Ducati unveils three all-new 2019 models ahead of EICMA

Ducati has unveiled its 2019 collection of motorcycles ahead of EICMA in Milan this week, revealing three all-new models in the Panigale V4 R, Diavel 1260 and Hypermotard 950.

Compared to previous R versions, the Panigale V4 R is now even more specialised and bristles with technology taken directly from MotoGP. The modifications extend far beyond the engine and suspension set-up – they also include the fairing, designed and developed by Ducati Corse in close collaboration with the Ducati Style Centre to improve aerodynamic efficiency.

The new fairing also incorporates the aerofoil appendages developed for the MotoGP prototypes. Made of carbon fibre, they increase stability throughout the ride, to allow for reduced reliance on electronic controls, boosting confidence for the pinnacle of rider performance

The Panigale V4 R is, to all intents and purposes, a road-legal WorldSBK category competition bike and constitutes the technical foundation for the official Ducati Superbikes that will compete in the world championship as from the 2019 season.

The Desmosedici Stradale 1103cc engine has been replaced with the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R to comply with displacement limits set by WorldSBK rules. Unlike the larger V4 – designed to provide fluid power delivery and excellent low-rev pulling power for optimal road use – the 998cc powerplant offers more extreme performance as power delivery has been designed with the track in mind.

Moreover, it’s characterised by lighter internal components which reduces the overall bike weight by 2kg compared to the Panigale V4S, bringing the kerb weight down to just 193kg. Greater air intake efficiency allows faster engine ‘rev-up’ and shifts the rpm red zone higher to ensure improved acceleration.

The result is 221hp (162kW) of power at 15,250rpm (EU homologation values), 2,250rpm higher than the point of peak power on the 1103cc V4. These impressive figures can be taken even higher by fitting the full-racing Ducati Performance exhaust by Akrapovic, which boosts maximum power to 234hp (172kW) at 15,500rpm. In short, it’s the most powerful Ducati factory motorcycle ever!

Another major development unveiled is the new Diavel 1260. Unconventional, unique and absolutely unmistakeable – as soon as it was launched at EICMA 2010 the Diavel stunned with its personality, design, sport naked handling and thoroughbred engine.

The second-generation Diavel 1260 remains faithful to the original spirit of that incredibly special bike, drawing on its key styling elements and putting a decidedly more contemporary slant on them: it now offers more assertive outlines and higher performance, is more fun on mixed-road routes and offers greater comfort for rider and passenger alike.

Its sport naked soul is evident in the Testastretta DVT 1262 engine, capable of delivering 159hp (117kW) at 9,500rpm and 129Nm (13.1kgm) at 7,500rpm. An immensely satisfying torque curve ensures both breath-taking acceleration and a low-rev smoothness that’s ideal for everyday riding or touring.

An upgraded chassis set-up makes the Diavel 1260 more responsive on mixed-road routes while top-drawer technology and electronics provide braking performance on a par with that of a sport bike and user-friendly engine performance control.

The excellent riding position and ‘power cruiser’ ergonomics that helped make this motorcycle so successful remain unaltered – what has changed is the chassis set-up, characterised by a new tubular steel trellis frame that goes perfectly with another Diavel hallmark, the 17-inch rear wheel with its 240mm wide tyre.

A sportier S version of the Diavel 1260 is also available, featuring fully-adjustable Ohlins suspension at both front and rear, dedicated wheels and an even higher-performance braking system. The S version mounts Ducati Quick Shift up and down Evo (DQS) as standard to allow clutchless shifting.

The new Hypermotard 950 is now racier, more adrenalin-packed and rider-friendly. The Ducati ‘fun bike’ par excellence has been given a full-blown makeover – the new look takes its cue from the supermotard race world, the completely overhauled ergonomics ramps up the fun and riders can now count on an ultra-advanced chassis set-up and electronics package.\

A full 4kg lighter than the previous model, the new Hypermotard 950 mounts a renewed 937cc Testastretta 11-degree engine with a more muscular 114hp, combining greater pulling power with new electronics to ensure smoother control. The Hypermotard 950 electronics package includes Bosch Cornering ABS with the Slide by Brake function, Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC EVO), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO (as standard on the 950 SP version and available as an accessory on the 950).

Now even higher-performing and with racing overtones, the Hypermotard 950 SP features a flat seat, increased-travel Ohlins suspension to ensure an acuter lean angle, Marchesini forged wheels and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO. Pricing and availability for all three in Australian are yet to be determined.