Forever 21: Ducati pay tribute to Troy Bayliss with special edition Panigale V2

Ducati have honoured one of their most successful and well loved racers with a special edition bike to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his first world title.

The eponymous Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary edition (don’t make us repeat it…) is a homage to Troy Bayliss’ glittering career that included three world championships, 52 race wins and 94 podiums.

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In a dazzling career that spanned the 996R through to the 1098, Bayliss’ three titles in 2001, 2006 and 2008 marked him out as one of the finest racers of his generation, proven even more so by being the only rider so far to win a MotoGP and WSB race in the same season. Given that all of Bayliss’ victories came on twins, there could be no more fitting a machine than the current Panigale V2, although Ducati have souped it up somewhat in honour of the Australian.

For a start the bike proudly displays Bayliss’ race number 21, while the graphics are inspired by his 2001 championship winning machine. Sticking with classic Ducati red, the rest of the bike has green and white highlights to channel the Italian factories proud heritage. On the tank sits Troy’s autograph while the triple clamps display the production number of the bike.

To make the V2 even more special, the standard Showa and Sachs suspension is gone in favour of top notch Öhlins kit. Up front there’s an NX30 fork with a TTX36 taking care of things at the year, with Ducati saying the set up out of the box offers more precision and improved feel when riding on track. The Swedish firm also provide the steering damper.

To make things even swifter still the Bayliss edition has a lithium battery and comes as a single seater as standard, which combined help to drop 3kg. It also comes with sport grips, a titanium and carbon fibre exhaust and a red contrast stitched saddle, with Troy’s race number embroidered alongside the Italian flag.

The rest of the bike is stock so it comes with the 955cc Superquadro v-twin that produces 153bhp at 10,750rpm and 77ftlb of torque at 9000rpm. It’s also got the full electronics package with slide control, wheelie control and every other control you can think of.

The Bayliss edition is available to order now priced at £17,995, with deliveries in October. Watch our in-depth video review of the standard bike below.