Chris and Martin were lucky enough to be representing Ducati Manchester at the Ducati World Premier event in Milan this weekend. As to be expected the event lived up to the hype, with Ducati presenting the 2019 range in Milan: nine bikes, including three completely new motorcycles, new versions and a first-time enduro e-mtb.
The three all-new motorcycles unveiled by Ducati in the run up to EICMA 2018 were: Panigale V4 R, Diavel 1260 and Hypermotard 950
To get the show under way, the bikes already presented ahead of the Milan fair were illustrated: the new Ducati Scrambler range, with 4 new motorcycles spanning from the Icon version to the more distinctive Cafè Racer, Full Throttle and Desert Sled, and the Multistrada 1260 Enduro.
The new Ducati e-mountainbike, the MIG-RR, also played a major role in the presentation and will have its own special area on the Ducati stand at EICMA 2018. Click here to learn more about the Ducati E-Bike
Ahead of the unveiling of the all-new motorcycles, the Première also saw presentations of the new versions that will join the 2019 range.
MONSTER 821 STEALTH
These include the Monster 25th Anniversary, first seen at WDW2018, and the new Monster 821 stealth that features matt black livery and red graphics, quick shift system, adjustable fork and nose fairing.
MULTISTRADA 950S
Another exciting 2019 bike is the new Multistrada 950 S . A major upgrade of the smallest Ducati ‘multibike’, this latest Multistrada features cutting-edge technology to boost safety and riding enjoyment: electronic Ducati Skyhook Suspension (DSS), Ducati Quick Shift up & down (DQS), full-LED headlight, 5″ colour TFT display, Hands Free system, Cruise Control and backlit switchgear controls. From a styling viewpoint, the new Multistrada 950 inherits the side ‘wings’ from its bigger 1260 counterpart, making the front even cleaner and more streamlined. It also features hydraulic control and, above all, Bosch ABS Cornering, which increases active safety.
HYPERMOTARD 950
The first of the all-new motorcycles in the Ducati 2019 range is the Hypermotard 950 , 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 4 kg lighter than the previous model, the new Hypermotard 950 mounts a renewed 937 cm³ Testastretta 11° engine with a more muscular 114 hp, 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 Öhlins suspension to ensure an acuter lean angle (+3°), Marchesini forged wheels and Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up and Down EVO.
DIAVEL 1260
Another major development, unveiled during the Ducati World Première 2019, 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 159 hp (117 kW) at 9,500 rpm and 129 Nm (13.1 kgm) at 7,500 rpm. 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 does so safely, thanks to Bosch Cornering ABS) 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 240 mm wide tyre. The outcome? Superb handling, surprising lean angles and outstanding comfort.
A sportier S version of the Diavel 1260 is also available: features include fully adjustable Öhlins suspension at both front and rear, dedicated wheels and an even higher-performance braking system. Moreover, the S version mounts Ducati Quick Shift up & down Evo (DQS) as standard to allow clutchless shifting.
PANIGALE V4S CORSE
The new livery on the Panigale V4 S Corse aroused enthusiastic interest. Created using official Ducati MotoGP team colours, it mirrors the special version with the exact same colour scheme that Michele Pirro rode to victory in the Race of Champions at WDW2018. That bike and the other 11 variants that competed in the race were won by twelve lucky enthusiasts in a global auction that attracted record-breaking bids.
PANIGALE V4R
Nevertheless, the undisputed star of the Ducati World Première 2019 – and aspiring candidate for the title of ‘best-looking bike of EICMA2018’ – was the Panigale V4 R.
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 WSBK 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.
Read full details on the Panigale V4R
Pre-Orders are being taken on the new range of 2019 Ducati Motorcycles.
Call one of our award winning showrooms today for more information on the 2019 range of Ducati – Manchester, Preston, or Stoke.