A Fitting End: 1299 Panigale R Final Edition

Ducati is almost as much a weaver of dreams as it is a builder of motorcycles. Its history is rife with the finest computer background material possible from the brand’s first bikes to this latest creation, the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition.

It’s helpful to think of the FE as something of a greatest hits mashup of the best Panigale elements developed over the years. The FE’s most notable distinction, however, is that it serves as the swan song for Ducati’s legendary line of v-twin superbikes.

For decades, massive twins and Ducati were as inseparable as pasta and meatballs, but the FE marks the end of this generation of Italian superbikes.

While it’s sad to see these mental machines ride off into the sunset, the replacement Ducati has planned might be even more exciting. Rumor has it that Ducati will unveil a brand new V4 powered superbike later this year at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

Mechanically, the FE is as close to full fat World Superbike as mere mortals will ever tread. Fitting, then, that Ducati took the wraps off the very last iteration of the venerable 1299 at the World Superbike race in Laguna Seca earlier this month.

Oomph in the Final Edition is provided by the same basic mill as the one in the standard Panigale, but with many of the premium goodies from the recently launch 1299 Superleggera like a lightened crankshaft, titanium valves, improved throttle bodies, among a host of other upgrades. The result? A whopping 209 horsepower at 11,000 rpm, and 104 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to teach even the angriest Wookie a thing or two about yanking arms out of sockets.

Dry weight is a claimed 357 pounds, some ten pounds lighter than a normal Panigale. Primary contributors to such a svelte figure are the gorgeous three-spoke forged aluminum Marchesini wheels and the titanium Akropovic exhaust system.

On a machine this premium, it’s no surprise that the FE is stuffed with every electronic rider aid Ducati makes, uses an quickshifter for both up and down gear changes, and rides on top-teir Ohlins suspension both front and rear.

We would be remise if we didn’t mention the bike’s looks. Sport bikes honestly don’t get much prettier than this. Every Panigale is a knockout, but throw in that stunning Italian flag paint job and WSBK exhaust, and things go to a whole new level. Maybe the best-looking superbike ever made?

One thing we found particularly interesting about the FE is the timing of its launch. It was only a short while ago that Ducati announced the even more insane 1299 Superleggera.

It seems like the Superleggera would have made for a more fitting finish as it’s the purest expression of the Panigale bloodline, but there’s no question the FE is a bike for the ages.
Arrivederci, Panigale.