Ducati Malaysia announces the launch of 3 all-new models to the line-up in 2020.

Next Bike Sdn Bhd, the official distributor for Ducati in Malaysia today launched its highly anticipated 2020 product line-up at an event dubbed “Ducati Trio”. Launched at the event are the Ducati Panigale V4, Ducati Panigale V2 and Scrambler Icon Dark models which are now added into the already expansive Ducati and Scrambler product ranges giving the Ducati enthusiasts in Malaysia a true to Ducati experience.

Panigale V4
The Panigale range is the world’s best selling sports bike for the last 2 consecutive years with more than 8000 units sold worldwide giving it a class leading global market share of 25%. A series of refinements for 2020 on the Panigale V4 platform make for a more user-friendly, less fatiguing ride while simultaneously making the bike faster, not just on individual laps but over entire timed sessions.

Ducati and Ducati Corse engineers have crunched the feedback/data numbers from customers all over the world and Superbike World Championship events. Their analysis has led to a series of aerodynamic, chassis, electronic control and Ride by Wire mapping changes: designed to increase stability and turn-in speed, these changes make it easier to close corners and ensure riders enjoy more confident throttle control making the Panigale V4 the most engaging motorcycle on track.

The Panigale V4 and Panigale V4 S models are now equipped with content adopted directly from the V4 R, starting with the aero pack (aerofoils, screen, nose fairing and larger lateral fairings which include side vents for radiator through-air having a higher efficiency). The aero pack provides better airflow protection for the rider and improves overall vehicle stability, thereby enhancing confidence.

The Front Frame of the Panigale V4 and Panigale V4 S models is now designed and built according to Ducati Corse specifications. This change ensures stiffness targets set by Ducati Corse for the SBK championship and reduces weight even further. Greater frame flexibility means less on-track tyre stress and improved front-end feel at maximum lean angles. Completing the chassis is the light magnesium front sub-frame and the shell-cast aluminium seat sub-frame (attached to the Front Frame at the top and bolted to the head of the rear cylinder bank below).

Thanks to a new ‘predictive’ control strategy, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) EVO 2 significantly improves out-of-the-corner power control; Ducati Quick Shift up/down (DQS) EVO 2, instead, shortens up-shift times, allowing sportier high-rev gear shifts (over 10,000 rpm) and boosting shift stability during aggressive acceleration and cornering. The bike also features specially-developed Ride by Wire system mappings with several different torque delivery control logics.

Powering the Panigale V4 and Panigale V4 S models is a 1,103 cm3 Desmosedici Stradale (banked 42° back from the horizontal), a MotoGP-derived 90° V4 with Desmodromic timing, a one-of-a-kind engine featuring a counter-rotating crankshaft and Twin Pulse firing order. The engine can deliver 214 hp at 13,000 rpm and a torque of 12.6 kgm at 10,000 rpm, making for awesome road riding.

The Panigale V4 S 2020, comes standard with an Öhlins NIX-30 fork, an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock absorber and an Öhlins event-based steering damper. On this version suspension and steering damper are controlled by the second-generation Öhlins Smart EC 2.0 system which, among other things, features the new OBTi (Objective Based Tuning Interface). Included in the specifications of the Panigale V4 S is a lithium-ion battery, Marchesini forged aluminium wheels in total black as well as sports grips.

The Panigale V4 and Panigale V4 S are priced at RM 132,900 and RM 172,000 respectively, and available to order now at the nearest authorized Ducati dealership.

Ducati Panigale V2
The twin-cylinder Panigale V2 has been given a thorough makeover. It features sophisticated electronics based on a 6-axis inertial platform and, thanks to a more comfortable rider seat and the suspension set-up, offers better yet safer sports performance while making road riding more enjoyable and user-friendly than ever.

The new extensive fairing gently embraces the monocoque frame, highlighting the compactness of the Superquadro twin-cylinder engine to create a bike that is visually more compressed. Another key part of the Panigale V2 look is the single-sided swingarm and the new exhaust with extremely compact under-engine silencer and single-side end pipe. The clean lines typical of Ducati superbikes are enhanced by the traditional Ducati Red livery and black wheels, or customers can also choose an all-new White Rosso livery where the purity of Star White Silk is interrupted by the energy of Ducati Red on the rims, the front air inlets and the deflector on the upper half fairing.

The Panigale V2 sports a Euro 5 compliant, 955 cm³ Superquadro engine which delivers even more power (+5 hp) and torque (+2 Nm) than its predecessor. With a maximum power of 155 hp at 10,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm, the Superquadro remains true to its nature: as user-friendly on the road as it is powerful – yet always under control – on the track. Valve play checks are scheduled every 24,000 km and services every 12,000 km or 12 months.

Prioritising rider safety without compromising its performance, the Panigale V2 comes with safety features including ABS Bosch Cornering EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) EVO, Ducati Quick Shift Up/down (DQS) EVO and Engine Brake Control (EBC) EVO. Additionally, the bike is completed with a state-of-the-art Brembo braking system. Its front brakes are fitted with a twin M4.32 Brembo monobloc callipers actuated by master cylinders. The front callipers grip a  set of 320mm discs, while a single 24mm disc at the rear is gripped by a single Brembo calliper.

All controls are incorporated in the three Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Street) and can be adjusted via the new 4.3″ colour TFT dashboard. Featuring a user-friendly graphic interface browsing menus, adjusting settings and identifying the selected Riding Mode couldn’t be easier.

Not even the comprehensive, cutting-edge electronics package – based on the 6-axis inertial platform – leaves the rider in any doubt that the Panigale V2 has thoroughbred sports blood running through its veins. The new electronics package raises active safety and dynamic control standards by adding the cornering function to the ABS, upgrading the quickshift so it now covers down-changes and including traction control, engine brake control and wheelie control.

Customers aiming to improve their lap times can use the standard DLT GPS feature which automatically records and saves lap times and displays them directly on the dashboard each time the bike crosses the finish line, the coordinates of which are set by pressing the flasher button. If a lap time is the best of the current track session, the Best Lap function causes it to flash for 5 seconds. At every lap – for a total of 30 consecutive laps – the DLT GPS records lap time, maximum speed and lean/yaw angles. The information can be displayed on the screen via the relative menu. DLT GPS is available as a Ducati Performance plug-and-play accessory.

The Ducati Data Analyser + GPS (DDA + GPS), allows assessment of bike and rider performance by showing traces for specific data items. DDA + GPS is a vital on-track performance monitoring tool. Not only does it automatically display and record Panigale V2 lap times, it also saves other data traces such as throttle opening, bike speed, engine rpm, selected gear, engine temperature, distance travelled, rpm and DTC. DDA + GPS is available as a Ducati Performance plug-and-play accessory.

The Panigale V2 may also be used with the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS). This lets riders accept incoming calls, select and listen to music or receive text messages via Bluetooth. When the rider mounts the motorcycle the smartphone automatically connects to the bike via Bluetooth, letting the rider control the main multimedia functions. The TFT display shows the music being played, the new text message icon or caller’s name. Phone call audio and music are transmitted to the helmet earpieces. DMS is available as a Ducati Performance plug-and-play accessory.

The Panigale V2 is priced at RM 109,900 and available to order now at the nearest authorized Ducati dealership.

(Editor’s note: Impressive technology. But hopefully Ducati has sorted out the heat issues especially in the extremely hot and humid weather in Malaysia specifically and Asia generally). 

Scrambler Icon Dark
Born in 1962, the Scrambler brand was re-launched successfully in 2014 and created an all-new segment for riders to enter the world of Ducati. Since then, more than 55,000 units have found homes around the world. The Scrambler brand is defined by freedom of expression, fun environments, sharing of positive emotion and also accessible motorcycles.

The Scrambler Icon Dark now provides riders with a clean base for them to customize and personalize as they see fit, but it does not skimp on features.

An all-new headlight featuring an LED DRL and a new flat seat catches the eye. Together with a renewed suspension set-up, hydraulic clutch control with an adjustable lever and ergonomic switch-gear, the Scrambler Icon Dark provides a comfortable set up for any journey the rider undertakes. The rider also has access to a fuel gauge and a gear indicator to make rides further stress-free. (Editor’s note: These features are already common for many years and are fitted even in those underbone motorcycles, so it should not be something to brag about) 

The Scrambler Icon Dark is also equipped with the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) which allows the rider to integrate the bike with a smartphone, rider’s helmet earpiece, passenger’s helmet earpiece or a Ducati navigator system via Bluetooth. The infotainment system allows four devices to be connected simultaneously.

The Scrambler Icon Dark also does not skimp on safety features and comes standard with dual-channel Bosch cornering ABS. This provides the rider added safety and peace of mind when riding on the winding roads leading to the outskirts as Malaysians travel interstate for an exciting road trip.

Donning a new Matt Black body colour scheme, the Scrambler Icon Dark has an elemental and stylish look, complete with machine-finished aluminium belt covers and interchangeable aluminium side panels.

As personalisation is a fundamental element of the Ducati Scrambler brand, this bike was made to complement the fashion-forward and expressive Malaysians as it is also the most customisable Scrambler ever.

The Scrambler Icon Dark is powered by the air-cooled 803cc Desmodromic L-Twin engine with power of 73 hp at 8,250 rpm.

The Scrambler Icon Dark is priced at RM 49,900 and available to order now at the nearest authorized Ducati dealership.

Credits : Photos courtesy of Jeya@Cactus