustness. The cylinders, at a 90° angle to each other, have been rolled back an additional 6° on the crankcase to produce a 21° angle between the front cylinder and the horizontal plane.

Ducati engineers took their design freedom to the limit by increasing the distance between centres of the six-speed gearbox shafts and allowing the use of wheels with an increased diameter and superior strength for the transmission of power delivered.

At the extremity of the exhaust camshaft of each cylinder head is a centrifugal decompressor. On start-up, the device allows the profile of the cam opening lobe to be modified, resulting in a slight lift of the valve that discharges part of the mix contained in the combustion chamber during the engine's compression phase.

The 899 Panigale's chassis continues the innovative Monoscocca concept: different components have been integrated to give shape to a single compact and lightweight element that also enhances the rider's posture to perfect the riding position. The monocoque structure in cast aluminium for increased strength uses the Superquadro engine as a structural element and allows Ducati Superbikes to be lightest-in-class.

As on the 1199 Panigale, the 899 Panigale's fork legs are set at an increased distance between centres, typical of racing bikes in the Superbike World Championship. Thanks to this detail, even the brake discs have a greater width when mounted to allow optimal cooling even during the hardest use.

The 899 Panigale features a weight distribution equivalent to 52% at the front and 48% at the rear without the rider. The ratio then becomes an optimal 50:50 when the rider is on the seat to guarantee absolute stability and handling. To achieve this optimal configuration, solutions were implemented to allow a concentration of the weights at the front: the engine has come forward, the exhaust system is placed under the engine, and the rider's position is advanced.

The 9MP ABS standard on the 899 Panigale is a latest-generation system with two channels that performs combined braking with control of rear wheel lifting to guarantee not only shorter braking distances, but also the greatest stability during braking.

The Ducati Traction Control (DTC) monitors control of the slipping of the rear tyre and operates on the basis of eight different levels of interaction, each of which has been programmed to respond to a different tolerance to rear slipping. Each Riding Mode is assigned a pre-set level of activation.

The Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) is the electronic system that manages the gearbox and is used in competitions. It allows the gear to be engaged on acceleration without the use of the clutch and while maintaining the throttle open. The feature enables the rider to gain precious fractions of seconds, helping to considerably reduce lap times.