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Ducati Streetfighter 1199 Panigale Rumored for EICMA 2014

Even though the idea has been around for some time now and Ducati has neither confirmed nor denied the rumors, we might just get to see the Italian manufacturer revealing a naked version of its successful 1199 Panigale superbike.
Ducati Streetfighter 1199 Panigale 2 photos
Photo: Ducati MS
Ducati Streetfighter 1199 Panigale
This move seems like a natural one, as the naked big-bore segment seems to be revived, with the additions from EBR, BMW and Suzuki being only few of the most recent ones. Ducati has been playing around with the idea for some time, first introducing the Monster 1200 and now expected to up the game for the sport machine niche, as well.

Reports from Italy mention that Ducati has already initiated actual road tests with the bike, even though no spy photos or more detailed information was made available. Anyway, in case the rumors are true, we’re definitely going to get some spy shots, as Ducati is not exactly good at maintaining total privacy in such matters. The photo of the upcoming Scrambler was taken in a space thought to be secure and verified…

As for the new naked machine, we can safely presume it will drop most of the bodywork the 1199 Panigale is showing off, with a revised riding position to a more upright, comfort-focused stance for better all-round usability. The engine may be dumbed down a bit, following the recipe of all manufacturers which develop naked motorcycles from their successful superbikes. 180 horsies are rumored to be the peak power of the naked machine, and this is more than enough for quite an exhilarating ride, especially as the new bike will most likely retain much of the 1199 Panigale’s character.

Rumors have it that the Streetfighter 1199 could tip the scales around 190 kg (419 lb) wet, and this sounds just like the current 1199 Panigale. Voices in the industry say that the 848 might be phased out soon, so seeing Ducati preparing a replacement bike for it makes a lot of sense. And in case sub-liter naked machines will be needed, we can’t see a reason why the 899 Panigale couldn’t receive a more scantily-dresses sibling, as well. The photo is a Ducati MS rendering, anyway.
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