MCN Motorcycle Show 2012: Ducati 190mph/177kg (wet) No question which bike you'll be struggling the most to try out for size, Ducati's breathtaking Panigale has been wowing show goers everywhere with its stunning new technology and lithe, feline looks, and it's sure to be almost buried beneath a crowd of admirers. It's packed with style and technology from the pioneering LED headlamps to the purpose-designed Pirelli Diablo Super Corsa at the back, but the core attraction for technophiles is the astonishing 192bhp, V-twin engine. These has the most extreme bore and stroke dimensions of any road bike at 112 x 60.8mm, a move made to enable very high revs as well as huge valves in the pursuit of power. It's only because of Ducati's signature desmodromic valve system that this is possible - this uses secondary rocker arms to pull the valves closed, so there's none of the float or bounce which would otherwise plague this design. There's plenty more high tech, including a crankcase which is sealed so the air can be evacuated to reduce internal aerodynamic losses, and an ingenious automatic decompression system which makes it easier to turn the engine over for starting. This has saved 7.7lb overall by allowing a smaller starter motor and battery. The chassis is equally impressive, utilising an aluminium monocoque attached directly to the engine, and marking the end of Ducati's preference for tubular steel trellis frames for its superbikes. The new chassis integrates into the airbox and fuel tank too, saving valuable metal and weight. The higher spec 1199 S features an array of industry-leading electronic systems including traction control, multi-level ABS, variable engine management and quick-shift gearchanging, along with Multistrada-style electrically adjustable suspension damping. All this, and 15,000 mile major service intervals...