2015 DUCATI PANIGALE R
FIRST RIDE
P60
with heavy catalyst) centrally un-
der the engine makes for a bike
that is very agile and predictable
in the way it changes direction
thanks to the way the mass
has been compacted, and the
slightly sharper steering geom-
etry is surely a function in that,
too. Flicking it from side to side
in Imola's quarter of chicanes
was really rewarding, especially
putting your faith in the front
Pirelli to keep up turn speed
through the two faster ones be-
tween the pits and Tosa. That's
because the conventional Öhlins
fork gives good front end feed-
back while you're on the side of
the tire, making braking deep
into a turn then letting off the
brakes to keep up turn speed a
valid option, readying yourself for
how fast the revamped engine
spins up when you get back on
the gas again for the drive out of
the bend. And thanks to the stiff
chassis it pays off to be quite
aggressive in how you change
direction on the Panigale R, be-
cause you can speed up doing
so without upsetting the bike's
comportment.
After three years spent gradu-
ally refining its reinvention of the
twin-cylinder Superbike, Ducati
has now a proven race-winner
on its books. The new Panigale
R is one of the most thrilling
rides presently available that
money can buy – one that now
has the all-round performance to
live up to its gorgeous looks. CN
