A couple of weeks ago we brought you some previews of a very special bike that was rumoured to be under development at the Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale.
Those rumours were well founded and here is the result, officially revealed for the first time. It retains the ‘Superleggera’ name and the figures are truly mind boggling. Every detail has been carefully pored over by the designers to shed as much weight as possible. All of the magnesium and titanium additions are sure to add up when the final cost of the bike is revealed. The monocoque frame is now magnesium, as are the front subframe and Marchesini wheels. Engine internals have also received attention with the introduction of lighter parts which also help to increase power. Exhaust valves as well as inlet valves are now titanium and a lighter crankshaft and new two-ringed pistons see a power figure that is claimed to be in excess of 200bhp. Even the forks are lightweight, Ducati opting for the FL916 items from Ohlins.
Every part on this machine is the best of the best and with a dry weight of 155kg we’re hoping it comes with a tether to stop it floating away on windy days. The optional race kit sheds a further 2.5kg by removing the number plate hanger and side-stand and adds an extra 5bhp via an Akrapovic race exhaust.
Only 500 are to be built and if you have to ask how much? You know the rest. Once the price is revealed we will let you know.
Claimed figures:
Engine Type 1198cc Superquadro: L-twin cylinder, 4 titanium valves per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled, titanium con-rods
Bore x Stroke 112 x 60.8mm
Compression Ratio 13.2:1
Power >200hp (149kw) @ 11,500rpm
Torque 98.8lb-ft (134Nm) @ 10,200rpm
Frame Magnesium monocoque
Front suspension Öhlins FL916 43mm with TiN, fully adjustable usd fork. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment
Rear suspension Fully adjustable Ohlins TTX36 unit with titanium spring. Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment. Adjustable linkage: Progressive/flat. Aluminum single-sided swingarm. 4-point adjustable pivot.
Front brake 2 x 330mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M50 4-piston calipers, Bosch 9ME ABS
Rear brake 245mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Fuel tank capacity 17litres
Dry weight 155kg
Wet weight 177kg
Seat height 830mm
