- Produces 247bhp in full-track configuration
- Underpinned by a full carbon-fibre chassis
- World’s first production bike to get carbon-ceramic disc brakes
Ducati has unveiled the most extreme and exotic iteration of its litre-class superbike – the Ducati Panigale V4 Superleggera Centenario. This road-legal machine celebrates the brand’s 100-year milestone and pushes the boundaries of performance with extensive use of carbon fibre and MotoGP-derived technology.
As the name suggests, the Superleggera (meaning super-light) takes weight reduction to an entirely new level. It is the only road-legal motorcycle to feature full carbon-fibre underpinnings, including the frame, swingarm, subframes, and wheels. Ducati claims a 17 per cent weight saving over the standard Panigale V4’s alloy chassis, contributing to an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 1,480hp/tonne.
Powering the motorcycle is a re-engineered 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, developed exclusively for this model. The motor produces 228bhp in road-legal trim, which can be pushed to 247bhp with a full-track configuration that includes an Akrapovic exhaust system, Ducati Corse Performance Oil, and a carbon-fibre dry clutch. In this setup, the bike tips the scales at just 167kg (wet, without fuel).
Ducati has gone to extraordinary lengths to save weight, even incorporating titanium fasteners across the motorcycle. The engine alone is 3.5kg lighter than the standard unit. Additionally, the bike features a thumb-operated neutral lock system, similar to the Ducati Panigale V4 R, designed to prevent false neutrals during aggressive riding.
The braking system is equally groundbreaking. The Superleggera V4 Centenario becomes the world’s first road-legal motorcycle to feature carbon ceramic disc brakes, with massive 340mm rotors designed to withstand extreme temperatures while ensuring consistent stopping performance.
Another world-first comes in the form of MotoGP-derived Öhlins suspension with carbon-fibre outer fork tubes. These reduce weight by 34 per cent compared to conventional units and are said to enhance front-end feedback.
On the electronics front, the bike is equipped with Ducati’s full suite of rider aids, including Ducati Quickshifter 2.0, multiple riding and power modes, traction control, wheelie control, slide control, cornering ABS, and engine brake control.
The Superleggera V4 Centenario is a highly exclusive collector’s edition, limited to just 600 units worldwide. Of these, 500 units will be finished in the Centenario livery, while 100 units will be offered in the Tricolore version, inspired by the Italian flag.
Each customer will also receive a specially designed Arai helmet matching the bike’s livery, with delivery carried out in a bespoke crate. Priced at around EUR150,000 overseas, the Superleggera V4 Centenario is expected to cost in the range of Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 3 crore, making it one of the most expensive and technologically advanced motorcycles ever produced.
