Following its full redesign this season
Ducati is releasing an ‘R’ super premium variation of its 1199 Panigale Superbike. The 2013 Panigale R is outfitted with a number of race parts for well-to-do riders looking to exploit performance at every turn.
The engine features titanium connecting rods and a lighter fly wheel that drops almost three pounds of reciprocating mass. This allows the already fast spinning and rev-happy engine to pile on revs even faster. The valvetrain also gets a special ultra-slippery DLC coating which allowed engineers to boost the rev limiter to 12,000 rpm—an astonishing high number for an big-bore 1198cc V-Twin.
Electronics-wise the R-spec machine uses updated engine and throttle mapping (just like the standard and ‘S’ model) in conjunction with the racing-style exhaust sourced from Termignoni. Ducati claims the pipe and mapping equate to a 3% increase in top-end power and a 15% increase through mid-range. Lower final drive gearing (15/41; two-tooth bigger rear sprocket) further enhances acceleration. The motorcycle comes standard with a multi-mode anti-lock brake system that can also be disabled if the rider so chooses.
Electronically adjustable Ohlins suspension is used just like the ‘S’ model, however this bike takes chassis set-up to the next level by allowing mechanics to alter the swingarm pivot angle based on track conditions or rider preference. To increase its aesthetics while simultaneously cutting weight, the bike is adorned in carbon fiber galore pushing the motorcycle’s dry weight down to just under 364 pounds. Additionally it gets a special seat cover fabric said to increase rear suspension and road feel.
Ducati’s GPS-enabled data acquisition system is also standard allowing the rider to better analyze their performance on the racetrack. The 2013 Panigale R will be available in red only at a cost of $29,995—that’s a 40% increase premium over the base model.
