DUCATI'S new Panigale has been falling victim to the decibel meter at many UK trackdays.
The Panigale has been mainly failing static noise tests and not drive-by tests, however, owners can't get out on track to prove the bike will pass a drive-by if they've failed a static test.
Ducati UK has stepped in and taken the Panigale and Panigale S to circuit operators including MSV, Silverstone and Donington where they carried out static and drive-by tests. Although noise testing varies from circuit to circuit, Ducati have proved that even if the Panigale does fail the static test, it won't always fail the drive-by. Usually if a motorcycle fails the static test it will fail the drive-by too, but the Panigale's engine and not the exhaust appears to be the factor in failing the static test.
In a statement to Visordown, Ducati said: "We are now confident that this issue will not present a significantly higher risk to those wishing to take their bike on track than is normal for a Supersports bike."
Ducati are now in the process of setting up a noise testing schedule for Panigales with Ducati Performance 'slip-on' exhausts and also those with a full system to further help the circuit operators assess the bike.
If in doubt, check with your trackday operator.
