Things at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show are spicing up with more and more product showcases and launches. The Italian auto manufacturer, Ducati unveiled its smaller capacity Panigale model, on which the company was actively working on since a while. Ducati has named the model as 899 Panigale and with this model it will be replacing the 848 bike that has fared quite well for the company. As told by superbike manufacturer, the upcoming model will be available in two colour options, namely red with black alloys and white with red alloys. This low capacity version of Panigale will share similar design to its elder sibling, the 1199 Panigale and it will be provided with limited features so as to make it affordable for buyers.
As revealed by the company, 899 Panigale will come equipped with a L-Twin liquid-cooled engine that displaces 898 cc. The power output levels stand at 148 bhp at 10750 rpm while for torque, the figures stand at 99 Nm at 9000 rpm. The upcoming bike shall have a reduced bore and stroke of 100 mm x 57.2 mm as opposed to the 1199's 112 mm x 60.8 mm. Transmission of this engine will have a 6-speed gearbox with Ducati's Quick Shift mechanism. Apart from it, the bike features Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), electronic throttle control and three stage braking system.
As far as the design aspect of this bike is concerned, 899 Panigale retains the same platform of its elder sibling. Whether it be LED lights, integrated turn signal indicators on rear view mirror or the edgy body design of 1189 Panigale, almost everything has been carried over in the recently unveiled bike of Ducati.
899 Panigale has been also provided with Ducati Riding Modes where in the race model enables the rider to use full length of produced output through direct Ride-by-Wire (RbW) throttle response having less anti-rear lift. In contrast, the other mode known as Sport Riding allows usage of 148 bhp but with a more refined Ride-by-Wire (RbW) throttle response, which leads to more anti-rear lift. The lighter version of Panigale is also equipped with a Wet Riding mode wherein the bikes gives a decreased 110 bhp having a smooth RbW throttle response, having a fully enhanced Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to give a firm grip on slippery roads.
The low capacity Panigale will be seen having ten-spoke wheels having front and rear dimensions of 17 x 3.5 inches and 17 x 5.5 inches, respectively. The tyres of the bike will sport the Pirelli logo that are sized 120/70ZR-17 and 180/60ZR-17 with giving due respect to front and rear ones. The braking system is made more efficient by the 320 mm dual disc system of Brembo provided in the front tyres while for the rear ones, Ducati has given 245 mm two piston units in 899 Panigale.
It must be noted that till now no official word is available on the introduction of Ducati 899 Panigale but it is expected that the bike might make its way in international markets by 2014, while the Indian launch will soon follow. For pricing, Ducati has placed Panigale 899 at $14,995 for the red colour with black wheels, which translates to somewhere around Rs. 9 lakh in India but as launch is seemingly far ahead, these figures are expected to increase.
