Ducati 1299 Panigale R Final Edition
Ducati pays tribute to the twin-cylinder engine that has been a dominant force in the Superbike World Championship since 1988Ducati has unveiled the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition, which it says pays homage "to the great Ducati superbike tradition by combining best-ever twin-cylinder engine performance with a racing-derived chassis set-up".
And the Final Edition suffix is for real, as we'll be seeing a new V4 Ducati superbike (perhaps in a number of derivatives) unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan later this year.
The Final Edition, launched by Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali in the presence of Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri at last weekend's WorldSBK round at Laguna Seca, will be available as a numbered (but not limited) series.
An offshoot of the 1299 Superleggera engine, the 'Final Edition' Superquadro version produces a claimed 209hp at 11,000rpm and 142Nm at 9000rpm, and features a lightened crankshaft and a clutch with new slipper and self-servo system, giving heightened 'feel' and ride stability thanks also to the use of a new forged aluminium clutch basket.
The throttle body features new aerodynamic throttle openings with a profile designed to improve airflow. Intake horn heights have been optimised for each cylinder head, unlike the 1299 Panigale which has horns of the same length. The titanium exhaust and inlet valves are also larger, and the new camshafts have increased lift.
The 1299 Panigale R Final Edition has an all-titanium Akrapovic exhaust with a high dual silencer, just like the one on the official Panigale that competes in the WorldSBK title.
The current Panigale R only has a capacity of 1198cc to meet WorldSBK regulations.
The electronics on the Final Edition are, understandably, top-shelf with a Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit working in concert with cornering ABS and wheelie and traction control – all set according to the selected riding mode. There's also a two-way quickshifter.
The chassis is the same as that on the Panigale R, and includes Ohlins suspension, forged alloy wheels and Brembo M50 monobloc calipers, while there's an all-new red, white and green colour scheme with red wheels.
The dry weight is a claimed 179kg.
Ducati's twin-cylinder four-valve engine has powered a number of machines in the WorldSBK title, starting with the 851 all the way to the current Panigale R. In between, there's been the 888, 916, 996, 998, 999, 1098, 1198 and 1199.
Ducati Australia is yet to announce price or availability for the Ducati 1299 Panigale R Special Edition.
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