Ducati India had a very slow 2020 with almost no BS6 big bikes available post the April 1 deadline for many months. This year, however, the brand has been in full swing with BS6 launches, many of which feature upgrades beyond just emissions compliance.
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Multiple new Ducati models to launch by the end of 2021
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BS6 Panigale V4 and Diavel 1260 are next on the list
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Both will be available in standard and S variants
2021 Ducati Diavel 1260
The Diavel returns with a BS6 version of its monstrous 1262cc 90-degree V-twin engine. Emissions compliance has done nothing to dull its sheen on paper and while the motor still produces a mammoth 129Nm of torque, peak power has actually gone up from 159hp to 162hp. The Diavel has also gained some heft, with the kerb weight figure climbing from 244kg to 249kg.
Both variants will come to India and the standard bike is available in a sinister looking black colour with a black frame. The S model is also available in black, but with a contrasting red trellis frame and there’s also a new Ducati Red colour scheme that’s available for 2021. Which colours will finally come to India is not clear at the moment.
Both models get high-spec electronics packages to tame their wild engines, including multi-stage traction control, wheelie control, engine brake control, cornering ABS, riding modes, launch control and more. The difference between the standard and S model is seen in the suspension, brakes, wheel design and the fact that the S model gets an up/down quickshifter as standard. The S is also two kilos lighter, at 247kg.
Expect prices to range between Rs 17 lakh - 21 lakh (ex-showroom) for the two models when launched in India.
2021 Ducati Panigale V4
The Panigale received a significant upgrade in 2020 with the inclusion of winglets, a retuned chassis and suspension setup, and a slightly tamer power delivery, all aimed at making the fire breathing 214hp bike easier to ride. The 2020 model was never officially launched in India, but Ducati did quietly bring in a few units for customers who asked for it.
The 2021 model is very similar to last year’s bike, apart from the move to BS6 compliance, Ducati has managed to keep both the power and weight figures unchanged. Also, there are a few improvements in the electronics department, including a move to the latest generation of Ducati’s traction control system and a revised riding mode layout. The bike also gets new self-bleeding clutch and brake master cylinders, as well as a provision for heated grips, although that’s something that’s unlikely to be used in our country very often.
As before, both the standard and S variants will be sold in India. Both run the same engine tune and electronics package, however, the S gets electronically controlled Ohlins suspension, forged aluminum wheels, a lithium ion battery and weighs three kilos less, at 195kg.
Expect prices to range between Rs 22 lakh and 27 lakh, ex-showroom, when the bikes are launched in India very soon.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
