Cycle News

2015 DUCATI 1299 PANIGALE S FIRST RIDE P58 tems in the first place, and b), what settings best suit his or her tastes/skill level/physical build etc., because there's now an even bigger range of options in terms of electronic setup. I tried moving to level 1 on the TC from default level 3 in Race mode, but after getting a couple of serious slides exiting that uphill left, as well as feeling the rear end walk- ing on me while accelerating hard through the downhill right hander on to the main straight, I decided that wasn't such a good idea and switched back to level 2. And I could do so on the go, because DTC was the pro- gram I'd left accessible on the computer. I wasn't completely happy with the DWC anti-wheelie program, which seemed rather inconsistent. More work needed here, I think, which is strange, because the same program on the Superleggera worked flaw- lessly. Hmm. The new three-mode Bosch 9.1MP anti-lock braking system with Cornering ABS function is an improvement over before, because it feels smoother and more natural in operation. The fact you can adjust the level of intervention is great, and in selecting level 2 of the three available, you can certainly feel the ABS depriving you of some braking power as you try to squeeze the front brake harder. This particularly happened brak- ing downhill over shiny tarmac on the entrance into that first left-hander, which initially robbed me of some confidence. That was until I realized it was actually doing its job and preventing me from locking the front wheel and activating the ABS cutout, at the cost of missing my brake marker and running wide. Opting for level 1 that sensation of being deprived of braking force disappeared, and I got maximum bite for a more normal feeling, presumably still with some protec- tion. I will admit to not being brave enough to clamp on the brakes in the middle of a turn to see if the new Cornering ABS function works, but that's only available in Sport mode, anyway. It's aimed at street use, and not available in Race mode. Phew. I N C O N C L U S I O N With the creation of the big-bore 1299, Ducati's engineers have fixed the Panigale. For this is the infinitely refined modern expres- sion of the traditional old-style desmo V-twin technology. It has both phenomenal top end performance and a meaty mid- range (thanks to tons of torque), wrapped up in a modern archi- tecture complete with the spinoff benefits of its compacted mass and ultra-stiff semi-monocoque chassis. Exploring the vast poten- tial of the upgraded electronics package is something each new owner will have to spend time patiently experimenting with, but the net result is an infinitely nicer road bike than the 1199 ever was. The 1299 Panigale is a very, very fast motorcycle that you can practically ride on autopilot. You shift gears when it feels right (re- member—don 't touch the clutch lever!) without waiting for the shifter lights to flash. Just shift and then revel in the responsive midrange and poised handling. Job done, Ducati. This is a very fine motorcycle. The best you've ever made yet with lights and a licence plate—no question about it. Nothing succeeds like ex- cess, and the 116mm-bore Ducati 1299 Panigale is certainly proof of that. CN "THE WAY THAT DUCATI HAS COMPACTED THE MASS OF THE BIKE WITH THE SUPERQUADRO ENGINE ARCHITECTURE— PLUS STICKING THE EXHAUST CENTRALLY UNDER THE ENGINE— MAKES FOR A BIKE THAT IS VERY AGILE AND PREDICTABLE IN THE WAY IT CHANGES DIRECTION."

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