Ducati unveils first 2014 bike, the new 899 Panigale

Ducati has taken the wraps off a brand new, downsized version of its flagship 1199 Panigale street racer -- the first bike of the company’s 2014 lineup to officially come into public view.

The 899 Panigale is described as a “Supermid” version of the super fast 1199, the pride of the luxe Italian motorcycle line. The Bologna-built machine will feature a new Superquadro engine that pumps out 148 horsepower and 73 pound-feet of torque, weighs only 372 pounds before fueling, and comes equipped with features that include traction control, ABS, adjustable riding modes, and ride by wire throttle.

The model, unveiled at the IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt, appears to be a new iteration of Ducati’s desire to move beyond its (relatively) old Monster line, first rolled out in 1993 and now in its third decade -- a desire that has already brought to market the Diavel, Hypermotard and the new Hyperstrada.

The company has said the 899 will start at $14,995 -- not exactly as affordable as an entry-level Monster, but below the $17,995 for the least expensive of the 1199 Panigales -- and will be available for sale by late October.

Get me on one now, please!

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