Ducati Superleggera 1199 2014 — Specifications

There exists a boundary that should not be crossed. A space where luxury and performance prevent you from returning to the common biker’s realm. A motorcycle that no longer knows steel but pledges to combine its genetics with materials from space exploration. Magnesium, aluminum, carbon, tungsten, lithium, titanium – what nobility of metal in these elements ranked among the first lines of the periodic table. Between luxury and the stopwatch, there is now the Ducati 1199 SUPERLEGGERA.

With its numbering, you immediately recognized the large Panigale. And the Superleggera designation, which will resonate without requiring any knowledge of Italian, unequivocally indicates a profound improvement. Let’s not wait until the end of the chapters to reveal staggering figures. This Ducati hypersport will fascinate all scales: 155 kg dry! And over 200 horsepower to send all that into orbit. Stay seated. It takes just 2500 grams for the 1199 SL to eat the race kit parts (supplied) and gain 5 horsepower. But how can one end up with a 152.5 kg sportbike with over 205 horsepower coming from a twin?

First by writing a huge check that decency forbids me to cite here (but it is mentioned at the bottom of the sheet) Then by being among the 500 privileged who will have reserved it. Finally, by accepting to have an absolutely fabulous machine in your hands, which has pushed the technical performance of the Italian manufacturer to the limit. The Superquadro twin can exceed the 200 crankshaft horsepower thanks to modifications based on SBK machines. Here, all valves are made of titanium, while a standard Panigale only incorporates those for intake with this material. To favor supersonic revs, the block is equipped with special pistons from the Superbike with short skirts, two friction-reduced segments, a lightened crankshaft with tungsten balancing inserts. The compression ratio has gone from 12.5 to 13.2:1.

So, this engine is not finished talking about itself, and making big watts talk. But what fully justifies the name of this Ducati is the frenzy of engineers to lighten as many parts as possible. A grueling work that allows this diva to be lighter than a MotoGP prototype. The frame, for example: its very compact monocoque structure already makes it a curiosity in our world. On the Superleggera, it is not made of aluminum but of magnesium. The forged Marchesini rims are also made of this element coded Mg 12 among its peers.

The rear subframe, which supports a self-supporting seat, is made of carbon, allowing it to weigh less than a kilogram. An unprecedented technique on a series motorcycle; this type of construction is generally seen in high-level competition. The fairing is also entirely made of carbon, molded to obtain the same Cx as the Aero kit of the R version. After the valves, Miss Ducati will take even more titanium? No, a lot. It takes for the entire exhaust line, and also for the Öhlins TTX36 damper spring. Indissociable of a high-end motorcycle, the Swedish manufacturer also takes care of the fork. The installed FL916 has entirely machined fork tubes. Achieving the record mass of the Panigale Superleggera does not consist only of scraping on major strategic elements or equipping with the top of the top of peripherals. You have to eat weight everywhere. By installing a Lithium-Ion battery, a Ergal rear sprocket, a transmission chain with a 520 pitch, lighter and allowing you to better feel the rear end reactions. The Brembo braking system with M50 calipers is controlled by a new MCS Racing 19-21 master cylinder with remote adjustment.

Weight reduction per part:

- Fairing and carbon parts: -1 kg - Magnesium monocoque frame: - 1.1 kg - Carbon rear subframe: - 1.3 kg - Titanium exhaust: - 2.6 kg - Forged magnesium rims: -1 kg - Lithium-Ion battery: - 2 kg - Fork and damper: 1.4 Kg - Superbike pistons: - 194 gr - Lightened crankshaft with tungsten inserts: - 396 gr - WSBK type chain and special parts: -1.3 kg

Having crossed a cap in the power/weight ratio, the 1199 Superleggera adapts its electronic arsenal. Traction control is improved by automatic pneumatic calibration. DDA+ data acquisition (with GPS) receives an additional sensor measuring the angle taken in corners. A DWC wheelie control comes to join the already well-stocked electronic pack with the 9ME sports anti-lock system, the DQS shifter, the EBC engine braking management, and the Riding Modes.

And all this is homologated for road use. What a feat! The Ducati 1199 Superleggera can only express itself on the track, in a museum or a jewelry store. The race kit we talked about in the second chapter includes a complete exhaust line and a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, a high bubble, a cover with motorcycle inscriptions, front and rear stand kickers, mirror insert caps, a support plate cover and a removable side stand kit.

In 1991, Ducati presented a 900 SS SuperLight, a lightened version of its desmo sportbike intended for passionate athletes. In 2014, Ducati surpasses the fantasy by marketing the 1199 SuperLeggera for wealthy aesthetes. Lighter than its MotoGP, more powerful and more expensive than its Desmosedici RR, more exceptional than any other machine in current production, this hypersport is a true piece of jewelry. Once filled and ready to devour the track, it weighs 177 kg, which is the weight of a BMW S 1000 RR… dry. It is above all a technological showcase, intended to fuel all sorts of multiple desires and dreams.

M.B - Photo manufacturer