This 90th-Ann’y Ducati Comes With Something Called “Wheelie Control”

Officially, 2016 is the year of the dog.

Unofficially, it’s also the year of the automotive anniversary.

After carmakers like Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini and Camaro treated themselves to four-wheeled birthday gifts over the first six months of ‘16, it’s finally time for a two-wheeled house of horsepower to join the party.

To mark its 90th, Ducati is creating a limited run of 1299 Panigale S Anniversario bikes, the first of which was unveiled at the just-concluded World Ducati Week 2016. Limited to 500 models, the lightweight superbike is built on a 205-HP Superquadro engine with extra-large air intakes ingeniously installed into the the chopper’s Monoscocca chassis.

And in addition to anti-lock brakes, carbon components, LEDs and aluminium-top triple clamps laser-inscribed with the model’s name and number, the powerful bikes are equipped with something specially designed for the true moto enthusiast: Ducati’s “Wheelie Control” technology.

According to the company, the DWC tech “recognizes front-wheel lift and responds” with a “maximum possible acceleration” level that allows “the throttle to be maintained open without fear of the wheelie getting out of control.”

If Ducati’s worry-free wheelies sound like your cup of cappuccino, contact a dealer.