New Ducati 1199 Superleggera, a dream Ducati

Is called 1199 Superlight and nothing like it had ever been seen until today. A dream that becomes reality. A technological and engineering level never proposed before, with which Ducati imposes new benchmarks in the world of production motorcycles. An incredible and unprecedented project which, surprisingly and with a decidedly different but absolutely targeted marketing strategy, confirms the genius and courage that characterizes every single choice “made in Borgo Panigale”.

Ducati, which has always been synonymous with technology, high performance and low weight, has accepted a new challenge by asking its engineers to design the most extreme and technological road motorcycle ever, leaving carte blanche to their genius. This was the starting point of an unprecedented project, the motorcycle that had never yet been seen and that had never been mass-produced, something unique, ambitious and inimitable at the same time, a dream, internally called “project 1201”.

Magnesium, carbon fiber, titanium; starting from the use of the lightest and most resistant materials, used until now mainly on competition vehicles, up to the use of the most sophisticated applied technology available, all aimed at producing a motorbike that can offer the maximum in terms of performance. An absolutely fantastic mix of the highest technical level, which has allowed us to achieve an unprecedented result, the hidden dream of the most demanding motorcyclist. Thus was born the new 1199 Superleggera, a motorcycle that, until yesterday, only the imagination could have conceived.

The name Superleggera immediately communicates the new goal achieved by the Bolognese motorcycle manufacturer, in fact, this new jewel uses titanium, magnesium and carbon to guarantee the best weight/power ratio in the entire history of production motorcycles. With a power of over 200HP and a record dry weight of just 155kg, the 1199 Superleggera further enhances the innovative design technique and sophisticated Ducati design, i.e. the maximum expression of "Authentic Italian Performance".

Ducati, drawing on the experience gained in the past with limited edition motorcycles, such as the legendary Desmosedici RR, wants to underline the exclusive character of the 1199 Superleggera. This extraordinary motorbike will in fact be available in just 500 examples, each of which is characterized and embellished with a progressive number engraved directly on the beautiful steering head.

The technical specifications originate from the already impressive ones of the 1199 Panigale R, to which are added a magnesium monocoque frame and Marchesini forged magnesium rims.

The weight reduction is then taken to the extreme thanks to the carbon rear frame and fairing, lithium ion battery and the exhaust system entirely made of titanium as well as some of the vehicle and engine screws. Other extraordinary innovations include the very light Öhlins FL916 fork with fully machined legs and the Öhlins TTX36 rear suspension with titanium spring. The Brembo M50 Monobloc brakes of the Superleggera inherit from the racing world the MCS 19.21 front radial pump and remote adjustment used for the first time on a production motorcycle, with optimization of the secondary transmission thanks to the very light ergal crown and 520 transmission chain following the technical specifications of the Superbike World Championship. The obsessive attention to the
details shine through from the shape of the carbon hull, modeled according to the high penetration profile normally associated with the "Aero-kit" aerodynamic appendage available for the "R" models.

To the Superquadro engine, already equipped with titanium intake valves and connecting rods, titanium exhaust valves have been added and, for the first time on a Ducati road engine, pistons with 2 rings. These pistons are a prerogative of racing engines: the short skirt design and the adoption of only 2 segments (first segment and oil scraper segment), allow the masses involved and friction to be reduced. On the performance front, the combustion chamber has been redefined based on SBK developments with a new piston crown which allows a notable increase in the compression ratio. Added to this is an extremely light crankshaft, balanced thanks to tungsten pads placed on the counterweights. The innovations introduced determine an incredible power delivery: the bike leaves the production line with over 200HP.

The incredible weight/power ratio of the Superleggera can be further increased thanks to the Race Kit for exclusive use on the track supplied with the bike. The kit, which ensures a weight reduction of over 2.5 kg and an increase in power of 5 HP, includes a titanium Akrapovič sports exhaust consisting of a 2-in-1 silencer and manifold, oversized plexiglass, dedicated motorcycle cover, front and rear stand, caps machined mirror replacements and license plate holder and side stand removal kit.

The electronics of the 1199 Superleggera are even more advanced thanks to the new Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) wheelie control system and the introduction of the Inertial Platform. The Ducati Traction Control (DTC), the Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) wheelie control system and the Engine Brake Control (EBC) system are optimized by the automatic calibration system of the tire size and final drive ratio. The Ducati Data Analysis+ (DDA+) system also allows recording of the lean angle. The impressive array of electronic devices is completed by the control buttons mounted on the handlebar, derived from racing, for quick adjustments of the DTC, DWC or EBS systems during use on the track.

In keeping with its exclusive status, the new 1199 Superleggera is available in the stunning Rosso Ducati Corse livery, complemented by forged magnesium wheels.

Technical features of the 1199 Superleggera

Chassis

• Magnesium monocoque
• Magnesium rims
• Carbon rear subframe
• Öhlins FL916 front suspension
• Öhlins TTX36 rear suspension with titanium spring
• Single-sided swingarm with 4-position adjustable fulcrum
• Brembo MCS 19.21 front radial master cylinder
• Carbon fairing
• Identification number on the steering head

Motor

• Superquadro: L-twin, 4 titanium valves per cylinder, Desmodromic, liquid cooled
• World Superbike style pistons with 2 rings that increase the compression ratio
• Lightened crankshaft with tungsten balancing pads
• Titanium connecting rods
• Complete exhaust system entirely in titanium

Electronics

• Ducati Traction Control with automatic recalibration (DTC)
• Wheelie Control – Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC)
• Dedicated buttons on the handlebar for adjusting DTC, DWC or EBC during track use
• Ducati Data Analyzer + with bend sensor (DDA+)
• Ducati Quick Shift (DQS)
• Engine Brake Control (EBC)
• Riding Modes
• Ride-by-wire
• Integral LED lighting
• Integral TFT instrumentation
• Lithium-ion

Race Kit

• Motorcycle cover
• Front and rear stand
• License plate holder removal kit
• Plexiglass Racing
• Side stand removal kit
• Machined replacement mirror caps
• Akrapovič full racing exhaust