Ducati 1299 Panigale S Anniversario Limited Edition Launched

Celebrating 90 years of existence, Ducati has launched the limited edition 1299 Panigale S Anniversario at the 2016 World Ducati Week.

Remember the time we brought you news that Ducati will be launching a special 90-years anniversary edition motorcycle at the 2016 World Ducati Week (WDW), most probably a limited edition Panigale? Well, it is true and now the Italian company has launched the Ducati 1299 Panigale S Anniversario at the event held at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Production of the motorcycle has been limited to 500 units and every unit will get its unique production number laser-inscribed along with the name of the edition on the machined billet aluminium top triple clamp. 

Based on the new Ducati 1299 Panigale S, the Anniversario edition gets the same power, agility and sophistication, wrapped in one of the best Italian superbike styles. The bike features a special livery to denote the marquee’s 90 years of passion and performance, which has been marked on the engine cowl as well. But it is not just the cosmetic updates that makes the bike special, there is also a bevy of technical upgrades as well. 

The new EVO version of the Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) makes their debut on the Ducati 1299 Panigale S Anniversario. These electronic rider aids are complemented by Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for even better results. The traction control system now also controls the throttle bodies for more refined engine power modulation. Another new feature introduced is the slide control, which is available with DTC level of 1 and allows the rider to drift the rear wheel around even when leaned over in corners.

Other interesting bits on the Ducati 1299 Panigale S Anniversario are the gold-coloured forged aluminium Marchesini wheels and titanium Akrapovic exhaust. Powering the bike is the same 1,285cc, 205PS, Superquadro L-Twin that powers the standard version as well. However, addition of carbon-fibre heel guards and shock absorber cover along with the lithium ion battery has resulted in a 2.5kg weight reduction, which could make it slightly faster. 

As part of the 2016 WDW celebrations, the Ducati 1299 Panigale S Anniversario was introduced by two-time MotoGP World Champion and Ducati test rider Casey Stoner on the track. The 9th edition of the World Ducati Week concluded with record breaking numbers, including more than 81,000 event attendants coming from 66 countries, 159 Desmo Owners Clubs from 38 nations, more than 120 activities, a 22 minutes long parade and much more.