Bikes

Officially Official: Ducati 1199 Superleggera

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Well it looks like all the leaks and speculation are now over, as Ducati has finally released photos and information about the 2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera — the company’s “super light” limited edition superbike. A halo bike for Borgo Panigale, the new Superleggera slots into Ducati’s lineup above the homologation-purposed Ducati 1199 Panigale R.

Only 500 Ducatisti worldwide will have the chance to own a Ducati 1199 Superleggera, and that ownership will mean having a superbike with a dry weight of only 155kg (341.7lbs) — 177kg (390.2lb) at the curb with at least a tank that is 90% full. Ducati officially rates the power at “over 200hp” as the Superleggera revs an extra 500 rpm’s off its modified motor.

To make these weight savings, Ducati has used a good portion of the periodic table to find the lightest components possible. As such, the Superleggera features a magnesium monocoque frame and forged Marchesini magnesium wheels, a carbon fiber rear sub-frame and bodywork (with integrated R-spec aero-kit), a lithium-ion battery, a full titanium exhaust system with stainless steel headers, and many of the bolts and fasteners on both engine and chassis are also made from titanium.

On the performance side of things, Ducati has included the lightweight Öhlins FL916 forks for front suspension duties, which are mated with CNC’d aluminum fork bottoms. At the rear, an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock is present with a titanium spring. Braking is done by Brembo M50 monobloc calipers, while a racing-style MCS 19-21 master cylinder and remote adjuster are at the handlebars.

Even the final drive on the Ducati 1199 Superleggera has been altered for weight, as an Ergal rear sprocket and WSBK-spec 520 drive chain have been fitted. We hear that with the stock gearing, the 2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera can clear the 200 mph mark…if you can find a road long enough, and nerves to match.

Inside the Superleggera’s Superquadro engine, a bevy of enhancements have also been made. The 1,198cc v-twin engine uses titanium for the con-rods, inlet valves, now the exhaust valves as well. The pistons have also been modified for a two-ring setup, for less internal drag and weight savings.

Ducati  says that in order to further increase engine performance, the combustion chamber has been modified to WSBK specs, specifically with a new piston crown that increases the Superquadro’s compression ratio. The crankshaft has also been lightened, and tungsten inserts have been used to balance the crank.

Helping control that power is Ducati’s most advanced electronics system to date, which features a new anti-wheelie system: Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC). The DWC system, along with Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC), features an automatic calibration of the Superleggera’s rear-tire size and final transmission ratio, leaving owners free to change gearing and tires sizes to fit their riding needs.

The Ducati Data Analysis+ (DDA+) system has also been updated, and now adds an additional sensor and software channel to record and display vehicle lean angles. All of these systems (DTS, DWC, and EBC) can now be accessed via a handlebar-mounted control button layout, which is a huge boon for anyone who has tried to navigate through Ducati’s dash menu system.

If all of that doesn’t sound like a enough, Ducati is shipping the Superleggera with a “Race Kit” that includes a titanium Akrapovic racing exhaust, racing windscreen, front and rear paddock stands, machined mirror fill-caps, removal kits for the registration plate holder, and sidestand.

The kit is said to drop 2.5kg (5.5 lbs) from the already anorexic machine, while adding an additional 5hp to the Ducati 1199 Superleggera’s peak horsepower figure. Pricing in the US will be $65,000, with priority said to be given to Desmosedici RR, Panigale R, and Panigale S Tricolore owners, in that order.

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Source: Ducati

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