We’re all looking for motorcycle related activities to do at home in these uncertain coronavirus times and if we’re still banged up indoors in June, Danish brick wizards LEGO and Ducati have combined to recreate the stunning Ducati Panigale V4R in brick form.
Launched as part of LEGO’s Technic range, the model consists of 646 pieces and is 320mm in length. It recreates the Italian company’s range topping superbike, which provides the base to Scott Redding and Chaz Davies’ factory world superbike racers.
While hardly an identical recreation of the 221bhp superbike, the LEGO model is surprisingly accurate in appearance, with the snaking exhaust system, moving steering and suspension and a two-speed gearbox.
Talking about the new model, Ducati’s Alessandro Cicogani said: “We have all been children fond of LEGO bricks and I think it is easy to understand that this new licensing agreement between Ducati and the LEGO Group is like a dream come true. Two excellences that share the same values of dedication, passion and attention to detail come together to give life to a unique experience. Our hope is that the Ducati Panigale V4R LEGO Technic can bring together, excite and entertain children and parents, but also all the fans who ride their motorbikes every day.”
“The Ducati Panigale V4R is such an elegant icon and a masterpiece of technology,” added Aurélien Rouffiange, Senior Designer of LEGO Technic. “It was essential for me to include as many details and features as I could, to capture all the curves and the unique design of the Red icon, to create for the first time a functioning gearbox and steering as well as a V4 cylinder engine that spins. To me riding is all about the sensation you feel in connection with the road on your motorcycle. I hope that building the LEGO Technic Panigale V4 R model brings you the same excitement. Not only a play experience but also a way to learn about mechanics, power and technology. The beginning of a long journey with a lot of fun and passion.”
The Ducati is not the first time that LEGO has created a motorcycle through its Technic range. BMW’s R1200GS got the same treatment in 2017, while Harley-Davidson’s iconic Fat Boy has also been produced as part of the company’s ‘Creator’ range.
LEGO says that the Ducati model is suitable for builders aged 10 and over. It retails at £54.99 and will be available from 1 June at Lego stockists, or online at: https://www.lego.com/en-gb/product/ducati-panigale-v4-r-42107
