Friday, November 18, 2011

2012 V-Twin Superbikes

As mentioned in a previous post, I was really excited to see the release of the 2012 Ducati Panigale. From what I have read, it is supposed to be quite a machine. To add to this, the rebirth of Erik Buell and the EBR1190RS is another point of excitement for 2012 as is the update to the 2012 KTM RC8. What do each of these bikes have in common, they are V-Twin powered superbikes!

With the introduction of these 2012 models, wouldn't it be great if one of the major motorcycle magazines initiated a 2012 V-Twin Superbike Shootout? Speaking for myself, it would be one comparison that I would be most interested in reading!

After some online research, here is a quick comparison of the power plants behind these three superbikes.

2012 Ducati Panigale


Type: Superquadro: L-twin cylinder 1199CC, 4 valve per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled
Bore x Stroke: 112 x 60.8mm
Power: 195hp (143kw) @ 10,750rpm
Peak Torque: 98.1lb-ft (132Nm) @ 9,000rpm
Exhaust: 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes. Twin stainless steel mufflers with aluminum outer sleeves
Transmission: 6-Speed
Clutch: Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control

2012 EBR1190RS


Type: Liquid cooled V twin
Bore X Stroke: 4.17 x 2.66 (106 x 67.5 mm)
Displacement: 72.6 cu 1190CC
Compression Ratio: 13.6 :1
Fuel Delivery: Dual 61mm throttle bodies
Exhaust: Primary + Secondary
Peak Torque: 97 ft-lbs @ 9400 rpm
Peak Horsepower: 175 hp @ 9750 rpm
Clutch: Wet multi-plate, slipper
Transmission: 6 speed

2012 KTM RC8


Design: 2-cylinder 4-stroke Otto motor, 75° V arrangement, water-cooled
Displacement: 1,195 cm³ (72.92 cu in)
Bore: 105 mm (4.13 in)
Stroke: 69 mm (2.72 in)
Performance: 129 kW (173 hp)
Peak Torque: 93.7 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed claw gears
Cooling: Water cooling, permanent circulation of coolant by water pump
Clutch: Multi-disc clutch in oilbath / hydraulically operated

Based on the information above, it appears that the Ducati Panigale has a major horsepower advantage over the EBR 1190RS and the KTM RC8, but there are other innovations that have to be considered too re: engine torque, frame, weight, suspension, traction control, etc.,...something a V-Twin Superbike Shootout would tell us. Which V-Twin Superbike do you think would come out on top?

Friday, November 11, 2011

Ducati - Checkmate!

The new 195hp Ducati 1199 Panigale...looks like an amazing machine!




I love the sound of the Superquadro engine...check this out, "Checkmate"!



Further information, multimedia and pics available at Ducati's Panigale 1199 website.