Is your Ducati 1299 Panigale too slow? This bolt-on hybrid kit could be the answer…

A new hybrid conversion kit has been shown at the 2019 Eicma show, in Milan, for the Ducati Panigale 1299 superbike, claiming to boost peak power to around 295bhp and torque to 221ftlb.

Called the Efesto 200 Novantanove Hybrid Kit, the system takes Ducati’s now defunct 1285cc, 196bhp V-Twin superbike engine and combines it with a counter-rotating electric motor, which claims to produce an additional 99bhp and 111ftlb of torque.

Bolted in below the rear swing arm, the motor is connected via a chain to the secondary gear shaft, meaning the bike can be ridden with the petrol engine and electric motor working in harmony, as well as just with either powertrain.

Controlling this added punch are four optional riding modes, consisting of; Pure Thermic, Pure Electric, Boost Mode and Custom Mode. 

In Pure Thermic, the bike works much like a conventional hybrid car, with just the twin-cylinder engine powering the motorcycle and the electric motor recharging the battery pack using either regenerative braking, or via the petrol engine itself. With the Ducati motor having to propel the bike, as well as constantly turn over the electric motor, it’s possible that some power will be lost. 

In Pure Electric, the petrol engine is unsurprisingly turned off, with the bike transforming into superbike-shaped twist-and-go electric, capable of running for between 30 and 40 minutes at speeds of up to around 40mph. 

Boost Mode sees the electric motor work alongside the petrol engine, allowing for a claimed hike in performance, as well as a smoother torque curve, with the electric motor ironing out any peaks or troughs produced by the thumping V-Twin. A fourth Custom Mode allows you to create your ideal set-up between the two. 

Exploring the extra weight

Efesto claim the bike now weighs 194kg dry, which, while impressive, remains a whole 26kg more than Ducati claimed on the standard Panigale. This is likely to distort the bike’s centre of gravity, thanks to batteries placed high within the rear cowling and the motor held low in the chassis. Neither of these additions will have been planned into Ducati’s original frame design.

Away from the added load, it seems that seat height is also up by a claimed 20mm. This is likely caused by longer aftermarket 46mm Mupo SBK forks (replacing the standard 50mm Marzocchi units) and increased rear ride height.

The flat shotgun-style exhausts are also presumably required to clear the invertor and electric motor, and could alter engine output and ground clearance; with the system seemingly protruding below the right fairing much further than the standard manufacturer’s design.

There is currently no word on pricing or availability, however MCN will bring you more details as they become available.

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