RideFast May 2018
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The Last and First<br />
This world exclusive test saw us take<br />
Ducati’s last ever V-Twin, and their latest V4<br />
creation out on track. While we only got to<br />
test the bikes for a day, it was more than<br />
enough time, as it does not take long to get<br />
comfortable and the best out of both bikes.<br />
The Panigale 1299 R Final Edition is the<br />
perfect expression of the Italian manufacturers<br />
Twin history, highlighting all that is good<br />
from the thumping double-barrel power<br />
plant. Testing the FE, I could not fi nd much<br />
KEY SPECS PANIGALE 1299 R FE<br />
Engine: 1285cc Superquadro:<br />
L-twin cylinder, 4 valve per cylinder,<br />
Desmodromic, liquid cooled<br />
Maximum Power: 209.4 hp @ 11,000rpm<br />
Maximum Torque: 142 Nm @ 9,000rpm<br />
Wheelbase: 1435mm<br />
Seat height: 830mm<br />
Dry weight: 168kg<br />
Price: R650,000<br />
KEY SPECS PANIGALE V4 S<br />
Engine: 1103cc Desmosedici Stradale<br />
90° V4, rearward-rotating crankshaft, 4<br />
Desmodromically actuated valves per<br />
cylinder, liquid cooled<br />
Maximum Power: 214 hp @ 13,000rpm<br />
Maximum Torque: 124 Nm @ 10,000rpm<br />
Wheelbase: 1464mm<br />
Seat height: 830mm<br />
Dry weight: 178kg<br />
Price: R359,900<br />
wrong. In fact, while out on track, I found<br />
myself asking the question “Does it get any<br />
better?”. That question was soon answered<br />
after only a couple of turns on the new V4.<br />
While the 1299 R FE is alluring, romantic,<br />
glamourous, and certainly exclusive, the<br />
new V4 takes not only the Ducati superbike<br />
to the next level, but the entire production<br />
sportbike segment to another spectrum.<br />
The V4 is extraordinary, kinky, outlandish<br />
and enticing. It lures you in with it’s styling<br />
and overall riding sensation. It breeds<br />
confi dence and extracts whatever<br />
emotions you have inside of you. It<br />
even made a top racer speechless.<br />
When Shez eventually got his<br />
sense back, he verbally exploded<br />
the words “It’s the smoothest,<br />
fastest production superbike<br />
I have ever ridden!”<br />
Now I can hear you all<br />
screaming, pointing out<br />
the fact that the V4 is<br />
an 1100cc, so it’s a<br />
bit unfair to compare<br />
against, and say it’s<br />
that much better than its 1000cc rivals. But<br />
the fact is that Ducati’s current production,<br />
off-the-fl oor, available to the masses<br />
superbike just happens to be just that –<br />
1100cc’s of pure power. You can’t fault Ducati<br />
for this. In fact, we should be applauding<br />
them for making this bold and smart move.<br />
Why be restricted to 1000cc? Yes, make a<br />
1000cc version to go racing, which they will<br />
be doing and releasing at the end of this<br />
year, but the masses want more<br />
power so Ducati gave them<br />
just that. It’s now time for<br />
the others to stop playing<br />
by the rules and get in the<br />
game!<br />
“It is the smoothest,<br />
fastest production<br />
superbike I have<br />
ever ridden!” Shez<br />
RIDEFAST MAGAZINE MAY <strong>2018</strong> 5 9
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