2014 Ducati 1199 Panigale R

Those economics make the Ducati 1199 Panigale R seem like a no brainer for the speed-addled set, a rare opportunity to own a race-worthy machine for the price of a well-equipped Honda Accord. And as for the difference – roughly a standard superbike's worth – between the Panigale R and perfectly capable run-of-the-mill literbikes like the Honda CBR1000RR, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R or Yamaha R1, the question depends on how dearly you value the precious metals used for the engine internals, the added chassis adjustability and, of course, the cachet of that slick aluminum tank and the R name.