Motorcycle specifications Ducati1199 Superleggera 2014 The conquest of space

there's a boundary you can't cross. A space where luxury and performance keep you from returning to the common biker. A motorcycle that no longer knows steel, but instead combines its genetics with materials from the conquest of space. Magnesium, aluminum, carbon, tungsten, lithium, titanium - these elements, ranked in the top rows of Mendeleyev's table, are nothing short of metallic nobility. Between luxury and chrono, there's now the Ducati 1199 SUPERLEGGERA.

with its numbering, you'll immediately recognize the big Panigale. And the addition Superleggera, which is sure to strike a chord without any notion of the Italian language being required, unequivocally indicates a profound improvement. Let's not wait until the end of the chapters to discover some startling figures. This Ducati hypersport will fascinate all scales: 155 kg dry! And over 200 grunts to send it into orbit. Stay seated. All the 1199 SL has to do is eat the racing kit parts (supplied) to lose 2,500 grams and gain 5 grunts.
But how do you end up with a 152.5-kilo sports bike with over 205 horsepower coming out of a twin?

firstly, by writing a huge cheque, which decency forbids me to mention here (but it's mentioned at the bottom of the page). Secondly, by being one of the privileged 500 who reserve it.and finally, by accepting to have an absolutely fabulous machine in my hands, which has pushed the Italian manufacturer's technical performance to the limit.
The twin Superquadro can break the 200-horsepower barrier thanks to a few modifications modelled on SBK machines. Here, all valves are made of titanium, whereas a standard Panigale only has intake valves in this material. To promote supersonic revs, the block features special Superbike-derived pistons with short skirts, two low-friction rings and a lightened crankshaft with tungsten balancing inserts. The compression ratio has been increased from 12.5 to 13.2:1.

in other words, this engine has plenty to say, and plenty of watts to talk about. But what fully justifies this Ducati's name is the engineers' frenzy to lighten as many parts as possible. The result is a diva that's lighter than a MotoGP proto. The frame, for example: its very compact monocoque structure already makes it a curiosity in our world. On the Superleggera, it's made of magnesium rather than aluminum. The forged Marchesini wheels are also made from this element, coded Mg 12 among its peers.

the rear buckle, which supports a self-supporting seat, is made of carbon, enabling it to weigh less than a kilo. A technique unheard of on a production motorcycle; this kind of construction is generally seen in top-level competition. The fairing, too, is made entirely of carbon, molded to achieve the same CX as the Aero kit on the R version.
After the valves, will miss Ducat use titanium again? No, a lot. It's needed for the entire exhaust system, and also for the shock absorber spring, an Öhlins TTX36. Indissociable from a top-of-the-range motorcycle, the Swedish manufacturer also takes care of the forks. The installed FL916 features fully machined forks.
Achieving the record weight of the Panigale Superleggera isn't just a matter of scraping away on big, strategic components or equipping yourself with top-of-the-line peripherals. You have to eat weight everywhere. By installing a Lithium-Ion battery, an ergal rear sprocket, and a 520-pitch drive chain, which is lighter and gives a better feel for rear-end reactions. Brembo brakes with M50 calipers are controlled by a new MCS Racing 19-21 master cylinder with remote adjustment.

weight reduction by component:

- Fairing and carbon parts: -1 kg
- Magnesium monocoque frame: -1.1 kg
- Carbon rear cradle: - 1.3 kg
- Titanium exhaust: - 2.6 kg
- Forged magnesium wheels : -1 kg
- Lithium-ion battery: - 2 kg
- Fork and shock absorber: 1.4 kg
- Superbike pistons: - 194 g
- Lightened crankshaft with tungsten inserts: - 396 gr
- WSBK-type chain and special parts: -1.3 kg

the 1199 Superleggera has taken its power-to-ratio ratio to a new level, adapting its electronic arsenal. Traction control is enhanced by automatic pneumatic calibration. The DDA+ data acquisition system (with GPS) receives an additional sensor to measure cornering angle. DWC wheeling control is added to the electronics package, which already includes 9ME anti-lock braking, DQS shifter, EBC engine brake management and Riding Modes.

and all this is approved for road use. What a challenge! The Ducati 1199 Superleggera can only express itself on the track, in a museum or a jewelry store. The race kit we mentioned in chapter two includes a complete Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, a high bubble, a motorcycle lettering cover, front and rear pitfront and rear stand covers, rear-view mirror insert caps, a plate-holder cover and a removable side stand kit.

in 1991, Ducati presented a 900 SS SuperLight, a lightened version of its desmo sportsbike aimed at sports enthusiasts. In 2014, Ducati went beyond 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 work of art. Once filled up and ready to hit the track, it weighs in at 177 kg, the same as a BMW S 1000 RR... dry. Above all, it's a technological showcase, capable of fuelling all kinds of desires and multiple dreams.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos