Ducati | 2015 Sportbike Buyer's Guide

Ducati’s Panigale flagship gets some major upgrades for 2015, including a larger 1,285cc engine (the R retains the previous 1,198cc displacement for WSBK legality), new electronics utilizing an Inertial Measurement Unit for the Cornering ABS, and improved DTC. The S adds Öhlins Smart EC semi-active suspension, forged aluminum wheels, and LED headlight. The R get Öhlins race suspension, full Akrapovic titanium exhaust, and other goodies.

Panigale 1299 First Look | 1299 Panigale First Ride

“Don’t call me a cruiser,” says the Ducati adspeak on the Diavel, and while the low-slung machine has the look, its feel and performance definitely say sportbike. A 162-hp engine propelling some 450 pounds tends to do that. A redesigned seat provides more comfort; the Carbon model has carbon-fiber bits and forged Marchesini wheels, while a titanium fuel tank, titanium/carbon seat cowl, and other artisanal touches mark the Titanium.

2015 Diavel First Look

The 2015 Multistrada lineup features the new Testastretta DVT engine that employs variable cam timing for even more flexibility from the big V-twin. The adoption of the latest Bosch 9ME ABS includes an IMU that allows the addition of Ducati Wheelie Control; cruise control has also been added for 2015. The IMU also helps improve the Ducati Skyhook Suspension (now called DSS Evo) by changing damping to avoid excessive weight transfer.

Multistrada 1200 S Touring D|Air First Look | 2015 Multistrada 1200 First Look

The junior Panigale returns for 2015 basically unchanged save for the addition of Bosch 9MP ABS as standard equipment. The three levels of ABS operation are preset with each of the three riding modes (Race, Sport, and Wet); in Race mode, the ABS only affects the front brakes so that the rear brake can be used for more advanced riding techniques. The optional GPS-based Ducati Data Analysis can also be fitted.

899 Panigale First Ride | 899 Panigale Comparison Test

Based on the Hypermotard, the Hyperstrada is sort of a smaller, more agile Multistrada. A touring-style windscreen and ergonomics, wider and thicker seat (for both rider and passenger), centerstand, and 25-liter-capacity saddlebags give the Hyperstrada long-range intentions, while two-level Bosch 9MP ABS, three riding modes, and eight-level Ducati Traction Control keep safety in mind. For 2015, it’s only available in red.

Hyperstrada Road Test

The latest-generation Monster using the Testastretta 11° engine and monocoque chassis returns for 2015 in both standard and S versions, plus a new S Stripe model (shown). The S model gets 10 more horsepower, Öhlins suspension, Brembo M50 monoblock calipers, radial master cylinders, and larger 330mm front discs; the S Stripe adds a special paint job, nose fairing, carbon cam belt covers, and an under-tail license plate holder.

Monster 1200 S First Ride | Monster 1200 S Road Test

The sole survivor of the Ducati Streetfighter lineup returns for 2015 basically unchanged, including the price tag. The same middleweight Testastretta 11° engine power is refined by Ducati Traction Control, while chassis specs derived from the older 848 EVO supersport bike provide agile and sure-footed handling. If your desire is a slightly edgier, more aggressive ride than the Monster (and no ABS), this is the Ducati you’ve been looking for.

Streetfighter 848 Road Test | http://www.sportrider.com/sportbikes/2013-middleweight-naked-bike-comparison-twin-vs-triple-take-two

Utilizing the new-generation 821cc 110-hp Testastretta 11° engine, the Hypermotard returns unchanged from last year. The SP model (shown) features big Marzocchi aluminum fork, Öhlins rear shock, higher ride height, some carbon-fiber bits, Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires (standard has Diablo Rosso II rubber), and forged aluminum Marchesini wheels. Standard equipment includes ABS and Ducati Traction Control on both models.

2015 Hypermotard SP image gallery | 2013 Hypermotard ride review

With the discontinuation of the Monster 696 and 796 (from the USA lineup, at least), the newer Monster 821 assumes the role as the junior model. Utilizing the same 821cc Testastretta 11° engine as the Hypermotard series, the Monster 821 has a smidge more horsepower and torque due to a freer-flowing air filter and exhaust. The Dark model features an all-black motif, while the Stripe has a bikini fairing and red/white paint scheme.

Monster 821 First Look | Monster 821 First Ride

The original Ducati Scrambler was last produced in 1975, so the company thought, “If we hadn’t stopped making the bike, how would it look now?” The result is the new Scrambler utilizing the 803cc air-cooled engine from the Monster 796 with various ergonomic and styling pieces to create four distinct models: the Icon (shown), Urban Enduro, Classic, and Full Throttle. Although retro in design, all Scramblers have modern technology like ABS.

2015 Ducati Scrambler First Look

Scroll through the gallery below to see other color options for the 2015 Ducati lineup.