
Monterey, California - This is the new 1299 Panigale R Final Edition, more than just a bike with a dedicated colour scheme or a limited edition.
Unveiled at Round 8 of the World Superbike series at Laguna Seca, it's a tribute to the iconic L-twin engine, originally designed by Fabio Taglioni in the late 1960s, that has made Ducati history since 1972 and written the World Superbike Championship record books since 1988, which Ducati says has reached its peak with this exclusive edition.
Which, of course, begs the question "What comes next?" but that's another story.
Each 1299 Panigale R Final Edition is individually numbered; derived from the 1299 Superleggera engine, the Final Edition Superquadro is rated for 155kW at 11 000 revs and 142Nm at 9000rpm. It has a lightened crankshaft with a larger crankpin and tungsten balancing pads, while the con-rods, like the intake and exhaust valves, are made of titanium. As on Superbike engines, the two 116mm pistons have just two segments and slide on steel cylinder liners.
The all-titanium Akrapovič exhaust system with high dual silencers is an exact replica of the system on the World Superbike Panigale R race bikes; it's Euro 4 compliant, making the bike street-legal everywhere except, ironically, California.