Last Tuesday, June 23, 2015, Ducati Philippines invited select members of motorcycle media to join them in the press presentation and test of the Ducati Panigale 1299 S at the Clark International Speedway.
Miguel Bichara getting technical about the 1299
Ducati boss Toti Alberto describing his experience on the 1299
It was truly a feast for the eyes as well as the ears as the various top of the line Ducati race bikes were on display along with the Panigale 1299 S. On one side of the paddock stood Ducati Philippines head honcho Toti Alberto’s Superleggera. On the other side was the Panigale 1199 R and in between the two Superbikes was the Monster 821 which was launched just a week ago.
Trying the Ducati Monster 821 on the track.
I had a chance to take the Monster out on the track and I was in awe at the bikes dexterity and stability in the turns. Another thing that really jumps out at you when you ride the Monster 821 is the weight, this bike is really really light. I hope to have more time on the Monster soon, on a road test, where the bike truly belongs.
C! Magazine’s Maynard Marcelo on the Panigale 1299 S
Being a newbie on the tracks I passed on riding the Superbikes and listened in on the more seasoned riders feedback about how it performed. Everyone was blown away at how stable and light the bike was. Engine power was more than adequate, even when set at the low and medium power setting. The one thing everyone was raving about was the DQS (Ducati Quick Shift). This feature enabled you to shift without using the clutch. As Toti Alberto explained during the press briefing, you could run up the straight and shift up to the high gears and as soon as you need to downshift all you need to do is release the throttle and shift without touching the clutch. The bike then shifts down, blipping automatically, without a hitch. Another highlighted feature is the IMU or Inertial Measuring Unit which allows for the cornering ABS. There is so much electronics packed into the Panigale 1299 S that it’s practically described as “idiot proof”.
I’m pretty sure the racers out there are looking out for the R version of the Panigale 1299, but till then they’ll have to do with this do it all beauty.
The Panigale 1299 S and Monster 821 is available at Ducati Manila and Ducati Alabang.