Italian moto site “Motociclismo” brought us the first 2012 SB comparison with this years new contender Duc’s 1199. At least for their test at the Monza circuit, it appears that BMW’s S1000RR still is the benchmark to beat in terms of lap times for this class, 1199 can only manage mid-pack performance.
While lap times alone may not represent the whole picture of the capability of the bike, but it sure is the most eye catching aspect of any comparison, well at least in my opinion. Having said that, If I have this kind of money for a bike, I will probably get the 1199 myself.
It 'started the timed session of the 2012 Motorcycling Sports Roundup. The bikes come in installments track time and are taken through the system telemetry AIM .
On the home page of Motorcycling you can see in real time the progression of time for the two categories: the maxi reference are two pilots, a professional and an amateur fast, for the 600 days are taken only with a professional driver . For the ranking of the maxi is considered the best time, regardless of which of the two pilots did that record.
From the chart, I don’t think the duc is down on power; Yes, max speed might be slower than than the 1krr, but still faster than the ninja yet the lap time is slower than the ninja.
May be it is the 1199’s radical chassis design needs to mature a bit? or the 200 rear somehow played a part? or the electronics is still not yet up to the level of the BMW/Kawi/Aprilia? As much as Duc stressed to have 1199’s twin tune for top end, may be the 4 bangers still holds an advantage on a hp/top end circuit like Monza?
I wonder what the original S1KRR would do against the new updated model. All those little tweaks might make a big difference, and that could be what the 1199 is lacking (a bit of refinement).
