WITH its 1299 Panigale R Final Edition, Ducati has saved the best for last. 

The storied motorcycle maker’s Borgo Panigale digs has finished building the last examples of the Final Edition and, in fact, has already started delivering some of the 1,299 examples of the super sport road bike to Ducati Stores. This means the Ducatista — or anyone who knows bikes, for that matter — has this one last chance to score what may well be the Panigale R’s best rendition.

Each of these bikes — numbered, and coming with a certificate of authenticity — is propelled by a twin-cylinder Superquadro engine that’s an offshoot of the 1299 Superleggera mill. The 1299 Superquadro is Euro4-compliant and spins out 209hp at 11,000 rpm and 142Nm at 9,000rpm. It packs a lighter crankshaft that has a larger crank pin and tungsten balancing pads, as well as connecting rods and intake and exhaust valves made of titanium. 

These lightweight components are then matched to a compact monocoque which Ducati co-developed with its racing unit, Ducati Corse. This structure incorporates the engine’s air box, and is a key to the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition’s ability to tip the scales at a mere 179 kilograms dry. Well, an all-titanium Akrapovic exhaust with high-mounted dual silencers — exactly like the one kitted to the Panigale R that has just ended its stint in World Superbike — helps in keeping weight down, too.

Propping up this special 1299 Panigale R is an Ohlins suspension package. Meanwhile, the bike’s electronic suite is composed of a Bosch Inertial Measurement Unit that’s equipped with ABS Cornering, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, Ducati Traction Control EVO and Engine Brake Control. These systems have default settings linked to the selected riding mode, namely Race, Sport and Wet. The functions can be personalized by the rider.

As a bike meant to pay proper tribute to an engine that has made Ducati history and is credited for some of the most thrilling chapters in World Superbike, the 1299 Panigale R Final Edition is rightfully marked by Ducati’s new take on the iconic tricolore livery.

The 1299 Panigale R deserves to go out in style.