Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 2024 — Specifications

The most beautiful pages in Ducati’s history have been written by legendary models (916, Monster, SS, and many others), men, engineers, designers, and riders of exceptional caliber. We can cite Fogarty, Stoner, Roche, Polen, Laconi, Zarco... While the Panigale V2 takes a close look at one of the most famous: Troy Bayliss.

Here, it’s a real declaration that the sportbike makes. One from a fan, from a lady with a fiery spirit who only goes for a ride if her idol is riding it. As if to signify her early and unconditional admiration, the “middle” Panigale adopts the colors of the machine once entered in WSBK, the one that gave Bayliss his first title in 2001. The number 21, the Australian rider’s lucky number, is prominently displayed, accompanied by the Shell logo, the team’s sponsor. The lines and aesthetics are beyond reproach.

This is in celebration of that crowning achievement, obtained 21 years ago, that this Ducati bears the identity of “1st Championship 20th Anniversary.” Okay, we didn’t really rack our brains to create the name in Bologna. However, we did make a serious effort on the equipment. When you bear the name of a triple World Superbike champion, it’s better to be at the top of your game... and even a little more. So, the provocative Panigale V2 dresses in gold legs to elevate its level of efficiency by a notch. The 43mm NIX30 inverted fork and the TTX36 lateral shock absorber from Öhlins will take care to offer more rigor, feeling, and sportiness imbued with the pleasure of riding. Another shock absorber, also from Sweden, will take care to moderate the front end.

She’s jealous. She has deliberately removed her footpegs and the passenger seat. This configuration, along with the replacement of the battery with a Li-Ion model, allows for a weight loss of 3 kilos. Fortunately, Ducati discreetly provides the hardware alongside to avoid provoking the ire of the Panigale. Reassured, she takes the opportunity to adorn herself with a few treats. The race number and an expression of the Italian flag are embroidered on the bi-material seat, embellished with red stitching. She is also equipped with carbon and titanium exhaust outlets, self-bleeding brake and clutch master cylinders, smoked fluid reservoirs, the motorcycle’s name and its serial number affixed to the superb fork head, sport grips, and to conclude, a sticker bearing Troy Bayliss’ signature on the tank.

The engine is faithful to that which carried Troy to his 52 victories and 94 podiums. A large twin-cylinder, with desmodromic valve actuation, from Italy, with horsepower. The 955 cm3 Superquadro delivers 155 horsepower and 10.6 mkg of maximum torque. A mechanical coincidence and almost symbolic, the twin of the Panigale V2 Bayliss replica develops almost the same power as the 996 F01 with which the rider won his first title. Beyond the fury, the electronics are at every level with an Up&Down shifter, cornering ABS, 3 Riding Modes (Race, Sport, Street), traction, wheelie, and engine braking control systems, a 4.3-inch color TFT dashboard... up to the Ride by Wire throttle which only asks for one thing. Twist!

As the numbers on the upper fork head indicate, this Panigale V2 Bayliss edition is a numbered series; but not limited. There are thus no prohibitive production figures, likely to spoil the enthusiasm of owning one. That doesn’t mean there will be one for everyone. At more than €23,000, or three gold bars more than the standard model, this replica remains synonymous with both sentimental and financial commitment.

A new story is born between Ducati and “Baylissstic.” The factory is strongly attached to this WSBK character and shows it. Along with Fogarty, this is the rider to whom Ducati pays the most homage through the number of replicas. In addition to this Panigale V2, the native of Taree has been entitled to his heraldry on a 1098 and a 998 S – the decor here is, moreover, almost the same as on the 998 in question. History and the present have not finished creating beautiful machines for us.

M.B - Photos from manufacturer

The 2001 World Superbike 996 F01 facing the 2021 Panigale V2 Bayliss replica