2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R | Preview

2013 Ducati 1199 R

For Ducatisti, the “R” models – the closest bikes to pure-breed race machines – have always been the most desirable.

The last true “R” model to arrive in superbike format was the 1198 R Corse, which retailed for a few bucks under $40K. The bike received race-derived styling upgrades, along with a race kit that was highlighted by titanium engine parts, a titanium exhaust, and other weight-saving parts.

When the 1199 was released for the 2012 model year, though, Ducati didn’t offer an R version. The bike arrived in a racier S Tricolore format, but the upgrades were basically aesthetic enhancements combined with a lighter exhaust, standard ABS and Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA).

But this changes for 2013 with the release of the Ducati 1199 Panigale R, a machine improved upon by Ducati Corse for homologation in World Superbike. And like other R models, exclusivity rules; only 1000 of 1199 Rs are expected to be produced, with only 250 hitting the US.

The 1199 R is basically an “S” model with a host of race-specific enhancements, highlighted by a light weight of 367.3 lbs. (with ABS), a three-percent increase in power, which should bring power up over 200 horsepower, and a four-point adjustable swingarm.

Helping to shave some weight from the 1199’s Superquadro Desmodromic engine is the use of titanium connecting rods (-1.38 lbs) and a lighter crankshaft flywheel (-1.54 lbs). The overly-square engine (112mm bore x 60.8mm stroke) also receives DLC-coated rocker arms and revised engine mapping, allowing the engine to rev to 12,000 rpm, which is 500rpm higher than the other 1199 models.

Adding to the R’s performance is Ducati’s “Race Kit,” which consists of a full Termignoni exhaust system and dedicated ECU, which is for “track use only.” Ducati says the Termi’s help produce a three-percent gain in horsepower at the top of the rev range, and 15-percent gain in the midrange. Ducati also quickens acceleration by offering a 15-41 final drive (15-39 on other 1199s).

Also included in the Race Kit is a “high-penetration” racing screen and fairing mirror caps in machined alloy.

The Bologna-based manufacturer further enhances the 1199 R’s Electronic Suspension (DES) by offering a four-point adjustable swingarm pivot, allowing the rider to optimize traction on corner exit.

Speaking of the adjustable swingarm, Ducati says “the settings are dialed in using two user-friendly eccentric adjusters that offer pivot positions at +2mm higher, – 2mm lower and -4mm lower than the standard position, each positively and accurately locked and located. The clearly marked, easy-to-use system provides optimum adjustability for competition use.”

For additional weight-saving, Ducati uses many carbon fiber parts on the 1199 R, including a rear hugger, rear suspension guard, heels guards, ignition switch surround and top fairing inner panels. Also included are carbon fiber protectors for the single-sided swingarm and clutch cover.

In addition, the Panigale R features a race-style seat fabric for additional feel, a GPS-enhanced DDA for automatic lap times and circuit map-linked data, and Marchesini wheels.

The 2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R will be available in red with white-lettering highlights and a mix of red and brushed aluminum on the fuel tank. The 1199 R will retail for $29,995.

2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R Highlights:

• Ducati red with white racing features color scheme
• Lightweight titanium con-rods
• Lightweight flywheel
• DLC-coated rocker-arms
• Increased rev-limit (12,000rpm)
• 4-point adjustable swingarm pivot
• Carbon fiber additions: Single-sided swingarm protector; Clutch cover protector; Rear hugger; Rear suspension guard; Footrest heel guards; Ignition switch surround; Top fairing inner panels
• Race Kit: Full Termignoni exhaust system; Up-map key with dedicated ECU mapping
• High-penetration racing screen; Fairing mirror-caps
• Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) that utilizes an Ohlins electronic 43mm front forks with adjustable Ohlins steering damper, and an Ohlins electronic TTX suspension unit on the rear
• Ducati Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Wet)
• Ducati Traction Control (DTC)
• Ducati Quick Shift (DQS)
• Engine Brake Control (EBC)
• Ride-by-Wire (RbW)
• ABS
• DDA