Ducati has launched a new model in its e-bike range, with the new Ducati Powerstage RR e-mountain bike.
The Ducati Powerstage RR was debuted by Ducati factory MotoGP riders, Francesco Bagnaia and Enea Bastianini, on the Thursday before this weekend’s upcoming German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring.
The bike features a carbon frame and a livery resultant from a collaboration between Aldo Drudi - the designer of many helmets of many MotoGP riders, including those of Valentino Rossi - and Ducati’s Centro Stile, and which is inspired by the factory MotoGP bikes of the aforementioned Bagnaia and Bastianini.
As well as the frame, the wheels are also carbon. With a 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear wheel, the Powerstage RR’s wheels come from Crankbrothers Synthesis, and feature variable thickness of the carbon in the rim, which Ducati says helps to improve steering precision. Both wheels are wrapped in Pirelli rubber, with a Pirelli Scorpion Enduro S tyre on the front, and a Pirelli Scorpion EMTB-S tyre on the rear.
Other details on the new bike include an asymmetric rear chain stay, which Ducati says will improve the responsiveness, as well as traction in uphill sections. Additionally, a seat tube angle of 78 degrees is also intended to assist in uphill sections as it “allows the rider to assume an optimal position in the saddle,” in such sections, a Ducati press release reads.
In terms of performance, the Powerstage RR makes use of a new Shimano EP801 drive unit with a nominal power output of 250W, and 75Nm of torque. It also has two selectable modes, one for longer rides, and another for higher performance over shorter distances.
The battery also comes from Shimano, and has a 630Wh capacity. It is positioned in the downtube in order to lower the centre of gravity of the bike, and is also removable for more practical charging.
Both spring and air suspension technology is utilised on the Powerstage RR, with an Ohlins RXF38 m.2 air fork (providing 180mm wheel travel) at the front and an Ohlins m.2 spring shock absorber (with TTX technology and providing 170mm of wheel travel) at the rear. Both fork and shock have adjustable rebound and compression, and at both high and low speeds.
The bike also makes use of electronic shifting, and 203mm brake discs from Braking First, which themselves come with Ducati Corse levers.
Finally, Renthal provide the carbon handlebar, and Ducati makes use of a telescopic seatpost, while the Fizik saddle features an integrated tool holder.
Ducati’s Head of e-Bicycle Business, Giorgio Favaretto, said: “Ducati’s pedal assisted bicycle project took shape with the launch of the MIG-RR, the first e-mtb produced in collaboration with Thok E-Bikes. In 2022 the range of E-Bikes has been made even more complete and performing. Today, with the new Powerstage RR, Ducati strengthens its presence in the premium-range e-mountain bike segment, aimed at even more demanding bikers."
One more inspiration from Ducati’s MotoGP project on the Powerstage RR comes in the number of its production. Only 230 will be built, as a nod to the ‘GP23’ denomination for this year’s Desmosedici.
The Ducati Powerstage RR is available to be ordered now from either a Ducati dealer or the Ducati website. Prices begin at £9741.67.
