Earlier this month, Milan, Italy was the site of an impressive launch event for Ducati where the company showed off its 2019 lineup of motorcycles. As expected, Ducati had a lot to talk about at their unveiling, including updates and refreshes to several of its more popular models like the Scrambler, as well as taking the wraps off three new motorcycles for the 2019 model year.

Of the updated bikes, the 2019 Monster 821 Stealth is the most significant. Outside of the intimidating matte black and red graphics package, the Stealth also features a quick-shifter, adjustable front fork, and a reworked front end that sees a handsome new nose fairing.

2019 Ducati Lineup: Review and Specs

The real meat of the event, however, was the introduction of the new Hypermotard 950, Diavel 1260, and Panigale V4 R.

Hypermotard 950

The 950 builds up on the accomplished Hypermotard range, most recently represented by the Hyper 939, and turns things up several notches in every area. Visually, the biggest visual is the positively righteous dual under-tail exhaust which has to be one of the best-looking stock exhausts on any motorcycle. Ducati also improved the bike’s seating position, increased the travel on the premium Öhlins suspension, shaved off weight, and updated the electronics.

Those electronics include Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control EVO, wheelie control, and a quick-shifter that works for both up and down gear changes. Providing the motive force for the new Hypermotard 950 is Ducati’s Testastretta engine that delivers a stout 114 horsepower. That may be only one horsepower more than the Hyper 939 that the 950 replaces, but when combined with all the other changes, the 950 takes the proven and popular Hypermotard formula to new and wonderful heights.

Diavel 1260

Having ridden both the Diavel and XDiavel, I can unequivocally say it’s one of the most interesting and unique motorcycles I’ve ever had the pleasure of riding. For 2019, Ducati took that recipe and added several exciting improvements to create the Diavel 1260.

The most prominent change for 2019 is with the engine. As the name implies, the new Diavel uses Ducati’s Testastretta DVT 1262 engine which, in this application, makes a mighty 159 horsepower. All that grunt is paired with a tweaked chassis setup and a premium electronics suite to keep things in check.

The Diavel’s power-cruiser ergonomics remain unchanged for this model year, as does the huge 17” rear wheel with 240 mm rear tire. An optional ‘S’ version of the Diavel 1260 features fully adjustable Öhlins suspension both front and rear, an up-and-down quick-shifter, improved braking performance, and unique wheels. In Italian, “Diavel” translate to “devil”. When it comes to the 2019 Ducati Diavel, it’s so good to be bad.

Panigale V4 R

And finally, we come to the crown jewel of the new 2019 models. The Panigale V4 has already racked up enormous acclaim and praise for its arresting looks, sensational V4 engine, and performance that puts nearly everything else to shame. With the new Panigale V4 R, Ducati has removed the shackles and created what is essentially a World Superbike motorcycle for the road. And that’s not just hyperbole; this machine is the basis from which the company will model their upcoming race machine for the 2019 season.

Right away, you’ll notice the awesome (and functional) wings on the front fairing, which look like they came straight off a Ducati MotoGP machine. The Panigale V4 R’s beating heart is the incredible 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale 998 motor which is said to deliver a smoother riding experience, improved low-rev pull, and improved power delivery. Speaking of power, the V4 R makes a mountain of it – 221 horsepower at 15,250 rpm, and if owners fit the optional Ducati Performance exhaust from Akrapovic, horsepower jumps to a staggering 234 hp at 15,500 rpm.

The aluminum chassis of the V4 R has been lightened and stiffened, the suspension is derived from full-bore racing motorcycles, and it comes packing every bit of technology you’d expect from a premium Ducati superbike. It’s clear that the Panigale V4 R was built with a clear, relentless focus: dominating track days and taking Ducati’s World Superbike efforts into the future. Consider us in awe.