Ducati 916 is one of the most iconic motorcycles created by the Italian manufacturer which often tops the list of the most beautiful bikes of the 20th century. The superbike was introduced back in 1994 and Ducati is celebrating its 25th anniversary by launching a limited-edition Panigale V4. Limited to just 500 units worldwide, the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 comes with both mechanical as well as aesthetic changes, which includes an original livery and exclusive racing components. Ducati’s official release states: “the Ducati 916 wasn’t just a great bike, it also won World Superbike Championships: the 916 SBK was a force to be reckoned with even as it made its debut and the following years saw it win 120 races, eight constructors’ titles and six riders’ titles – four of them with Englishman ‘King’ Carl Fogarty. Even now, the English racer and the 916 remain the most successful ‘couple’ in Ducati SBK history.”
In terms of special aesthetic touches, the special edition livery is inspired by the Ducati 996 SBK (winner of the 1999 World Superbike Championship). In addition to that, it features forged magnesium Marchesini Racing wheels, a titanium type-approved Akrapovič exhaust and a wishlist of carbon fiber and billet aluminum components. Mechanically, the 25th anniversary edition is based on the Panigale V4 S, but get’s racing-focused components from the Panigale V4 R such as the Ducati Corse Front Frame and even more track-specific electronics, such as Ducati Quick Shift EVO 2 and “predictive” Ducati Traction Control EVO 2. Just like the Ducati superbikes from the ‘90s, the limited edition comes with a dry clutch along with a carbon fiber clutch cover. Each of the 500 units of the special edition bike will be individually numbered, etched on the upper yoke of the triple clamp. The #5 of the sequence, however, will be set aside to honor Ducati rider Carlin Dunne, who had a fatal accident at Pikes Peak a few weeks ago. The motorcycle will be auctioned to support Dunne’s mother. Rest of the 499 examples will arrive at dealerships around the world starting from October with a base price of $47,200.
