Ducati Superleggera V4: First and Only Street-legal Sports Bike With a Carbon Fiber Frame

Ducati Superleggera V4: First and Only Street-legal Sports Bike With a Carbon Fiber Frame

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Explore the Ducati Superleggera V4 and its world of pure motorcycle ecstasy! 

What makes this Ducati so unique and exciting? 

With the ground-breaking application of carbon fiber, especially in its frame and swingarm, this speed demon transforms into a feather-light powerhouse. 

Buckle up (well, there aren’t any, but you get the idea) as we uncover this two-wheeled beast’s adrenaline-pumping facts.

In This Article:


Pursuing Lightness Gives the Superleggera V4 an Unbeatable Power-to-weight Ratio

Design: Tech-driven and Performance-focused

The Ducati Superleggera V4 shows the Italian manufacturer’s commitment to design excellence and performance-driven aesthetics. Every element, from the choice of materials to the arrangement of colors, contributes to its visual allure. 

Ducati’s design philosophy is rooted in subtraction and a deep understanding of essential shapes and is vividly apparent in the Superleggera V4. This is a stylistic masterpiece where shapes and materials can speak for themselves.

The design focuses on an interplay of lines and depth between the iconic Ducati Red and the visible carbon components. Various materials, such as aluminum, titanium, and carbon, serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.

The visible carbon alternates with solid white and red lines, paying homage to Ducati’s MotoGP livery and enhancing the noble fairing material. 

By dressing it in a livery inspired by MotoGP, Ducati aligns the Superleggera V4 with its racing pedigree while ensuring it stands out on the road.



Carbon Fiber: Stiffness Ratio Never Achieved Before 

At the core of the Superleggera V4 lies the extensive use of cutting-edge materials, with carbon fiber playing a pivotal role in achieving unprecedented lightness and stiffness. 

The commitment to extreme performance without compromising reliability and meeting stringent requirements led Ducati to push the boundaries of material science.

For the first time, the rear swingarm is made of unidirectional carbon fiber, exceptional in weight and stiffness. At 350 lbs dry weight (for comparison, the Panigale V4 is 381 lbs), the Superleggera V4 achieves an unbeatable power-to-weight ratio. 

However, as this material poses a challenge in stability due to its anisotropic nature, Ducati redesigned the swingarm’s geometry, resulting in a never-achieved stiffness ratio.

Using carbon fiber extends beyond mere weight reduction; it transforms the Superleggera V4 into a highly agile and manageable machine. 

The intricate testing process, akin to that in aeronautics, ensures the structural integrity of each component through thermographic, ultrasound, and tomographic checks, including CT scans. The result is a lighter superbike with enhanced stability, thanks to the innovative application of materials and geometries.


Equipment: Enhanced Riding Experience and Safety

Beyond its awe-inspiring design and cutting-edge materials, the Ducati Superleggera V4 has the finest technologies that elevate the riding experience and safety.

  • The Ducati Multimedia System (DMS) allows riders to control infotainment through Bluetooth, ensuring connectivity without compromising focus on the road.
  • The Ducati Power Launch (DPL) system ensures instant ignition, requiring only a simple clutch release for the Superleggera V4 to unleash its power. 
  • For experienced riders, the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) enables seamless gear shifts without engaging the clutch or releasing the throttle.
  • Safety features abound in the Superleggera V4, with Ducati Traction Control (DTC) preventing rear wheel spin during acceleration, especially around corners. 
  • The Ducati Slide Control (DSC) contributes to stability and balance at high speeds, enhancing the overall safety of the superbike. 

Performance: Transforming Lightness Into Speed

The Ducati Superleggera V4 is a performance powerhouse, blending lightness with incredible speed. The heart of this superbike is the 998cc Desmosedici Stradal R engine, delivering 234 hp at 15,500 rpm when equipped with the racing kit.

What sets the Superleggera V4 apart is its remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 1.54 hp/kg due to the meticulous choice of premium and lightweight materials. 

Testimonials from riders, including Alessandro Valia, Ducati Official Test Rider, attest to the bike’s extraordinary performance. Valia highlights the bike’s exceptional braking, fluidity in direction changes, and the rare feature of autonomous line following, providing riders with a sense of control and peace of mind.

The aerodynamics package further enhances the bike’s stability, with wing appendixes exerting vertical load to keep the Superleggera V4 glued to the ground. 

This feature allows riders to open the throttle fully without worrying about wheelies, showcasing the bike’s impressive acceleration and control.



Pricing and Availability

With a starting price of $100,000, the Ducati Superleggera V4 is far more expensive than its predecessor, the Ducati Panigale V4, which retails for $39,500

Strictly limited to 500 pieces worldwide, its rarity adds to the price. Also, as the top model in Ducati’s superbike series, the Superleggera V4’s unmatched performance and technological advancements justify its high price. 


Technical Specifications

Engine Type

Desmosedici Stradal R

Displacement

998cc 

Max Power

234 hp at 15,500 rpm with the racing kit

Max Torque

119 Nm at 11.750 rpm with the racing kit

Transmission

6-speed with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS)

Frame

Carbon Fiber Front Frame

Suspension

Öhlins NPX 25/30 pressurized fork; electronic suspension system

Brakes

Brembo Stylema R; 330mm discs; Cornering ABS EVO

Tires

120/70-17 / 200/60-17

Wheelbase

58,3 inches

Seat Height

32.9 inches

Weight

350 lbs (335.5 lbs with the racing kit)

Fuel Capacity

16 liters/4.2 gal

Fuel Consumption

8 liters/100km

Top Speed

200 mph 

Colors

Ducati Red/white lines/black carbon 


If you have questions about the Ducati Superleggera V4 or any details discussed here, contact us and learn more. 



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