Motorcycle specifications Ducati1100 Superleggera V4 Centenario 2027 Ducati's Olympus

Ducati has made it its specialty to relentlessly pursue innovation, performance, lap times, and sometimes sheer extravagance. All of this comes together in the new Superleggera V4 Centenario. An exceptional model celebrating a century of existence and passion for motorcycling. The ultimate track machine? Or a scandalous display of excess for the wealthy, beyond the reach of enthusiasts?

Madness can no longer keep up with Ducati

This new generation of Superleggera is based on the very latest version of the Panigale V4 R. So much so that you’d swear you were looking at a sleeker edition with just a “Corsica” livery. Surprisingly, the new Superleggera doesn’t go overboard with aerodynamic appendages. The previous model was so loaded with them it could have cleared snow from the Alpe d’Huez road. Here, the package is identical to that of the Panigale V4 R—nothing more. With its winglets to press the front down and the lower fairing pods to create ground effect when the bike is leaned over.
Except that this beast hides its true potential well, taking technical achievement to a whole new level.

Since the first Superleggera (the Panigale, mind you—not the 1992 900 SS “Superlight”), the manufacturer has been relentlessly striving to make it lighter and more refined, using premium materials. First magnesium, then carbon fiber. On the latest version, three-quarters of the bike was made of this black, lightweight, and durable fiber. This time, the bar has been raised even higher, with carbon fiber now extending to the fork and brakes.

Yes, the brakes. For the first time on a production bike, the discs are made of carbon-ceramic. Already massive in diameter (340 mm) and exceptionally thick (8 mm), they offer a significant advantage over steel units: 450 grams lighter per disc and 40% less inertia. The advantage is less striking when compared to the discs on a Panigale V4: their weights are comparable, but the weight distribution favors lower inertia on the Superleggera, and above all, much greater resistance.

Normally, a carbon disc needs to heat up before it becomes effective. That’s the job of the brand-new Brembo GP4-HY calipers. These are little gems machined from aluminum, featuring optimized cooling, special pads, and incredible braking performance.

Building on this momentum, Ducati takes things to the next level by adopting an Öhlins NPX 25/30 fork with carbon sliders. This, too, is a first for a “road” bike— though Bimota took a similar approach with its SB6 long ago. Pressurized like the previous model, it promises greater maneuverability and precision while shaving off 8% of the weight compared to a Panigale V4 R fork.

With all this gear, the Superleggera has treated itself to an incredible front end. A sublime front end complemented by a wealth of high-end components on board. Nothing but the best, making it easy to see why it combines exceptional performance with the cost of gold bars:
- an Öhlins TTX 36 GP LW shock absorber
- a semi-perimeter carbon frame (17% lighter than the aluminum version)
- a carbon swingarm (21% lighter than aluminum)
- Special carbon rims, weighing 300 grams less than those on the Panigale V4 S Carbon
- also made of… carbon, the front subframe (-300 g), the rear subframe (-1.4 kg), all the bodywork, and quite a few other parts help shed weight throughout the bike.
- a DID Superbike ERV7 chain
- An Ergal sprocket
- An STM REVO dry clutch
- A racing kit to make it even lighter and more powerful.

Because right now, the 2026 Superleggera V4 weighs just 173 kg without fuel.
“Is that more or less than the previous model?”
Hard to say. Ducati presented it at 159 kg but completely dry (no oil, no battery, etc.). What stands out most is that the engineers have looked everywhere to save weight. 185 grams on the headlights, 135 grams on the wiring harness, 220 grams on the license plate mount, and even more weight saved on the linkages and other suspension components by using titanium, on the engine, on the hardware…

In short, 173 kg that can easily be reduced to 167 kg with the few extras Ducati offers in a separate kit. It includes:
- an Akrapovic exhaust system that saves a few kilos and adds 19 horsepower
- DAVC Race Pro racing software
- a specific lower fairing
- a carbon fiber openwork clutch cover
- carbon swingarm and alternator cover guards
- A machined aluminum fuel cap
- a brake lever guard
- a neoprene seat
- a battery maintenance charger
- A kit to remove the kickstand, mirrors, headlights, license plate, and turn signals

An engine that outshines the competition

Ducati has no plans to enter its Superleggera in races. So, it’s a celebration of performance and ingenuity for the engine engineers. As usual, they took the 998cc engine from the Panigale V4 R…but this time, they beefed it up by adopting the dimensions of the 1103cc engine. Increased piston stroke, a custom crankshaft, titanium bolts, modified camshafts, an optimized intake, wider exhaust manifolds, and 3.6 kg lighter than the 1,100cc engine of the V4 and V4 S…
And here it is with 10 more horsepower than the R, for a total of 228 horses. Just waiting to unleash its full potential with the Akrapovic system mentioned above, to become super-ferocious with 247 horsepower!!!

It’s going to have to handle that kind of power…. Yet that’s exactly what the gearbox will have to handle. A very unique, pure-racing design, first introduced on the V4 R, where neutral isn’t in its usual spot but under first gear. Combined with a locking system, it’s impossible to shift into neutral without activating a trigger on the handlebar. Underfoot, the rider has even faster shifting with this DRG.

Surrounding all of this, the electronics handle a massive workload, with a suite of features requiring technical expertise as advanced as extensive track experience. It’s like having a Rafale on board: DVO analytical and predictive system, traction control, wheelie control, slide control, standstill launch control, and engine braking, shifter, 6-axis IMU, cornering ABS, DEB automatic rear brake management in corners, multiple riding modes, and various display options on the large 6.9-inch color TFT screen.

An apartment or a Ducati

Let’s get to the painful part. Well, not exactly. Because the price is so sky-high that it’s no longer aimed at the motorcycle community.
Let’s break it down. The Superleggera V4 Centenario costs 50% more than the previous “Super.” Or even 100% for the Tricolore model.
So we’re looking at a hefty sum of 150,000 euros. At this price point, buyers are nothing more than collectors or speculators… or enthusiasts blessed with good fortune.

Among them, 26 will be treated to a day on the track supervised by Ducati instructors. A great way to get to know this rocket before being treated to a real thrill: a few laps on the official MotoGP machine, the Desmosedici GP26.

500 units will roll out of Bologna; and 100 more in the even more special Tricolore series, featuring an Italian livery paying homage to the 750 F1 of the 1980s—just before the famous 851. The bikes will be identified by a laser-engraved number on the fork crown, which appears when the dashboard lights up and is embedded on a titanium piece of the ignition key. In the large wooden crate in which the Superleggera will be delivered, you’ll also find its certificate of authenticity, two pit stands, and a protective cover. The only thing missing is a defibrillator for the owner in case it ever tips over.

M.B. - Manufacturer photos