The Ducati 916 was an iconic motorcycle, and even someone with a basic knowledge of motorcycles has most certainly seen it in pictures enough times to recognize it. The Italian bikemaker is now paying homage to that very icon 30 years later with a special edition Panigale. The Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 30th Anniversario 916 receives changes which are mostly cosmetic, while retaining most of its mechanical components from the standard V4 SP2.
The V4 SP2 30th Anniversario 916 receives a special livery that is inspired by the one that won the Superbike World Championship in 1999, with Carl Fogarty. Carbon fibre elements are found in abundance here, such as the wings, front mudguard, brake calliper scoops, exhaust shield, the five-spoke rims, and the open clutch cover. The five-spoke carbon fibre wheels are said to be 1.4 kg lighter than the forged Marchesinis of the V4 S. It also gets adjustable footpegs in billet aluminium. To make things interesting, this motorcycle also comes with laser engraving on the steering plate that shows the model name and number, along with a certificate of authenticity! There is also a data logger that helps in monitoring the rider’s performance.
In terms of mechanicals, the V4 SP2 30th Anniversario retains the 1103 cc powertrain as the V4, packing 207 bhp at 12,500 rpm and 12.52 kgm of torque at 11,000 rpm. It gets bigger 330 mm semi-floating twin discs with four-piston Brembo Stylema R callipers at the front, along with a 245 mm disc with dual-piston callipers at the rear. The suspension has also been retained, featuring 43 mm fully-adjustable Ohlins NPX 25/30 semi-active forks and a fully-adjustable semi-active Ohlins TTX36 monoshock.
The Ducati Panigale V4 SP2 30th Anniversario is limited to just 500 units, but it is likely to reach Indian shores too. However, you might have to hear it’s already sold out!
