2011 Ducati 1199 Panigale - correction + Opti-Guard

**gofast908z** · 07-03-2012, 10:13 PM

Got a call from the owner of this stunning Panigale after he saw my work on the forums. This bike was fresh! 196 miles on it when I got my hands on it. Initially it looked pretty good, but upon closer inspection, a fair number of defects and issues were found. After several steps of compounding, polishing, and jeweling the paint to a flawless finish, the permanent Optimum Opti-Guard coating was applied to keep it protected for years to come.

A little background info on the 1199 Panigale:

*From Ducati: The most extreme benchmark
Our Designers and Engineers were given a “blank canvas” to reach the apparently impossible 1199 Panigale targets of 10kg less weight and 25hp more power. Every detail, every dimension and every design decision has been driven entirely by a zero-compromise brief to create the highest performance Ducati Superbike of all time.

Monocoque technology was the fundamental starting point for achieving the twin objectives of reduced weight and increased power. By integrating the activities of the individual components there was a reduction in the overall number of components and their weight. The end result is a reduction in bike weight of 10 kg compared to the 1198. The 1199 Panigale has achieved an incredible benchmark for the sector: dry weight of only 164 kg.

The innovative Superquadro engine, so called because of its massively over-square bore and stroke ratio, has increased power to an absolute production twin-cylinder milestone of 195hp and torque to 98.1 lb-ft (13.5kgm) with user-friendly Riding Modes that deliver that power appropriate to the rider’s style and environment.*

Onto the pics upon arrival

Since this was brand new to the owner, likely these swirls and other defects were installed elsewhere...

Sticker on the top had to go...

Wheels needed some love, time to remove factory chain lube that sprayed everywhere

After stripping off dealer applied LSP, defects were more visible

These are not dried water marks from a damp towel....bad dealer prep was suspected here....

**gofast908z** · 07-03-2012, 10:14 PM

Ready for paint correction. Lighting tools of choice. Brinkman Xenon, Brinkman LED, Festool LED SysLite. The Festool unit is pricey, but has proven to be invaluable. Quality unit.

Taped up for safety and keeping it clean. High contact area around the rider's knees

Initial 50/50, more compounding to further level defects to be carried out still

Tools and product for correction.... Griots 3", Megs MF cutting disc & finishing disc, Megs 105/D300 "strong" premixed bottle for compounding

After compounding. Final polishing to be carried out later

Doing some medium polishing

This is where things changed and I discovered the dealer or factory took a rotary and wool pad to the left side fairings and left some pretty deep trails and swirls behind....

Somebody spilled something nasty here that left the paint very dull and lightly etched.

Corrected

More issues....

Starting to look better...

Rotary trails even on the tail in the tight places. Careful polishing would be required to remove this safely.

**gofast908z** · 07-03-2012, 10:15 PM

Compounding, polishing, and jeweling done. Check out the super cool LED's!

Checking in the sun prior to applying the Opti-Guard

If these do nothing for you, you don't belong on a superbike

Finished pics out in the sun!

**gofast908z** · 07-03-2012, 10:16 PM

Wheels were coated as well

Sickest looking tail lights I've ever seen

You just can't beat the sun in sunny northern California!

Thanks for looking!!

**alko** · 07-03-2012, 10:17 PM

VERY nice job on the bike...thanks for sharing!

**Scarelane** · 07-03-2012, 10:43 PM

Holy cr@p that looks great! Awesome bike, awesome job detailing it!

**oldmodman** · 07-05-2012, 04:06 AM

It's an absolutely sensational bike. And you gave it a sensational finish. I wish dealers would leave the detailing to the experts.

I would love to be able to ride one but my roadracer days are thirty years behind me.

But the Diavel is a definite possibility. I have ridden the Carbon and after an hour my back still worked. I wonder if they will come out with an upright bike with the new 195hp engine in it.