Ahead of EICMA, Ducati have started showing off their new bikes for 2019, building interest in their models before the show even opens! With three brand new bikes and updates to six of their existing models, Ducati have also released three new model versions – bringing the sum total ‘new’ bikes for 2019 to twelve. Sure to be a hit once EICMA gets underway, by releasing the new bikes ahead of schedule Ducati have already given the general public an excellent reason to attend the show and view the bikes in person.
Firstly, and possibly the most anticipated, are the new 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R, and Panigale V4 S Corse. The V4 R wears Ducati red bodywork, with a distinctive silver ‘fuel tank’, black Marchesini wheels wrapped in slick tyres, an Akrapovic exhaust, and Brembos and Öhlins for stopping and handling. Two big stand-out features are the carbon fiber ‘winglets’, mounted just behind the headlights, and the shark gills in the side fairings, presumably to allow more ventilation through the bike’s radiator. Eagle-eyes viewers will also spot a blacked-out motor, hinting at something special…
Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holdings, says, “The Panigale V4 R, in fact, is the most powerful factory motorcycle ever built by Ducati.” The Desmosedici Stradale 1103cc engine has been replaced with the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R to comply with displacement limits set by WSBK rules. The engine has been stripped of weight, using lighter internal components that, along with greater air intake efficiency, allow the engine to rev faster and higher. The result is 221hp at 15,250rpm in street trim, or an incredible 234hp at 15,500rpm with the race-spec Akrapovic ‘Ducati Performance’ exhaust fitted!
The V4 S Corse looks more like what we’re used to, albeit with some striking orange silver and white bodywork. It also receives Marchesini wheels with Pirelli Supercorsa tyres, and upgraded Brembo stoppers and Öhlins suspension – judging by the pictures – over the standard version. The official Ducati MotoGP team colours are designed to exactly replicate Michele Pirro’s winning Race Of Champions bike from World Ducati Week 2018.
Alongside the previously unseen bikes were examples of the new Ducati Scrambler range: the new Scrambler Icon, Cafè Racer, Full Throttle, and Desert Sled, and Ducati also proudly showed off the new Multistrada 1260 Enduro. Together with these, Ducati show off their new Monster 25th Anniversary, first seen at WDW2018, and the brand new Monster 821 Stealth, featuring matt black livery with red graphics, quick-shifter, and adjustable fork and nose fairing. But another exciting bike for 2019 is the new Multistrada 950 S, featuring a host of upgrades over the baby Multi’. Included on the new model are: Ducati Skyhook Suspension, an up- and down- quick-shifter, full-LED headlight, 5-inch TFT display, Hands-Free system, Cruise Control, and backlit switchgear controls. It also inherits the side ‘wings’ from the new 1260 Multistrada, and Bosch ABS cornering to improve active safety.
All new for 2019 is the Ducati Hypermotard 950 – racy, adrenaline-packed, but still rider-friendly. The ‘fun bike’ has been given a full make-over, with new looks, overhauled ergonomics, and an ultra-advanced chassis set-up and electronics package. The new Hypermotard is fitted with a 937cc Testastretta engine, producing 114hp. Controlling the power is a full suite of electronics, including Bosch Cornering ABS with the Slid by Brake function, Ducati Traction Control EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, and Ducati Quick Shift Up and Down EVO as an accessory on the 950 – standard on the 950 SP. The up-spec’d Hypermotard 950 SP also features a flat seat, increased-travel Öhlins suspension (to ensure an acuter lean angle), and Marchesini forged wheels.
Not forgetting the cruiser-riders, Ducati have also unveiled the Ducati Diavel 1260. The second generation Diavel remains faithful to the original spirit of the special bike, drawing on the key styling elements while putting an even more contemporary edge on the new bike – with more aggressive bodywork and higher performance, the Testastretta DVT 1262cc engine produces 159hp at 9500rpm, and 129Nm at 7500rpm. Bosch Cornering ABS keeps it all in check, assisted by a new tubular steel trellis frame, for superb handling, surprising lean angles, and outstanding comfort. The sportier Diavel 1260 S is also available, with fully adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear, dedicated wheels, and higher performance brakes. The S model also features Ducati Quick Shift Up and Down EVO as standard.
