We’re all used to the idea of software updates. Our phones, our tablets, our computers… they all get silently improved by their makers long after we’ve bought them. And for Ducati 1299 Panigale owners there’s the potential for a similar experience.
The Italian brand’s latest-generation traction control system – dubbed DCT EVO – first appeared on the 1299 Panigale S Anniversario, and was then adopted by the 2017 1299 Panigale and Panigale S. But it turns out its hardware is identical to the stuff used on earlier 1299 Panigales, made in 2015 and 2016, so by flashing the system with new software, owners of the older bikes can also get the latest experience.
One difference between the Ducati software update and the ones on our other bits of technology is that, because it needs to be done by a dealer rather than happening automatically over the air, it’s not going to be free. Prices haven’t been announced yet, but the upgrade is being marketed as an accessory, suggesting you’ll be paying for both the software and the labour needed to install it.
However, it’s a hint at the future. Already some cars – notably Teslas – get over-the-air software updates to improve their abilities. The same idea is surely coming to bikes in the future.
By Ben Purvis
