Ducati is tipped to be introducing a naked version of the Panigale.
Industry rumours run thick at this time of year as we approach the major motorcycle shows in Milan and Cologne with the latest tip being a naked version of the Ducati Panigale superbike.
Currently there is only an 848 Streetfighter in the line-up but an 1199 Streetfighter would be a very potent addition.
BMW S 1000 RIt’s a sound suggestion and would be a good move in the wake of BMW’s successful naked version of the S 1000 RR, Kawasaki’s naked Ninja and the introduction of the KTM 1290 Super Duke R.
But Ducatt is already committed to launching the Scrambler at the Cologne Intermot show in October, so maybe the Streetfighter model would be held back for home turf at the Milan EICMA show in November.
While the Scrambler will appeal to the misty-eyed nostalgics, a Streetfighter would target the red-blooded hoon with its 180 horsepower Superquadro engine. However, it could be de-tuned for a more torquey performance.
The upright riding position would certainly add to its ability to wheelstand … and of course improve rider visibility in traffic!
We could only hope they would do something about the incredible heat that radiates out of the Panigale fairing, as well as lower the seat height to make it more palatable top a wider audience.
It remains to be seen whether it would get all the electronic ride raids, such as electronic suspension.