Troy Bayliss And The 2009 Ducati Models Wow The Crowds At Milan
Troy Bayliss shows off the 1098R Bayliss Replica at Milan
Troy Bayliss visited Milan to view the new Ducati 1198 and the incredible new Ducati Streetfighter but above all the 1098R “BAYLISS REPLICA” dedicated to this Ducati legend.
Traditionally, amongst the most crowded and toured stands at EICMA, the Ducati stand (stand 18) had no rivals. The new bikes presented by the Bolognese motorcycles company polarized the attention of the fans. Contributing to further enliven the stand of the “rosse of Borgo Panigale”, Troy Bayliss arrived at EICMA and was greeted by a sea of fans, a tribute of admiration for his third Superbike Chaimpionship title, as the all conquering Australian Champion retires from racing.
A legend and an icon for Ducati, he had decided to see for himself the new 2009 bikes on the catwalk at EICMA. The first stop of his visit at the Ducati Stand was dedicated to the newly born Streetfighter, already elected by the press and the public “the queen of the exhibition” Troy then moved on to the Superbike area to see the evolution of the bike with which he had won the title of World Champion, the new 1198, designed to remain the unquestioned benchmark among Superbikes.
But the real aim of his visit to EICMA 2008 was the 1098 R “Bayliss”, the replica of the bike with which he has raced during his last season and conquered his third Superbike title. Ducati has personalised the ‘R’ version designed for the public with a special livery that Troy has used during his last race (Sunday the 2nd November on Portuguese circuit of Potimao) announcing a limited edition production, in celebration of his victory in the 2008 World Superbike Championship aboard the 1098 R, and the end of a career that has proudly claimed three World Championships aboard three generations of Ducati Superbike.
The 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition has a special colour scheme designed by Aldo Drudi. The livery, which was used during Troy’s final race at Portimao in Portugal, incorporates the key colours of his success. Sporting the famous number ‘21’ on the pearl white nose and side-fairing number plates, the red and white paint scheme uses the dark blue background of the Australian national flag to blend beautifully along the side of the bodywork and into the unpainted carbon fibre stripe along the seat unit. This attention to fine detail is also evident in features like the carbon lower-fairing finished in red, except for aerodynamic recess for the side-stand, which remains natural carbon fibre.
A subtle ‘1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition’ graphic on the tail fairing leaves no doubt as to what this magnificent bike is. The striking design contrasts perfectly.
The 1098 R Bayliss Limited Edition will be limited to only 500 units and comes with a numbered plaque on the top fork clamp, indicating exactly where in the limited edition the motorcycle was built.
In addition, the model will be supplied with a full racing exhaust system including 102dB carbon fibre mufflers by Termignoni (strictly for track use only), a dedicated ECU, branded bike cover and rear paddock stand.
As standard equipment the bike has the innovative road-going Ducati Traction Control, which offering a choice of eight profiles, provides a considerable increase in safety during mid-corner acceleration.
“When I first saw the livery for my last race at Portimao – said Troy Bayliss as he sat on the Ducati stand’s display bike, surrounded by his fans – I thought that it was the most beautiful bike I would ever ride. To see this “replica” design also available for the public and my fans makes me fell very proud. I thank Ducati for this and I thank the public for all their continued love and support. This is a very emotional time and the bike will always be very special to me”
The ‘1098R ‘Bayliss Limited Edition’ and the rest of the new 2009 Ducati model range will be on display at the NEC International Motorcycle Show from the 28th November to 7th December.