Ducati unveils the Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916, a tribute to the iconic 916, limited to 500 units worldwide.
Ducati aficionados, prepare for a nostalgic reverie that’s now become a tangible reality: the Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916. This motorcycle isn’t just a machine; it’s a piece of Ducati’s heart and heritage, embodying the spirit of the legendary 916 model that has enthralled riders and racers alike for three decades. Ducati commemorates the icon’s 30th anniversary by releasing a strictly limited edition of 500 units, making each a collector’s piece with a story to tell.
The Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916 is a contemporary ode to its progenitor, the Ducati 916, known for its breathtaking design and formidable racetrack prowess. Not just a display piece, the 916 was inducted into the MoMA in New York for its artistic contribution to motorcycling. Now, the Anniversario homage, with its numbered series, breathes new life into a design philosophy that has influenced Ducati’s sports bikes lineage for years.
At the heart of this tribute lies the revered DNA of the 916. Its legacy is evident in the Panigale Anniversario’s aggressive front, sinuous lines, and hallmark design elements such as the sculptural tank and the distinctive single-sided swingarm. The Centro Stile Ducati has skillfully interwoven the 916’s aesthetic with modern sensibilities, featuring a livery that nods to Carl Fogarty’s 1999 Superbike World Championship-winning bike. The tricolor fairing, the white numberplates, and the number 1 reimagine the past in a manner that resonates with the present.
The rarity of the Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916 is undeniable, with a 500-unit limited run and individual numbering. The model is infused with an essence of exclusivity, offered only in a single-seater configuration. Each motorcycle is accentuated by a billet aluminum steering plate, engraved with its sequence in the series, ensuring that each owner holds a distinct piece of Ducati’s legacy.
Technically, the Anniversario edition integrates the SP2 specifications with exquisite details that raise the bar of uniqueness. The motorcycle boasts a racing fuel tank cap crafted from billet aluminum, air ducts for optimal brake cooling, and a medley of carbon fiber elements that lighten the vehicle significantly. These features are not merely cosmetic; they represent a dedication to performance that is synonymous with the Ducati name.
Handling and agility are paramount in a bike of this caliber. Thanks to the carbon fiber wheels, the Anniversario edition enjoys reduced inertia, ensuring precision and less fatigue during high-speed maneuvers. The braking system, featuring Brembo Stylema R calipers and cooling ducts, guarantees superior braking efficiency, crucial for both track days and spirited road rides.
For those who appreciate the symphony of a racing engine, the STM EVO dry clutch is a mechanical masterpiece that provides a tactile feel and customizable engine braking. Coupled with adjustable billet aluminum foot pegs, the riding experience is truly personalized, allowing riders to optimize the Ducati Quick Shift Up & Down system to their liking.
This collector’s dream comes equipped with a track-ready kit, underscoring its racing heritage and providing the full Ducati performance experience. With a U.S. price tag of $45,995 and $53,995 CDN for Canadian enthusiasts, the Anniversario promises exclusivity and performance that’s well worth the investment. Revealed at EICMA 2023, the Panigale V4 30th Anniversary 916 will be available from March 2024, ready to stir the souls of riders and celebrate the legacy of an icon — the Ducati 916.
Image Source: Ducati