Ducati Panigale 1199 and 1299 Tyre Size
The Ducati Panigale 1199 and 1299 use a 120/70/17 front tyre and a 200/55/17 rear tyre on the principal road-going models, including the S and R variants. Check the handbook for your specific year and any racing modifications.
Click the links to browse our tyres in those sizes, or see our recommendations below.
At Two Tyres we specialise in motorcycle tyres and we're an approved fitting centre for the major manufacturers. We can supply tyres by mail order or fit them in our London motorcycle workshop.
Both Panigales produce enormous performance from their big-capacity V-twins. Compared with the later, higher-revving V4, their delivery feels muscular and immediate, with plenty of torque available as you pick the bike up and accelerate out of a bend. A rear tyre that offers predictable feedback and strong drive grip is particularly rewarding.
Ducati Panigale 1199 and 1299 History
The 1199 Panigale launched in 2012 and replaced the 1198 with an all-new Superquadro V-twin, monocoque-style chassis and sophisticated electronics. Its claimed 195bhp was extraordinary for a production twin at the time.
The 1299 followed in 2015. Its larger 1285cc engine brought even more power and torque, creating a superbike with a distinctive character that remains thrilling today. Although the Panigale V4 eventually took over, the 1199 and 1299 are still serious motorcycles, not just modern classics.
Ducati Panigale 1199 and 1299 Stock Tyres
The 1199 and 1299 were supplied with Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres, with the exact generation depending on model and year. They were among the most focused road-legal superbike tyres of their day.
Today's sports tyres offer plenty of alternatives, particularly if most of your riding is on the road. You don't need to stick with an older tyre design simply because it was fitted when the bike left the factory.
Ducati Panigale 1199 and 1299 Best Tyres
For most owners we'd start with fast road tyres and work towards more track-oriented options if the bike sees regular circuit use. Modern sports tyres can offer excellent cornering grip without the slow warm-up, limited wet grip or short life associated with racing rubber.
Fast Road Riding
For weekend rides and the occasional longer journey, these are our favourite kinds of tyre for the big Panigale twins.
- Bridgestone Battlax S23 – excellent all-round road sports performance, including in changeable British weather.
- Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV – a lively, confidence-inspiring sports tyre with a good balance of grip and road usability.
- Michelin Power GP2 – a more aggressive road/track option for riders who favour dry grip and sporty handling.
Our pick: The Bridgestone S23 or Rosso IV if the bike spends nearly all its life on the road.
Fast Road and Occasional Trackdays
These tyres suit the rider who spends most weekends on the road but likes to book a few trackdays over the summer.
- Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 Corsa – a very capable fast-road tyre with additional dry-weather sporting potential.
- Michelin Power GP2 – excellent for a road-going bike that sees occasional track action.
- Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V4 SP – a more track-focused, road-legal option for riders who prioritise dry grip.
For an 1199 or 1299 that regularly rides to trackdays, we'd start with the Rosso 4 Corsa or Power GP2 before moving to more specialised race compounds.
Trackdays
These big V-twins are more than capable on circuit, and a rider working hard in the fast group can generate plenty of load and heat through the rear tyre, particularly on the drive out of slower corners.
- Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa V4 SC – a dedicated treaded racing option with compounds for different conditions.
- Dunlop D213GP Pro – a competition-focused choice, subject to the correct fitment being available.
- Pirelli Diablo Superbike Slick – for a dedicated circuit bike where race tyres and warmers are part of the routine.
Slicks are not road legal. For any race tyre, check the compound, correct size, approved wheel fitment and temperature/pressure requirements. A tyre that's outside its intended operating range won't perform as designed.
For more information, see our motorcycle trackday tyre guide.
Ducati Panigale 1199 and 1299 Tyre Pressures
For road use, start with the cold pressures listed in Ducati's owner's handbook for your exact motorcycle and tyre specification. For trackdays, follow the tyre manufacturer's recommendations for your tyre and compound: road pressures, hot-off-track pressures and tyre-warmer pressures are not interchangeable.
Always measure pressures with a reliable gauge and check them regularly. See our range of motorcycle tyre pressure gauges.
