Ducati 1199 Panigale S

Even though the legendary Ducati 916 wasn’t by any stretch of the imagination the first superbike from the Bologna-based firm, it was the first model to propel Ducati from motorcycle manufacturer to global art supplier. Quiet simply, the 916 was, and is, seen as an icon of two-wheeled design. That it was ‘quite handy’ on the track did that raw sex appeal no harm whatsoever. The only problem Ducati had from there was what to do next. The 916 was superseded by the 999, a bike measurably better in many ways, but missing that X-factor that you buy a Ducati for. In musical terms, the Italian brand had found its difficult second album.

Just one look at the 1199 Panigale S is enough to convince even the most fanatical 916-worshipper that the music is back – harder, louder, smoother and better than before. But you can’t just take a look at the new bike. No, you have to let your eyes drink in the detail to the point of intoxication.

At the recent Australian Superbike Championship round at Sydney’s Eastern Creek (sounds better than the proper Sydney Motorsport Park name it’s now called), I parked the bike at the back of the pits. It was amazing how much attention (and paw prints) the Ducati attracted at an event where big buck racebikes were two-a-penny. Ironically, there wasn’t a single Panigale the other side of the pit garages, on the actual track. Yep, Ducati might have brought sexy back but the race wins are still being composed.

But I reckon you’d not buy this bike to go racing or taking in track days. I mean, Honda’s Fireblade is a much cheaper proposition to lap quicker for most riders (tracking a Ducati invariably involves a bit more understanding of the bike when compared to a Japanese superbike). Nope, you have a Panigale so you can show everybody you have.

And why wouldn’t you? The week-long test on this bike had me talking to many more people than any other bike attracts. Every time the bike was parked up, there would be somebody looking, pointing, prodding or inquiring about it. Love or hate Ducati, nobody else can match its essence of desirability. Especially in the trademark blood red…

So, apart from the art of Zen, lightness and wellbeing, what does $33,990 buy you? The engine sound is mechanical porn. From a menacing tick-over that sounds like the pistons are trying desperately to escape their cylinders, the huge V-twin has that slightly un-even gloriously bellowing rumble that sounds like a diving Messerschmitt plane.

It tricks you into thinking that the engine might labour when you open the throttle, but the reaction is brutal and sweet at the same time. There’s three engine modes blah, blah, blah. But the only one you need is Race. The 195 horses feel like they’ve been on a diet of steaks and steroids, and are literally ready to burst out and spin that crank.

Within a few metres, it’s clear that Panigale is Italian for unicycle, and the front wheel is nothing more than a parking aid. In first, in second, in third, the so-delicate top clamp and massively beefy headstock rise up to greet you before being dropped back to earth as your gear change awakes the quickshift that momentarily cuts the ignition. Often met with a satisfying pop as the sparks gets re-introduced to the combustion cycle, the system sees the clutch redundant after the initial take-off.

Like the firm’s new Multistrada, the Panigale uses electronically controlled suspension, the Ohlins units controlled from the left-hand switchgear. With 39 settings each for compression and rebound, front and rear, along with eight levels of traction control, three levels of ABS and three levels of engine braking (yup, you can change and control that too), you’ve a reason to park up outside that busy coffee shop so you can figure it all out. Of course, you’re not showing off, just doing essential research…

Those looking while you’re doing your due diligence will notice that the Panigale S is the first production bike to have a fully LED headlight, as well as angled LED taillights that throw a night-time glow back through the tiny seat unit’s vents.

The race dash spells speed, and the actually quite useful mirrors help licence needs. And if you can’t see the beauty in the form of the footpeg hangers, I’d suggest you shoot your guide dog…

Downsides? There’s a couple (once you get past the 33,990 obvious ones). The saddle is small and narrow and you can often feel the electronic ports on the side-mounted rear shock dig in your inner thigh. But by far and away the most divisive aspect of the bike is the heat from the rollercoaster of exhaust pipping that runs under the seat. On a 10-degree winter morning, it could be sold as a comfort extra, chestnuts roasting on an open fire and all that. But even when the outside temp is barely nudging 20, the heat is heading towards immense. I’d imagine that a 30-plus day would feel like Lucifer himself has just given you a tea-bagging.

Self-immolation aside, it’s rare that a bike gives you such a complete experience. Just by association you feel better about life, even if that life is just a commute to work. Because the bike is so slim, it’s actually a brilliant bike in traffic (I know, it sounds like I’m trying to convince the wife...). And sitting at a set of soon-to change lights on this snarling beast is one of the most sublime feelings there are.

There’s no such thing as a single bike for all occasions and all riders. But even if you’d never consider buying one, it’d be hard for an aspect of this bike not to awaken some hidden urge in you.

>1199 Panigale S in Bike Showroom
>1199 Panigale Ss for sale