Triple WorldSBK Champion Troy Bayliss has appealed – rather candidly – on social media for the return of his two-up Ducati Panigale V4 R after the super rare machine was stolen from his team’s race truck.
The Australian is one of the most successful WorldSBK riders of all time with a trio of titles (2001, 2006, 2008) to his name, not to mention an ultra impressive record of 52 victories, 94 podiums and 26 pole positions from 154 starts. He also has a race win in MotoGP on the Ducati, with whom he spent the majority of his career.
Unfortunately even legends as himself aren't immune from the scourges of society...
Today Bayliss is still closely associated with the Italian marque and is involved in the DesmoSport Ducati team competing in the Australian Superbike Championship.
However, en route to the season opener at Phillip Island this weekend, Bayliss revealed thieves got into the race truck and snatched a unique two-up Ducati Paniagle V4 R used for on-track demos with a passenger.
Naturally, Bayliss – who will also be cheering on his WorldSSP wild-card son Oli Bayliss at Phillip Island this weekend – wasn’t impressed and duly sent out a message to those who may come across a unique-looking, liveried Ducati Panigale V4 R [see below].
Still, Bayliss may eventually get the last laugh, revealing the bike is due for an engine rebuild and is unlikely to get very far, or sold we imagine. Let's just say Bayliss doesn't hold back when he describes how he wants the machine returned...
Stolen, strait out the back door of our race truck at Sumerton VIC while driver having a shower , what the hell do you want a two up bike for , it’s due for a engine rebuild as well, you ain’t going far on that pic.twitter.com/dqrZBeTuby
— Troy Bayliss (@TroyBaylisstic) February 22, 2020
If anyone spots a V4 r two up bike cruising down the highway can you stick a broom handle in the front wheel and cut off at least one of the hands of the rider
— Troy Bayliss (@TroyBaylisstic) February 22, 2020
Here's hoping for a safe return!
