The Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario is a MotoGP bike that is road legal

When a Ducati motorcycle carries the Superleggera name, it means we are looking at a unique model, without precedent and without any concession or limit for the engineers, and that is what the Borgo Panigale brand has put into a limited edition with which it celebrates the brand’s 100 years: the spectacular Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario.

The Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario has many details that make it a true gem to enjoy every corner, whether on the road or on the track. To start with, it is the world’s first road motorcycle to fit carbon-ceramic brake discs approved for road use, which are signed by Brembo and reduce weight by 450 grams per disc, along with a 40% lower moment of inertia. They are gripped by Brembo GP4-HY monobloc calipers with servo-assist, machined from a solid aluminium billet.

In case that seems like little, the Superleggera V4 Centenario is also the world’s first road motorcycle to equip the pressurised Öhlins NPX 25/30 Carbon fork, made with carbon fibre stanchions, which, together with an 8% weight reduction compared to a Panigale V4 R, delivers a substantial improvement in direction changes and front-end sensitivity. At the rear, Ducati opted to fit the Öhlins TTX36 GP LW shock absorber, equipped with a special steel spring and valves derived from MotoGP, not forgetting the titanium linkages.

The chassis package is completed by a chassis made entirely of carbon fibre. The frame, swingarm, subframes and wheels have all been developed using the same technologies used in MotoGP and Formula 1. All of this results in a front frame that weighs 17% less than that of a Panigale V4, providing greater grip and intensifying the bike’s natural tendency to hold its line. Or, for example, wheels 300 grams lighter than those of the Panigale V4S Carbon, a front subframe with a weight reduced by 200 grams, and the rear monocoque reduces weight by 1.4 kg. With all of this, the Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario registers a weight of 173 kg in its road configuration and 167 kg with the competition kit, which is offered as standard.

Mechanically, the Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario debuts the Desmosedici Stradale R 1100 engine, increasing its displacement from 998 to 1,103 cc. It is 3.6 kg lighter than the 1,103 cc engine of the Panigale V4 with dry clutch, thanks to the use of titanium, lighter bolts and redesigned internal components such as titanium valve collets and a lightened crankshaft. This engine certifies a power output of 228 CV, which rises to 247 CV when the Akrapovič competition exhaust and Ducati Corse Performance oil are used, and it is also equipped with the Ducati Racing Gearbox. This power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a DID ERV7 chain, similar to the one fitted to the official Superbike teams.

All this display of power and technology is kept in check thanks to a control system based on that of the Panigale V4 R, but recalibrated and improved with new strategies for the systems: Ducati Traction Control (DTC) DVO, wheelie control (DWC) DVO, slide control (DSC), Ducati Power Launch (DPL) DVO and ABS. Thanks to this, even less experienced riders will be able to feel like a MotoGP rider aboard the Superleggera V4 Centenario, using the same riding techniques.

To round off this spectacular motorcycle, Ducati has fitted a bodywork made entirely of carbon fibre, as well as equipping it with winglets and the Corner Sidepods inherited directly from the Panigale V4 R Superbike. Other components such as the tank cover, radiator duct, sprocket cover, heel guards, steering splash guards, seat base, intake duct, number plate holder and rear bench cover are also made of carbon fibre in order to minimise weight. In addition, if you are a MotoGP fan, the new matt red Rosso Centenario colour scheme will sound familiar, as it inspired the official Desmosedici bikes of the Lenovo MotoGP team.

Of the Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario, only 500 units will be produced, to which 100 more units with Tricolore livery will be added. They will be delivered to their owners in an exclusive custom-made wooden case, along with a custom cover, mat and front and rear paddock stands, not forgetting a certificate of authenticity kept in a special box.