The quintessence of Ducati
The original 1199 Superleggera was derived by asking the designers and engineers what they would build if cost was not a consideration thus allowing them full autonomy on the choice of materials used.
Starting with a base Superbike, they began with weight reduction, honing gram by gram off each and every component and finalising with eeking every last horsepower from the already very impressive engine.
The Ducati 1299 Superleggera for 2017 has been taken several steps further. Carbon fibre monocoque chassis, carbon fibre subframe, carbon fibre swing arm and carbon fibre wheels and of course, carbon fibre bodywork. Forks re-worked by Ohlins to reduce the thickness of the stantions, a titanium spring and aircraft grade aluminium used on the rear shock. The list goes on.
The engine of the 1299 Superleggera was again breathed on to create a hugely impressive 215 Bhp. The combination of weight saving elements marrying together to culminate in a final whole machine weight of a mere 156 Kg. This can be further reduced with the fitment of the race exhaust system that also comes with the bike.
This engineering work of art with it's vastly reduced unsprung weight simply carves through the curves like no other production bike before. The very latest in electronic aids that utilse an Inertial Measurements Unit (IMU) to gather the information required has allowed for precision tuning to the lean angle sensetive race ABS, and the lean angle sensetive traction control.
A quickshifter that works in both up and down gearshifts allows the power to be held to the max.
The Ducati 1299 Superleggera is an exclusive machine. The production run of this bike will be limited to only 500 units world wide.
Fear not – Maintenance and warranty are as you would expect from any other road bike produced by Ducati. 7,500 Miles or 12 months for annual servicing, Valve clearances due at 15,000 miles (for raod use) and the bike comes with a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty.
Carbon Fibre
Lightness defines the performance of a motorcycle. Cutting-edge materials define its legacy.
Never before has a production motorcycle been endowed with exotic materials to such an extent. Precision crafted components are produced with the highest grade of precisely woven carbon fibre, carefully tuned for optimal rigidity, with a single-minded obsession for astonishing speed and ethereal handling.
Lightweight carbon fibre wheels debut on a production motorcycle and greatly reduce unsprung rotating mass, ensuring breath-taking agility while maintaining maximum resilience. The monocoque frame has been a hallmark of Ducati Superbikes for several years, and has now been expertly engineered in lightweight carbon fibre, as has the subframe which houses the electronics, tail and seat.
Prestige Materials
By selecting the very best parts, rendered even more valuable by the use of prestige materials and advanced production processes, the resulting riding experience exceeds even the highest expectations.
The characteristics of a frame designed with the utmost precision ensure that the race-inspired suspension offers superior balance in terms of stability and handling. At the same time incredible braking performance on entering corners ensures meticulous precision, lap after lap.
The Superbike world championships are the inspiration behind the design and materials used for the fuel tank – a perfect partnership between man and motorcycle.
In order to keep the weight to a minimum, even the screws and minor parts are made exclusively from titanium and aluminium.
Engine
This incredible marvel of engineering is most likely never to be repeated in a street-legal twin-cylinder motorcycle. With a bore of 116 mm and stroke of and 60.8 mm, the displacement is now 1285 cc and, thanks to specifically developed components and materials, an unprecedented maximum power output of 215 hp at 11,000 rpm* is obtained while being fully Euro IV compliant. A non-street-legal racing exhaust kit is delivered together with the motorcycle, and guarantees an increase in peak power of 5 hp and a reduction in weight of 4 kg compared to the Euro IV exhaust.
The trademark Desmodromic distribution now features new camshafts that allow for increased valve lift. The new titanium valves now have a larger diameter and are optimised for increased lift, maximising performance. The cylinder head has also been redesigned and now features larger ducts.
New, 116 mm, 2-segment pistons reduce friction, while new titanium conrods ensure weight is kept to a minimum. The high power is channelled through an ultra-compact and lightweight crankshaft, perfectly balanced with tungsten counterweights.
A new forged clutch basket ensures maximum resilience while a new anti-hopping clutch guarantees stability under the hardest braking. The sand-cast crankcase employs production methods normally reserved for the highest level of competition engines.
The extensive use of exotic lightweight materials and production processes guarantee a weight saving over the standard 1299 engine of 2.1 kg. As a testament of the extremely high standards in terms of quality and precision, the long service intervals of the standard engine of 12,000 km for oil service and 24,000 km for Desmo service are maintained.
Experience
For a bike so extraordinary Ducati has come up with an extraordinary experience.
Future owners of 1299 Superleggera will be able to enjoy a unique event: an exclusively reserved day at the racetrack of a prestigious Italian racing circuit together with the team and the riders of the Aruba.it Racing – Ducati Superbike Team, Superbike World Championship competitors.
A once in a lifetime experience, a unique privilege that Ducati reserves only to its most enthusiastic customers.
But that's not all. Event participants will have the opportunity to test the Ducati Panigale R Superbike, the official bike that competes in the world championship of stock-derived models, with the support of the official team. To feel like a true Superbike rider.
The quintessence of Ducati becomes the quintessence of the racetrack experience.