CW FIRST RIDE 2014 DUCATI 899 PANIGALE

摘要

Dark skies and rain-soaked roads awaited my arrival in Bologna, Italy, for the international press launch of Ducati's new-for-2014 899 Panigale at the nearby Imola circuit. A natural successor to the 848 EVO sportbike, the mid-displacement 898CC V-twin faithfully delivers the cutting-edge styling and technology of its 1199 superbike sibling to a broader audience. In preparation for the wet conditions, the standard fitment Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa radials (120/70-17 front and 180/60-17 rear sizes) were swapped for World Superbike-spec Pirelli Diablo Rains-a soft-compound, heavily grooved full wet race tire. Suspension settings were also adjusted softer to suit the wet conditions.