UNDER THE SKIN

When it comes to the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition, you get a lot for your nigh on £35k of spondoolies, as these highlights go to show…

SMART TECH

The tech on the Final Edition is nothing short of mouth-watering, with the most exciting feature being the MotoGP- derived Ducati Data Analysis+; a system that uses GPS to record lean angle and plotting. As you’d expect, all of Ducati’s conventional systems, such as Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Engine Brake Control (EBC), and Riding Modes (three to choose from, plus the option to customise) have all made the grade, while the higher spec Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC EVO) feature is also present on the FE. The advanced system works in collaboration with the model’s Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to actively monitor factors such as wheel speeds, lean angle and throttle positioning to safely and efficiently alter the throttle body valves and ignition sparks for fast and precise intervention in the event of excessive rear end slides. Unlike most normal systems, DTC EVO reduces the magnitude of traction intervention in a bid to permit a smoother and less intrusive engagement of the rider aid.

FEATHERWEIGHT

Ducati’s not known for making lardy bikes and the FE is no exception to that rule. Weighing in wet with a 190kg kerb weight, the power-to-weight ratio of the model is nothing short of exceptional. That’s been made achievable by features such as the model’s forged wheels, die- cast 1199R monocoque frame and an abundance of carbon fibre components such as the mudguards and exhaust heatshield. The engine itself has also been subjected to a diet with many of its key components shaving precious grams over the standard 1299’s offering. However, the FE’s motor is purported to weigh around 600 grams more than the Superleggera’s, which is mostly owing to the use of standard steel bolts where titanium has been opted for on the more premium (and costly) motorcycle.

ENGINE

Just like the 1299 Superleggera, the Final Edition’s motor also produces 206bhp (209hp), which sees an increase of 14bhp over the 1199R’s output and 12bhp more than the 1299 Panigale. In order to achieve this output, the Euro 4- compliant motor has seen extensive work to its internals, including the introduction of lighter and larger intake and exhaust valves, a lightweight crank with tungsten balancing rods, and camshafts with increased lift durations. Add to this a cylinder head with specifically developed intake and exhaust ducts, that includes the use of precisely lengthened intake horn heights, a high-permeability air filter and a full titanium race exhaust system, and you’ll begin to grasp how the extra oomph has come about.

SUSPENSION

To complement the 1199R- derived die- cast monocoque chassis, the FE’s kitted with 43mm Öhlins NIX TiN- coated upside down forks and a fully adjustable Öhlins TTX36 monoshock with a titanium spring. The rake’s set at 24° but the horizontally mounted rear shock can be altered between a more relaxed or aggressive angle to change the characteristics of the bike’s handling. For extra stability, the model also features an adjustable Öhlins steering damper.

BRAKES

When it comes to hauling up the FE’s 190kg of mass, Brembo M50s are on hand to sort the job out. The radially mounted, machined from solid alloy block, four-pot beauties are not just ridiculously powerful and stunning on the eye, but they’re also rather sophisticated, thanks to their cornering ABS credentials. The anchors work in tandemwith Bosch’s 9.1 MP control unit to assure you don’t go lobbing it mid- corner, which is a welcome feature considering how powerfully the monoblocs bite down on their paired 330mm front discs. At the rear, cornering ABS is also a feature on the two- piston, single caliper brake unit, which works alongside a 245mm disc.