Over the weekend, Ducati unveiled the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition, the very last V-twin Panigale that the company will produce. The equally exciting news is that with the departure of the twin comes a brand-new V-4 that will be available to the public.
Without getting too excited over the future, let's talk about the present—the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition. Though the Final Edition's engine stays consistent with the basic Panigale structure with 116 X 60.8mm bore and stroke measurements for 1285cc displacement, it gets a lot of attention. The powerplant features a crankshaft with tungsten balancing pads, 116mm pistons with just two piston rings, revised camshafts that allow for increased lift, optimized intake ducts, throttle bodies with aerodynamic butterflies, and connecting rods and valves constructed of titanium. The result? A Superquaddro V-twin powerplant—with many of the same features found on the 1299 Superleggera engine—with a claimed output of 209 horsepower at 11,000 rpm. Throw in the titanium Akrapovič exhaust with dual silencers just like the ones on Chaz Davies' and Marco Melandri's superbikes, and we're sure it can pull the arms off any rider.
Packed inside of the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition is a Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) which provides useful information to the motorcycle’s rider aids like Ducati Wheelie Control and Ducati Traction Control EVO, which are meant to keep its power in check. Other features include the Ducati Quickshift (up and down), adjustable Engine Brake Control, cornering ABS and the Ducati Data Analyzer (DDA+) with GPS and lean angle measurements.
There is no word of significant changes to the monocoque aluminum chassis for the Final Edition, but it’s obvious that it comes equipped with an Öhlins NIX30 43mm front end and an Öhlins TTX36 shock absorber out back—both are top notch equipment. Three-spoke forged aluminum Marchesini wheels are also equipped as is a lithium-ion battery to save weight, which is claimed to be 395 pounds without fuel.
While we wait for the first sightings Ducati’s new V-4 superbike to arrive, we should pay appreciation to the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition. It’s not just a unique and beautiful machine—especially because of its flawless tri-color livery and numbered billet triple clamps—but also Ducati’s celebration of its twin cylinder that has won over 330 World Superbike races.
