New 2019 Ducati Panigale V4 R, Diavel 1260 and Hypermotard 950 unveiled

Ducati has unveiled its 2019 product portfolio that comprises of new and updated models. The Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer will display its 2019 range of products at the 2018 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy. Among the line-up were three all-new variants of its existing brands while rest were refreshed versions. In this post, we will cover all the details of the new 2019 Panigale V4 R, Diavel 1260 and Hypermotard 950.

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Speaking at the conference, Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding said:

This year sees the first major overhaul of the entire Scrambler range since its inception, plus a complete renewal of the Diavel and Hypermotard, two bikes that are firm favourites with Ducatisti. The Panigale V4 R, in fact, is the most powerful factory motorcycle ever built by Ducati.

Ducati Panigale V4 R

The Ducati Panigale V4 R is aimed to meet the norms of the road-legal WSBK category. For those of you who do not know, WSBK requires the motorcycle to have a displacement below 1,000cc. The current Panigale V4 is equipped with a 1,103cc.

Similar to the current Panigale V4, the R version uses technology taken directly from MotoGP. Apart from a new engine and suspension set-up, the Panigale V4 R also gets a new fairing that is designed and developed by Ducati Corse, in collaboration with Ducati Style Centre, to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The new fairing also incorporates the aerofoil appendages (or winglets) that are aimed to increase stability throughout the ride and to reduce reliance on electronic controls.

The Desmosedici Stradale 1,103cc engine has been replaced with the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R to comply with displacement limits set by WSBK rules. Unlike the larger V4, the 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R is tuned to offer extreme performance as power delivery has been designed with the track in mind. It’s lighter than the V4S, tipping the weighing scale at 193 kg (kerb)/173 kg (dry). The lower displacement did not compromise on the power output. In fact, the engine on the Panigale V4 R delivers a 221 hp of power at 15,250 rpm.

The performance figures can go further higher with the full-racing Ducati Performance exhaust by Akrapovič, boosting the maximum power to 234 hp at 15,500 rpm, making the Panigale V4 R the most potent Ducati factory motorcycle ever.

Hypermotard 950

The Hypermotard 950, which was spotted via spy images, has also been unveiled at the conference. The motorcycle gets a makeover, and the new version takes the styling cue from the supermotard race world. It has shed 4 kgs over the previous model and features a renewed 937 cc Testastretta 11° engine that delivers a healthy 114 hp of maximum power and 96 Nm of peak torque - of which 80% is already available at 3,000 rpm. The power is tamed with new electronics to ensure smoother control.

The comprehensive 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). The more premium SP version comes with a flat seat, increased-travel Öhlins suspension, and Marchesini forged wheels.

Ducati Diavel 1260

Lastly, Ducati also unveiled the new iteration of its power cruiser, the Diavel. The second-generation Diavel 1260 carries the silhouette of the brand while receiving an updated engine. The motorcycle now gets Testastretta DVT 1262cc engine that delivers 159 hp of maximum power at 9,500 rpm and 129 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm.

The motorcycle’s chassis has also been upgraded for better response. The top-drawer technology and electronics provide braking performance is claimed to be at par with that of a sports bike. The chassis on the new 2019 Diavel 1260 is a new tubular steel Trellis frame. The power cruiser continues to use its 17" inch rear wheel with a 240 mm wide tyre.

For people who want more from the Diavel can opt for the sportier S version that features include fully adjustable Öhlins suspension at both front and rear and an even higher-performance braking system. Moreover, the S version mounts Ducati Quick Shift up & down Evo (DQS) as standard.

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The 6-axis Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU) detects bike speed and acceleration for proper operation of many of the control devices. The electronics package includes Bosch Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Power Launch (DPL) EVO and Cruise Control.