Ducati honours the history books: Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916 revealed

Those of us old enough to recall the Ducati 916 launch in 1993 will remember how jaw-dropping it was, but few imagined that 30 years later it would still be seen as one of the most important bikes in history.

Reaching production in 1994, it took its first WSB title (there would be four in total, plus another two for the near-identical 996) the same year with Carl Fogarty at the helm.

Today the 916 is a bona fide classic, consistently topping ‘best-of’ lists three decades after it was launched.

The new £37,195 Panigale V4 SP2 30° Anniversario 916 has a name as complicated as the original 916’s was simple, but it describes exactly what the bike is: a range-topping Panigale V4 SP2 painted up as a limited edition to commemorate the 916.

The main changes are cosmetic, with Foggy’s #1 logo on white number boards and black sections on the cowl to mimic the air intakes of the original 916.

The gold laurel logo on the tank and the gold-outlined silver logo on the fairing sides are updated takes on the original  916’s design.

Standard ‘limited-edition’ extras include a billet alloy steering plate, laser engraved with the model name and number. 

Billet is also used for the fuel cap and mirror blanking plates, while other 30° Anniversario 916 elements include the logoed seat, carbon brake scoops, carbon exhaust shield and carbon clutch cover.