As its trademark engine configuration, Ducati’s V-twin has seen it go from strength to strength in the racing world, notably in the World Superbike Championship (WSBK) where the Bologna, Italy, based superbike maker garnered 330 wins, not counting various national race series worldwide. Starting with the 851 and 888, then the legendary 916, 996 and 998, to the 1098, 1198, 1199 and today the 1299 Panigale, Ducati’s superbikes are renowned for power delivery and handling.
But, all good things come to an end, as they say, and Ducati has unveiled the final edition of its superbike V-twin, the 2017 Ducati 1299 Panigale R Final Edition. This final hurrah of the Panigales – Borgo Panigale being the region of Bologna where Ducati is based – will be superseded by a V-four superbike, based on the Ducati Desmosedici being campaigned in MotoGP.
Using a variant of the Ducati 1299 Superleggera engine, the Panigale Final Edition pumps out 209 hp at 11,000 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm, all in a Euro 4 compliant package. Eschewing the use of the Ducati trellis frame, the Panigale Final Edition comes with an aluminium monocoque frame, suspended by top-drawer Ohlins suspension components.
Wet weight for the last of the Panigales is claimed to be 190 kg, and fuel is carried in a 17-litre tank. As can be expected, Brembo does the braking for this collector’s edition machine, with top-of-the-line M50 Monoblocs in front and single caliper unit at the back.
A full suite of electronics accompanies the Final Edition, with Ducati’s Safety Pack as standard, using Bosch ABS and Cornering ABS, with a Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) supplying the necessary data to the ECU. Ride and power modes – race, sport and wet – are available, along with Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC Evo), wheelie control, engine braking, data analyser with GPS and lean angle, automatic tyre calibration and ride-by-wire.
Inside the engine room, titanium con-rods and valves are installed, along with a balanced crankshaft to squeeze every drop of power. An Akrapovic full-system titanium exhaust comes in the package, homologated for road use.
Rounding out the package are a pair of three-spoke forged light alloy wheels in red, harking back to the days of the 916, with a special edition tri-colore paintjob of red, white and green. No word from Ducati on what the 2017 Ducati 1299 Panigale R Final Edition is likely to cost, but based on the author’s experience with the Ducati Desmosedici 12 years ago, you can safely assume the price will be nose-bleedlingly high.
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