The Ducati 1199R - The Super Trick Homologation Model
Hot on the heels of the stock and S model Ducati 1199 Panigale comes the one one we've all been waiting for – the Ducati 1199R. This is the super trick homologation model, built to tick the box so that Ducati can go racing with it in 2013. Of course, Ducati has a long history of R models, so we can expect the factory to hit the ground running when it comes to racing.The Ducati 1199R model isn't however, the Ducati Panigale RS, the race ready machine debuted at the Cologne motor show. That model is the straight-from-the-crate racer from the Ducati Corse department, a model for race teams to be almost track ready with so they don't have to mess about with taking the road kit off. To buy one of these, you'll be expected to have a pit garage in World Superbike Racing at the very least and be ready to drop the best part of 5 million Baht on one.
The Ducati 1199R, on the other hand, is the breathed-on road motorcycle, that will feature a full Termignoni exhaust system with dedicated ECU mapping, 700 grams lighter flywheel, DLC coated rocker arms, titanium con rods and an upped rev limit to push the motorcycle beyond its 195 horsepower base – to the tune of three percent. More importantly, these changes will broaden the motorcycle's power band and make it more amenable for pushing hard out of the turn with a 15 percent boost in the midrange, helped here by a more springly final drive ratio.
Visually, the biggest changes is the switch to the brushed aluminum tank, but there are additional carbon fiber bits all over the motorcycle. Suspension is the same from the DES equiped 1199S, and the Ducati 1199R hits the scales at 165 kilograms dry. Color and graphics changes distinguish this motorcycle from the other models, so be in the look-out. There's no work yet on the retail prices, but if you have to ask, you can't afford it....
