Panigale V4
25° Anniversario 916
In 2019 a quarter of a century will have elapsed since the Ducati 916 arrived on the global stage, changing the Superbike world forever and immediately becoming a modern motorcycle icon. Ducati has decided to celebrate this anniversary - together with its fans - in the worthiest way possible by building a special 916-dedicated version of the Panigale V4.
Ever since its debut, the Ducati 916 (MY 1994) has been a favourite with both motorcycling fans and the specialised press on account of the innovative Italian-style, dynamic, lightweight design that, back in 1994, made it a sport bike like no other. Its unique lines and personality made it the first bike to be defined as “sexy”. Above all, it became an instant classic, so much so that, even now, 25 years on, it is held up as a shining example of mechanical art.
The Ducati 916 and the subsequent 996 and 998 versions were produced until 2004, with a total of over 45,000 bikes rolling off the production line.
The Ducati 916 wasn't just a great bike and an enormous sales success. It also won World Superbike championships: the 916 SBK was a force to be reckoned with even as it made its debut and the following years saw it win 120 races, 8 constructors' titles and 6 riders' titles, four of them with Englishman Carl Fogarty on the Ducati 916 SBK and 996 SBK. Of the 55 races won by Ducati, 43 were clinched by Fogarty. Even now, the English racer and the 916 remain the most successful 'couple' in Ducati SBK history.
Alongside the Monster, the Ducati 916 is the most important bike in Ducati history. The forerunner of the Bologna-based bike manufacturer's modern sport bikes, its DNA and style have been the hallmarks of every subsequent model, including the Panigale family.