Ducati 1299 Superleggera Fast Facts, Photos & Video
First there was the Desmosedici RR—the closest thing Ducati created that delivered the heart of a true MotoGP bike. The RR, built in 2007 (the same year Casey Stoner claimed Ducati’s only MotoGP title) and 2008, arrived with a 989cc Desmodromic V4 that produced 193 horsepower.
Impressive. But modernity churned. The Desmosedici was followed by Ducati’s next exclusive one-off creation, the 1199 Superleggera, which translates from Italian to “Super Light.” The bike was immediately gobbled up by collectors across the globe, and continued to display Ducati’s passion for ultimate performance.
[Read about Kaming Ko’s Valentino Rossi GP11 Purchase]
This exclusive-performance pursuit continues with the arrival of the 1299 Superleggera, another Desmo collector’s dream that was unveiled at 2016 EICMA (Milan Motorcycle Show). The 1299 Superleggera now takes precedence as the most powerful and lightest factory Panigale ever built, producing 215 horsepower while weighing a mere 368 lbs. wet.
Like the 1199 Superleggera , the 1299 is super exclusive; only 500 will be produced. During Ducati’s EICMA presentation that was broadcast to over 400,000 people via social media, Casey Stoner joined CEO Claudio Domenicali on stage, discussing this new chapter of perfetto performance for the true Ducatisti. Domenicali said nearly all 500 were reserved, but that can’t stop the Desmo dreamers from dreaming.
Following are the Fast Facts of Ducati’s newest Superleggera.
1. With 215 horsepower @ 11,000 rpm, and 108 ft/lbs. of torque @ 9000 rpm, the 1285cc Superquadro engine is the most powerful factory twin ever produced. The Superquadro motor (116mm bore x 60.8mm stroke) is completely redesigned. From aluminum cylinder liners vs. steel on the base 1299 Panigale to titanium connecting rods, the 1299 Superleggera’s engine is 4.6 lbs. lighter than its base 1299 counterpart. A further 3.7 lbs is shaved due to using a lithium battery.
[Visit the 2017 Motorcycle Previews page]
3. The Ducati 1299 Superleggera was designed with MotoGP electronics, including the first-ever on a Ducati superbike, Ducati Power Launch (DLP). The three-level DLP works in combination with Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC) and Ducati Traction Control (DTC) to provide optimal starts for those willing to take this machine on a race track. Besides DLP, DWC and DTC, the 1299 Superleggera also arrives with Ducati Slide Control (DSC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Bosch Cornering ABS.
4. Suspension duties on the 1299 Superleggera are handled by only the best from Ohlins. The Superleggera features multi-adjustable 43mm Ohlins FL936 forks, which weigh 3 lbs. less than those on the Ducati Panigale R, and a multi-adjustable Ohlins TTX36 shock absorber with a titanium spring, which saves another 1.1 lbs.
5. Premium price means premium Brembo brakes. The 1299 Superleggera arrives with two 330mm Brembo discs up front squeezed by Brembo M50 calipers, and a single 245mm disc out back squeezed by a two-piston Brembo caliper. The 1299 Superleggera also arrives with new TT29OP1 brake pads, a first for any Ducati.
6. Included with the 1299 Superleggera is a Race Kit. The Race Kit includes an Akrapovic racing exhaust, bike cover, front and rear stands, plate-holder removal kit, racing windscreen, kickstand-removal kit, and mirror replacement plugs.
7. Premium performance means premium price. In the USA, the 1299 Superleggera is priced at $80,000. Not much more to say about exclusive premiums for optimal performance.
With 215 horsepower, a wet weight of 368 lbs., and only the best suspension, brakes and electronics, there’s no doubting the 1299 Superleggera is the ultimate Ducati superbike. With only 500 produced, Ducati yet again remains at the forefront of delivering exclusive machinery to an exclusive clientele. We just hope one of these future owners let us complete a lap or 10 on the new Superleggera. But for now, enjoy the below photos of yet another dreamy Italian machine that keeps Ducati’s true heart of performance constantly pumping.
Ducati 1299 Superleggera Photo Gallery
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