Ducati has brought something special to our shores today. The Italian company has launched a special-edition motorcycle called the ‘Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary Edition,’ for Rs 21.30 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Yes, it is a mouthful, but there’s a reason behind it. The limited-edition Ducati Panigale V2 commemorates Troy Bayliss’ first World Superbike Championship title, which he bagged back in 2001. As a tribute, the special-edition V2 comes finished in Ducati’s signature red, with white and green. Then there’s the number 21 which can be seen on the front as well as on the side of the motorcycle, while Troy’s signature is stickered across the fuel tank. 

Mechanically, things aren’t different on this special-edition Ducati. It is powered by the same 955cc liquid-cooled L-twin Desmodromic engine that makes 154hp and 104Nm. However, with a kerb weight of 197kg, this special-edition model is 3kg lighter than the standard model, owing to a lithium-ion battery and the single-seat configuration. 

Additionally, Ducati Panigale V2 Bayliss gets a new Ohlins fully adjustable suspension setup on both ends, with 43mm Ohlins NiX at the front and a TTX36 monoshock at the rear. In terms of equipment, the special-edition V2 comes with the standard 4.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, three riding modes, traction control, wheelie control, and a quickshifter. 

At Rs 21.30 lakh (ex-showroom), the Ducati Panigale V2 Troy Bayliss 1st Championship 20th Anniversary Edition is Rs 3.81 lakh more expensive than the standard model. But if you can spare that chunk of change, there’s nothing like owning a limited-production Ducati, eh?