Well into the 3rd year/summer with the Panigale now and after 12,000 phenomenal miles it's not going to be long before making a decision for 2015 and deciding whether to stick with the current bike or upgrade.
Ducati appear (to me anyway) to be running in 2 year cycles. 2012 for the Panigale, 2014 for the Panivagina (sorry, couldn't resist
), so 2016 for the next major upgrade to the 1199?
If there is a major upgrade due in 2016 then I'll almost certainly hold off for next year. IMO it's hard to imagine how they can improve the bike significantly and my guess would be an evolution of the 1199 rather than a complete overhaul. I'm guessing the next bike will come with more electronic wizardry, less weight more power... I suspect the next 'big' thing though, for road riders at least, will be semi active suspension.
Given that most of my riding is on the road that would be a big draw. Which models will it be fitted to though? Most of what I've read on the HP4 suggests it doesn't give a significant advantage on the track whilst adding weight. So will Ducati consider putting it on the S as well as the R if the main benefit is found on the road?
I know this is just speculation but I'd be interested to get other views on when you think the next bike will be released and which improvements we can expect.
Ducati appear (to me anyway) to be running in 2 year cycles. 2012 for the Panigale, 2014 for the Panivagina (sorry, couldn't resist
), so 2016 for the next major upgrade to the 1199?If there is a major upgrade due in 2016 then I'll almost certainly hold off for next year. IMO it's hard to imagine how they can improve the bike significantly and my guess would be an evolution of the 1199 rather than a complete overhaul. I'm guessing the next bike will come with more electronic wizardry, less weight more power... I suspect the next 'big' thing though, for road riders at least, will be semi active suspension.
Given that most of my riding is on the road that would be a big draw. Which models will it be fitted to though? Most of what I've read on the HP4 suggests it doesn't give a significant advantage on the track whilst adding weight. So will Ducati consider putting it on the S as well as the R if the main benefit is found on the road?
I know this is just speculation but I'd be interested to get other views on when you think the next bike will be released and which improvements we can expect.
