The Ducati 1299 Panigale S Anniversario is for Ducati’s 90th anniversary

Ducati 90th anniversary

While a number of car companies are celebrating their anniversaries this year, Ducati is the Bologna-based bike manufacturer having its 90th anniversary year in 2016. 

This Italian maker of motorcycles decided to do a special preview of the Ducati 1299 Panigale S Anniversario to visitors during the World Ducati Week 2016.  “The reason for doing so simply to reward the tens of thousands of Ducatisti who flocked to WDW 2016 with a symbolic “gift”.”  This Panigale is, as can be derived from its name, an anniversary edition of the company’s current top superbike, as “an exclusive bike for an exclusive, knowledgeable and demanding audience”.  

Ducati 1299 Panigale S Anniversario

The Ducati 1299 Panigale S Anniversario is a limited-edition of 500 bikes, featuring a new colour scheme and unique technical content. 

Inspiration for the colours was drawn from Ducati race bikes, so its white, black and Ducati Red fairings perfectly complement the typical-Ducati gold wheel rims.

Distinctive features on the Anniversario include its top triple clamp and steering head inserts, both machined from solid aluminium alloy.  Each triple clamp has been laser-etched with the bikes unique production serial number out of 500.  The steering head gives the same chassis geomerty as the Panigale R. 

A lightweight lithium battery, together with carbon-fibre heel guards and rear mudguard and shock absorber cover together reduce weight by 2.5kg.

For the Ducati 1299 Panigale S Anniversario, electronics include the Ducato Traction Control and Ducati Wheelie Control Evo (DWC Evo).  Wheelie control – yes, really.  These are said to maximise performance and active safety.

Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) is standard, for ultra-quick clutchless up- or downshifts… on road or track.

The 1285cc (though named 1299 as the 99 is a Ducati naming tradition) Superquadro twin-cylinder engine produces 150kW.

To emphasise the sports performance of the 1299 Panigale S Anniversario even further, the bike comes with a racing kit consisting of an Akrapovič Racing exhaust in titanium (melting well with the gold trim parts), billet aluminium mirror block-off plates, and a cover for the hole created by removing the license-plate holder for track days.  As this is not a daily commuting bike, a battery charger is also provided.