Ducati's Troy Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary Tribute

21 years after Troy Bayliss sculpted the motorcycling racing scene with his victories, Ducati is dedicating a special motorcycle to the career of the Australian rider. The special motorcycle is produced in a number of series, celebrating the first of the three World SBK titles Bayliss won. Conveniently named The Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary by the rider himself.  

The results of the bond between Bayliss and Ducati resulted in 52 victories, 94 podium finishes and three world titles in 2001, 2006 and 2008. All won on three different bikes: the twin-cylinder 996 R, the 999 R and the 1098 R. With all Troy’s successes, he also made history by winning the MotoGP and World Superbike in the same year (2006). Undeniably, Troy’s achievements have imprinted his name in the hearts of all Ducatisti. 

Officially presented in a special episode of the Ducati World Première made at the Ducati Museum, on the track and at Troy's home in Australia. Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, Ducati Corse Team Manager Davide Tardozzi, who was alongside Bayliss throughout his career in Ducati, Director of the Centro Stile Ducati Andrea Ferraresi and Ducati Head of Product Communications Giulio Fabbri all contributed to the presentation of the characteristics of the bike and the storytelling of the incredible relationship between Ducati and Bayliss. Troy himself took part in this video, sharing with Ducatisti his most indelible memories and emotions experienced on the bike.  

Based on the original Panigale V2, the celebratory version is characterised by its special livery, with graphics inspired by the 996 R which in the 2001 season powered Bayliss to the conquest of his first world title. Ducati red paired with green and white in a tribute to the Italian spirit of the Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer, featuring Troy Bayliss’s race number, #21 and Shell logo. Troy's autograph is also reproduced on the fuel tank, while the billet aluminium triple clamp shows the name of the bike and the progressive numbering of this unique model. 

The Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary will also be equipped with Öhlins components to make the motorcycle more effective at track riding. Featuring the NX30 front fork and the TTX36 rear shock absorber guarantees maximum smoothness. Designed with the best performance on the track at the forefront, with a set-up that makes the bike more precise and offering a greater feeling and greater support in all riding phases. Thanks to the adjustments the steering damper is equipped with customization of the bike's calibration is also achievable.  

3kg lighter than the standard version, thanks to the adoption of a lithium-ion battery and single-seater configuration that explicitly recall the look of the original racing bike (passenger seat and footrests are available in the equipment supplied). Completed with the sports grips, silencer outlet cover in carbon fibre, titanium and rider seat combing two different technical materials with double red stitching. Embroidered in white on the saddle is Troy’s iconic number 21, coupled with red and green bands that makes up the Italian flag. The unique motorcycle also includes self-cleaning brake and clutch pumps with smoke grey oil tanks.  

The Panigale V2 represents the entry model to the Panigale family and is powered by the 955cc Superquadro twin-cylinder units (Euro 5 compliant), capable of achieving 155hp at 10,750 rpm and a maximum torque of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm. The bikes electronic package, dedicated to active safety and vehicle dynamics control includes Ducati Quick Shift, Ducati Traction Control, Ducati Wheelie Control and Engine Brake Control. All are integrated into three Riding Modes: Race, Sport and Street that can be modified on a 4.3” colour TFT dashboard designed to make navigation and setting adjustments intuitive as well as immediate identification of the selected Riding Mode. 

The World Superbike universe also paid tribute to Bayliss’s career during Round 5 of the season. On Friday 23rd July the Australian rider was the key focus in the virtual press conference at the Paddock Show along with Ducati Corse Sporting Director Paolo Ciabatti where the most important stages of Troy’s first victory on the Dutch circuit will be remembered. After the SuperPole Race on Sunday 25th July, the Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th anniversary completed a lap of honour on the track ridden by Ducati factory rider Michael Ruben Rinaldi who also competes in the WorldSBK with Bayliss’s number.  

The Panigale V2 Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary will be available in UK dealers from October 2021 at a dealer price of £17,995. You can view a dynamic video of the bike on the Ducati Youtube Channel and see further technical data specifications of the bike on Ducati Media House.