The first of the 500 Ducati Panigale Superleggera V4 was officially delivered to the Belgian 'ducatista' Filip Van Schil. The 500 units are all numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, produced in a limited edition. The Ducati Superleggera is the only two wheels approved for road use with chassis, rims and swingarm made of carbon fiber. An exclusive jewel made in Italy for which there is so much to say in the matter of performance, attention to detail, style. An article is not enough to tell it but we will do our best.
It weighs 159 kg (16 kg lighter than the Panigale V4), the recorded power is 224 hp (on the road) and 234 hp out of 152.2 kg with the racing kit (for track use thanks to the Akrapovič titanium exhaust) which comes together with the bike.
Performance, power, lightness. A mix of state-of-the-art technology (with electronic controls in racing optics), engineering excellence, exclusive design with the aerodynamic lines of the GP16. The bike features lighter Öhlins suspension and the best of the components supplied by Brembo.
A unique experience in the world for motorcycle sufferers? Yes.
What you feel is easy to read it on the ecstatic face of the riders, when they get off the bike after the tests.
Ducati Superleggera: a project closer to aeronautics than motorcycling
The Ducati Superleggera V4 project is similar to what Ducati Corse does for MotoGP with the difference that the goal, in this case, is to guarantee the total reliability of the life of the bike, not limiting itself to a single racing season. It is a MotoGP with license plate and mirrors, born to last for life.
The new development process conceived and realized by ducati staff is closer to aeronautics than motorcycling. To produce 500 perfect units, an incredible number of virtual simulations were carried out by subjecting the components to tomographs, thermographs and ultrasonic controls. Just like in the aviation industry. Lightness that turns into speed.
Technologies and materials used for the Superleggera V4 are the same as those used for prototypes, but the reliability is that of a standard motorcycle. Technology but also a manual, artistic process, in designing components and engine.
The aerodynamic design of the Ducati Superleggera is inspired by that of the GP16 so much that the aerodynamic package increases the downforce of the Panigale V4 by 50%. Aerodynamics enhances power, facilitates driving and limits the need for electronic systems that reduce the power output. The vertical load at the front simplifies acceleration management, the surfaces of the wings develop stability as the speed increases.
Chills until yesterday reserved only for professional drivers can be experienced by the enthusiast.
Search for materials and new geometries
Frame, rims, fairings, fenders, biplane wings and rear swingarm made of carbon fiber to challenge a dream: the speed-friendly lightness.
Ducati's obsession with materials research is well known. For the Superleggera V4 it used precious materials such as titanium, magnesium and carbon fiber combined with optimized geometries to improve performance.
The engine of the Ducati Superleggera V4 has also been lightened, which can be called the most sophisticated Ducati engine ever. Piece by piece, ducati staff has worked on each component in order to make it as light as possible using materials, processes and technologies that, normally, are used only in the world of competitions. Something has never been done before by meticulously analyzing every small component, testing new geometries and materials. A real futuristic experimentation.
The tightening screws of the bases, the heads, the smaller screws but numerous as those of the cam hats have been replaced, moving from steel to titanium. On several components the thicknesses (camshafts, starter gears) were thinning, holes were added and the oil pump unit was reduced reducing the number of recovery pumps from 3 to 2. All while maintaining functionality and reliability.
All flywheel masses have been lightened with the use of titanium.
Ducati staff has carried out a great deal of checks, FEM hours and structural simulations to ensure reliability and safety to a lifetime guaranteed racing engine. That's why the computational and simulation work was double.
Ducati Superleggera: the performances
Needless to say, the work of lightening, aerodynamics and redesigning geometries has disrupted the driving feeling, changes of direction, responsiveness, speed in getting on and off lap. Practically, the engine reacts instantly to the driver's demands.
It's worth talking about the new rear swingarm. For the first time, one-way carbon has been applied which, while extremely performing, is difficult to stabilize on the other. To find the perfect compromise, it was necessary to completely redesign the rear swingarm geometries through numerous tests and virtual resistance simulations. In the end, a formidable result was achieved: a specific rigidity ratio never before achieved.
The Ducati Superleggera is agile, manageable, fluid in changes of direction but also more stable thanks to morphological optimization, geometry redesign.
Not only is there much less to brake: the Superleggera tends to travel the lines independently (something rare) allowing the driver to completely focus on driving style. The grip on the ground is maximum, the acceleration is impressive but you have full control of the bike. It doesn't break down, it doesn't even soar in the steepest climbs.
It conveys a great feeling of safety despite the incredible weight-to-power ratio.
Ducati Superleggera's Racing Kit
Inside the Ducati Style Center of Borgo Panigale, the Ducati Superleggera V4 001/500 was delivered to belgian ducatista Filip Van Schil, already owner of 9 other Ducati motorcycles.
Ducati's package includes the Racing Kit, the customization of the Superleggera V4 suit with air-bag and the possibility to complete the look with the carbon fiber helmet.
The Akrapovič Titanium Exhaust Racing Kit is ducati's special equipment for this unique bike. It is a supplied equipment that allows you to touch absolute levels of performance with the unbeatable power/weight ratio of 1.54 hp/kg.
The unique set-up of super light components and technologically advanced equipment give the rider the thrill of the track.
The price of the new Ducati Superleggera V4 is high: 100,000 euros.
Only 30 customers will be able to access the "MotoGP Experience" with the possibility of driving the Desmosedici GP20 of Dovizioso and Petrucci on the circuit.
