Ducati has celebrated its 90th anniversary at the World Ducati Weekend in Misano by revealing this high-spec version of the Panigale superbike.
The 1299 Panigale S Anniversario is a little more than just a custom-painted version of the Panigale S. It shares most of the same specifications as the S, including the 205bhp Superquadro engine. However, it’s 2.5kg lighter at 164kg (dry) or 188kg (wet) thanks to carbon heel guards, a carbon rear hugger and a carbon shock cover. The lightweight lithium battery also cuts weight.
The bike also gets a subtle geometry change. Machined aluminium steering head inserts move the front wheel 5mm further forward than on the stock bike. The change mirrors the geometry of the high-end Panigale R.
Casey Stoner rides the Anniversario
There’s more machined alloy for the top yoke, which also carries a laser-etched logo and the bike’s individual number – just 500 of the Anniversario models will be made.
So far, the changes might sound like typical limited-edition fare, but there’s also a new electronics suite on the bike. Made up of new ‘EVO’ versions of Ducati’s DCT traction control and DWC wheelie control, the electronics package promises to perfectly walk the line between traction and a slide. It works on the electronic throttles as well as the spark and injection timing to smoothly modulate the power on the very edges of grip, even during hard cornering. The wheelie control system is now tied in to the inertial measurement unit to perfectly balance the bike’s angle for the best acceleration and control.
Elsewhere we get all the same toys as you’ll find on the Panigale S, including the latest Ohlins semi-active electronic suspension.
Each Anniversario also comes with a race kit incorporating a titanium Akrapovic exhaust, billet aluminium mirror blanking plates and a cover for the hole left when the licence plate holder is removed. It also comes with a battery charger.
Ducati is expecting the bike to reach dealers by the end of this month. While prices haven’t been revealed they’re likely to sell out soon.
Notably, the Anniversario is still a ‘Euro3’ emissions model. By the start of next year, Ducati’s 1299 Panigale will be tweaked to be ‘Euro4’ compliant, including new exhausts that are significantly larger than the current ones.
