Though some spy photos made its way into the press, Ducati did an impressive job when keeping the details hush of its 899 Panigale.
But with the media just about to get its first taste of the 899 at Imola this week, another rumor is circulating about a very limited edition Panigale.
Sources tell Ultimate MotorCycling that Ducati will introduce an 1199 Panigale R Superleggera (“Super Light” in Italian) at this November’s EICMA Milan Motorcycle Show. The Superleggera will be based on the race-specific R model, which was launched in March at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, but feature further enhancements for further exclusivity.
Sources say the Superleggera will feature a revamped engine that produces around 220 horsepower, and multiple carbon-fiber, titanium and magnesium parts to bring the wet weight to around 360 lbs., which is lighter than World Superbike spec 1199s. These parts reportedly include a magnesium air box, a carbon-fiber sub frame and carbon-fiber fairings, among others.
The Superleggera will reportedly feature the Ohlins suspension and Brembo brake setup of the Panigale R, but may have some electronic enhancements similar to those found on Ducati’s World Superbike machinery.
Ducati is expected to produce only 500 of the 1199 R Superleggera, and the uber-exclusive superbike should retail for $62,000.
Stay clicked to UltimateMotorCycling.com for additional information as it becomes available.