Ducati launches special Panigale V2 as a tribute to Troy Bayliss

Ducati has launched a special edition of the Panigale V2 as a tribute to Troy Bayliss and commemoration of the Australian rider’s first ever World Superbike title in 2001.

Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary it is characterized by special commemorative decoration reminiscent of the Ducati 996 R’s first world title.

The bond between Bayliss and Ducati Corse in the Superbike World Championship is one of the most fascinating stories in the motorsport universe. The results of this beautiful adventure are 52 victories, 94 podiums and three world titles (2001, 2006 and 2008) won with three different bikes: the twin-cylinder 996 R, the 999 R and the 1098 R.

Troy Bayliss is the only motorcycle racer in history capable of winning in MotoGP and World Superbike (WorldSBK) in the same season (2006) and his achievements in the race have indelibly imprinted the Australian’s name in the hearts of all Ducatisti.

Now the winning chemistry between Ducati and “Baylisstic” is rekindled with the creation of this celebratory motorcycle, the name of which was chosen directly by the rider, who also actively contributed to the creation of the graphic concept.

Design

The “Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary” edition is taken from the base of the Panigale V2, the brand’s entry-level sports bike, and is characterized by its special paint, whose graphics are inspired by the 996 R used by Bayliss in 2001.

Ducati red is the main color of the bike and joins green and white in a tribute to the Italian spirit of the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer.

The iconic #21, Troy Bayliss race number and Shell logo, which visually strengthens the bond with the race bike, stand out on the sides and front, as well as being embroidered on the seat.

In addition, Troy’s autograph is reproduced on the fuel tank, while the billet aluminum triple clamp shows the name of the bike and the progressive numbering of this unique model.

Engine

The Ducati Panigale V2 is equipped with a liquid-cooled 955 cm³ Superquadro twin-cylinder engine (Euro 5 compliant) with a maximum power of 155 HP at 10,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 10.5 kgfm (104 Nm) at 9,000 rpm.

The gearbox is 6-speed equipped with assist and slip clutch and electronic quick change, which also works in gear reduction (Ducati Quick Shift).

Chassis

The chassis of the Panigale V2 is based on the monocoque frame and, to make the motorcycle even more efficient when riding on the track, Ducati chose to equip it with Öhlins components.

The NX30 inverted front fork and TTX36 rear shock guarantee maximum smoothness and are designed to get the best performance on the circuit, with a setup that makes the bike more precise and offers the rider greater sensitivity and support at all stages of riding.

The steering damper, thanks to the adjustments with which it is equipped, allows you to customize its calibration, adapting it to the riding style and the characteristics of the track.

Compared to the standard version, the Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary is also 3 kg lighter, thanks to the adoption of a lithium-ion battery and the choice of single-seat configuration.

In addition, it features sport grips, carbon fiber and titanium muffler outlet cover and a pilot’s seat made by a combination of two materials with red double stitching.

Technology

The Ducati Panigale V2 arrives with an electronic package, dedicated to active safety and control of vehicle dynamics, and includes the “cornering” function applied to Bosch ABS, the electronic quick shift that also works in downshifting and traction, the engine brake and wheelie control (Ducati Quick Shift, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control, Motor Brake Control).

All controls are integrated into the three Riding Modes (Race, Sport and Street) which can be modified using the 4.3″ color TFT panel, with graphics and interface designed to make menu navigation and adjustment of settings intuitive, as well as immediate identification of the selected driving mode.

Conclusion

The twentieth anniversary of Troy Bayliss winning his first title with Ducati is being celebrated in Borgo Panigale with a temporary exhibition in the Museo Ducati entitled “Troy Story: The Legend of a Champion” which exhibits the bikes with which Troy was able to write some memorable chapters in the history of motorcycle racing.

The exhibition can be visited until 19 September 2021 (here more information on visits to the Museo Ducati).

The Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary will be available in all dealers in the Ducati network starting from the end of September 2021 at a dealer price of €20,990 (referred to the Italian market).

For more information, visit Ducati website at https://www.ducati.com/it/it/home.