Limited-edition specials are part and parcel of Ducati’s approach to motorcycle manufacturing and what better excuse to create just such a bike than the 25th anniversary of the firm’s most famous creation? Ducati’s new Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 might have a tongue-twister of a name, but its premise is a straightforward celebration of the Massimo Tamburini-designed 916 that hit showrooms in 1994. Just 500 of the new bikes will be made, and the machine was unveiled by another Ducati legend – Carl Fogarty – at the Laguna Seca WSB round. Foggy took 43 WSB wins on the 916 and its derivatives, more than earning the number 1 that’s emblazoned on the front and sides of the new Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916. Based on the higher-spec ‘S’ version of the Panigale V4, the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 is further tweaked with forged magnesium wheels and a road-legal titanium Akrapovic exhaust, while the half-length frame is borrowed from the homologation-special Panigale V4R that races in WSB. It’s visually the same as the normal chassis but has different rigidity characteristics specified by Ducati Corse. The bike’s graphics, including those ‘1’ plates and the Shell logos, are inspired by Fogarty’s 90s WSB machines and the Panigale also bears the ‘Foggy’ eyes logo on the screen. While 499 of the bikes will be sold at a price of €41,900 in Europe (equivalent to AUD $67,180) – making it actually more expensive than the V4R – one example is to be auctioned in memory of Carlin Dunne, who died riding Ducati’s prototype Streetfighter V4 at this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. In his memory, the 5th Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916, serial number 5 (Dunne’s race number), will be auctioned with proceeds going to a fund-raising effort supporting Dunne’s mother. Francesco Milicia, Ducat’s VP of Global Sales, said: “In all of modern motorcycling history, no bike has been as era-defining as the 916, both in terms of design and performance. I’m incredibly proud to present this exclusive version of our Panigale V4, itself a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the 916. We’ve decided to present the bike together with none other than “King” Carl Fogarty himself. Presenting it on the American Superbike stage underscores our dedication to the US market, where bike enthusiasts and collectors alike will, I am sure, appreciate the uniqueness of the Panigale V4 25° Anniversary 916.” Fogarty added: “I’m thrilled to be here at this event. The Ducati 916 gave me some fantastic, unforgettable moments. It played a starring role in my career and the history of the World Superbike Championship. On the wider motorcycling scene, it set a whole new standard of style and performance. I’m proud to have played a pivotal role in that success story, and equally proud to be here today and celebrate this important anniversary by officially unveiling this breath-taking bike.”
Words Ben Purvis
Pic Ducati
