DUCATI PANIGALE V4 25° ANNIVERSARIO 916
Iknow I said the V4 had some big boots to fill, but you know what? From afar, the Panigale V4 25° Anniversario 916 really did look like it had what it takes to cut the mustard. I do love a bit of irony though; you know, branding an anniversary edition of the most legendary V-twin in terms of performance, probably ever, on the V4 powerplant that replaces it... you’ve got to chuckle, haven’t you? But then again, even so it’s a platform worthy of the badge. Released back in 2019, it’s essentially a 2020 V4S, without the wings: I’m talking that glorious 1103cc V4 engine, Öhlins Electronic pogos and Brembo M4.30 calipers, housed in their tiddly monocoque frame. Ducati then chucked on the dry clutch from the Panigale R (which not only sounds saucy as, but supposedly gives a better feeling on track), Marchesini Racing forged magnesium wheels, approved Akrapovic titanium silencers, and several carbon fibre and billet aluminium parts, which together reduce the weight by 1kg compared to the V4 S version… alongside some pretty substantial, erm, stickers, for good measure. Oh, and let’s not forgot that this too is a collectors’ item, limited to 500 units which all went instantly.