After numerous spy shots, speculations and leaked documents, it is finally official. Ducati has unveiled the limited-edition Superleggera V4, the lightest and the fastest production motorcycle to leave the Bologna factory. . Limited to just 500 units worldwide, the Superleggera V4 carries a sticker of GBP 100,000 or Rs 92.4 lakh, excluding Indian taxes and duties. A few units will be allocated to India and we expect it to be priced at around Rs 1.35 crore, ex-showroom India.
The most powerful Desmosedici Stradale V4
Contrary to the rumours, the Superleggera V4 packs a 998cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, which is 2.8kg lighter than the 1103cc V4 seen on the Panigale V4. Coupled with the new Akrapovic exhaust, the Superleggera V4 delivers 220bhp and 116Nm. Fit in the titanium Akrapovic system supplied with the bike, and the figure is boosted to 230bhp and 119Nm. Topping that up is a dry clutch and manual adjustment of the Desmodromic timing system.
With this cracker of an engine, Ducati has supplied the state of the art electronics to the Superleggera V4 including the latest-gen traction control, quickshifter, slide control, launch control, wheelie control and engine brake control. Riding modes include three reprogrammed modes (Race A, Race B and Sport) along with five additional rider configurable riding modes, seen for the first time on a Ducati.
The Superleggera V4 also gets a ‘RaceGP’ display, intended only for track use and is an offshoot of the instrument panel on the Desmo GP20’s display.
Carbonfibre all around
Complementing the manic powerhouse is an all-carbonfibre chassis, including the swingarm and wheels, which has helped Ducati shed 6.7kg. This also makes the Superleggera the only street-legal motorcycle to flaunt an entire load-bearing structure made of the composite material.
With the extensive use of titanium and magnesium, the Superleggera tips the scales at just 159kg; a whole 16kg lighter than Panigale V4. With the racing kit mounted, the weight drops down to 152.2kg, resulting in a recording breaking power-to-weight ratio of 1.54hp/kg.
With the crazy power on tap, Ducati has equipped the Superleggera with carbonfibre biplane wings, based on the Desmo GP16 machine. The biplane wings produce 50kg of downforce at 270kmph- that’s 20kg more than the 2020 Panigale V4 R
Top-shelf hardware
Completing the package is the use of the top-of-the-line hardware which includes 43mm NPX25/30 forks and a TTX36 Ohlins monoshock, complete with titanium spring and MotoGP-derived hydraulic valve technology.
Braking duties are handled by the latest Brembo Stylema R caliper at the front, clamped onto 330mm discs. The pistons also feature cooling holes, reducing brake fade, a first for a road bike. Complimenting this is Brembo MCS 19.21 master cylinder, complete with a remote adjuster.
More bragging rights
Other than owning an exquisite Italian beauty, buying a Superleggera V4 will give owners an access to the WSBK experience, allowing riders to ride the WSBK-spec Paanigale V4 R and Superleggera around the Mugello track.
Throw in some additional moolah and 30 riders will be given access to the MotoGP experience, giving them an opportunity to ride the Desmo GP20 at Mugello circuit.
The Superleggera V4 will go into production in April and Ducati is aiming to produce just five bikes a day. The deliveries in Europe are slated to begin from June.