Ducati has revealed a “baby” Panigale, the 899. The ferocious 1199cc Panigale engine has undergone some bore and stroke changes to reduce it to 899cc, but it still produces a claimed 148hp @10,750rpm. Looking at the figures you might be disappointed to realise the new 899 has less power, obviously, but also more weight than its bigger brother; when it only costs £12,495 and still comes with traction control, ABS, ride-by-wire throttle and a quickshifter, you can forgive its extra weight.
A few parts of the new bike have been made with budget in mind, the TFT monitor of the 1199 is just an LCD on the 899 and the rear swingarm is on both sides of the bike; yes you see that correctly a Ducati without a single-sided-swingarm.
What is important is that the bike looks as stunning as the 1199 Panigale, for less money. The 848 John had for his longterm test bike last year was a lovely bike and as the successor to that we have high hopes for this 899 Panigale.
