[Ruchkin]

THE FACTS

Ducati 899 Panigale

Tested: 898cc four-stroke V-twin, six-speed transmission

Price/on sale: £12,495/mid-November

Power/torque: 148bhp @ 10,750rpm/ 73lb ft @ 9,000rpm

Top speed: 165mph (estimated)

Range: 140 miles @ 40mpg (estimated)

Verdict: Glamorous, powerful and technically advanced V-twin sports bike that also promises respectable levels of comfort and value for money

Telegraph rating: Five out of five stars

IT'S HEAVIER than the 1199, due to parts like the clutch cover, sump and cylinder heads being made from aluminium not magnesium. The tank is steel, which although it's heavier than the aluminim tank on the 1199, it's lighter than the plastic tank on the 848 Evo. The rear subframe is steel trellis instead of cast aluminium. In total, the 899 Panigale weighs in at 193kg, which is 5kg heavier than the standard 1199 Panigale.