It might not be a motorcycle that many of us will get to ride. But after the recent global events affecting manufacturing around the world, it’s still nice to celebrate as Ducati Superleggera V4 production starts on the Borgo Panigale production line.
And the limited edition run of 500 numbers examples are still something to be appreciated, even if you can’t buy one. The Ducati Superleggera V4 is the first motorbike approved for road use which has composite material used for the entire load-bearing chassis structure. That alone saves 6.7kg when compared to the frame, subframe, swingarm and rims of a 2020 Ducati Panigale V4.
But there is more weight saving, with carbon fibre used for many of the other parts. This includes the fairing, with wings inspired by the 2016 Ducati MotoGP machine which generates 50kg of downforce at 270 km/h (around 167mph). And means that the Ducati Superleggera V4 has a record light weight for a homologated sports bike, coming in with a dry weight of just 159kg.
With a bike weighing less than a rider and pillion, you get an impressive power-to-weight radtio of 1.41hp per kg, thanks to the most power and lightest version of the Desmosedici Stradale R engine.
The 998cc 90 degree V4 is 2.8kg less than the 1,103cc version. And with the road legal Akrapovic exhaust, still puts out 224hp.
If that isn’t enough, the Ducati Superleggera V4 also comes with a Racing Kit. The titanium Akrapovic for track use boosts power to 234hp, and with weight dropping to 152.2kg, you end up with a power/weight radio of 1.54hp/kg. For comparison, a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport has 1184bhp, and weights 1838kg, which works out at 0.64hp/kg.
As you might imagine for the exclusive Ducati Superleggera V4, there’s a pretty long list of special parts and treatment. So a Ducati specialist will check the timing on your engine, before putting their signature on a metal plate attached to the carbon cover of the rear cylinder bank.
And you also get a dry clutch, lightened Ohlins suspension with titanium springs and MotoGP-derived valves, top spec Brembo brakes with a remote control MCS radial pump and Stylema R calipers, a billet aluminium radiator cap, and even a numbered ignition key.
Plus on track you can switch the display to a RaceGP dashboard, based on what Andrea Dovizisio uses on his Demsosedici GP20 MotoGP bike.
Possibly the best example of what this all means in reality is the example of official Ducati test rider Alessandro Valia. Using a Ducati Superleggera V4 with the Racing Kit and slick tyres fitted, he was able to lap Mugello in 1.52.45s, which is just 2 seconds away from the time of Michele Pirro in the 2019 CIV championship, when he won on a Ducati Panigale V4R!
The full contents of the racing kit include the titanium Akrapovic, an open carbon fibre clutch cover, a carbon fibre swingarm cover with titanium slider, a headlamp and light replacement kit, a license plate holder removal kit, a sidestand removal kit, mirror replacement alumium caps, Ducati Data Analyzer + GPS, a racing fuel cap, brake lever protection a motorcycle cover, both front and rear stands, and a battery charger.
If you’re lucky enough to be one of those able to order the Ducati Superleggera V4, there’s more to look forward to. The owner of #001 has been invited to Borgo Paniglage for a delivery ceremony and to meet Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali.
All Superleggera owners get a Superbike Experience chance to try out the WSB Ducati Panigale V4 R at Mugello. And 30 can also purchase a MotoGP Experience to ride the Ducati Desmosedici GP bike on the same track.
And in addition to the specially designed wooden crate for transporting your Superleggera, you also get a 1:10 scale numbered sculpture. As if you aren’t going to be parking it in the middle of your living room anyway…
If you’re wondering how much the Ducati Superleggera V4 will cost, the answer is just under £90,000. Not cheap, but it’s certainly an investment. Just remember to also budget for the optional accessories including special leathers and a matching carbon-fibre helmet.
Check out all our Ducati news and content, here.
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