2017 Panigale 1299S Steering Damper

I took delivery of my brand new Ducati Panigale 1299 S last week (2017 UK March plate). When getting the bike up on the paddock stand in the garage I noticed the steering damper is completely not aligned with the center yoke/handlebars. Next morning I contacted the Ducati dealer to explain I just spent £22,000 surely this should be straight! The dealer informed me that this is common on Panigale's and not possible to fix. Not quite response I was expecting.

I then popped into two local dealerships and have yet to find a Panigale that has the same issue or anyone that's come by it on a new Panigale before.

So, situation is I'm still waiting to get this resolved by the dealer.

I know Ducati wouldn't release a £22k bike out like this.

Has anyone experienced same issue? I have feeling the dealership will try to string this out and go down the warranty route. I just need to get it resolved.

PS. Uploading photo shortly

1299S Steering Damper Alignment

Photo of steering damper alignment. Taken day of delivery!

It's Normal.

Thanks, I just have not come across it before. The other 2 dealerships were also confused!

Yeah. Normal. Mine too.

Yep same as mine. Don't sweat it.

If it works and keeps you from tank slapping then its OK in my book!

Under heavy acceleration at the track this bike sends to have the front wheel just skimming the tarmac most of the time if not in a full wheelie.. it really NEEDS a steering damper.. I set mine pretty firm when on the track..

Speedy

when i look at my steer damper its straight..

Gee thanks, now I have a wonky Panigale........ I can't unsee it

Macgrey said:

Thanks, I just have not come across it before. The other 2 dealerships were also confused!

Click to expand...

Something has changed because it was straight on the 1199. At least on my 2012 1199S model anyway.

Never noticed it before. Stealth black helps to unsee the alignment. Especially seeing it a second time in the dash.

Got my 17 1299s 10days ago, dident ride it yet, steering damper not aligned.

By the way, should the S damper be changed? Or to stay stock ?

Probably designed straight on the 1199 with 24.5 degrees rake. Give the revised chassis of the 1299 24 degrees rake and the same mounting point for the steering damper, and it's not aligned anymore. I'll take the 1299 chassis and a less than aligned steering damper any day of the week

It hasn't been straight on either of my 1299's, but they definitely still work.