December 2013

Ducati's $99,000 Model 1199 Superleggera Motorcycle
From Italy comes perhaps the most extreme superbike to date!
Article By Steven R. Rochlin

  When it comes to Italy, there might be posted speed limits yet the country's heritage of cars and motorcycles such do not adhere to such posted limits. And this brings us to the new Ducati 1199 Superleggera extreme superbike. Designers and engineers were given a 'blank canvas' to reach the apparently impossible targets of 22 lbs less weight and 25hp more power than their previous top model. "Every detail, every dimension and every design decision has been driven entirely by a zero-compromise brief to create the highest performance Ducati superbike of all time" says Ducati. Producing more than 200hp and weighing a mere 342 lbs, there is no doubt about the power to weight ratio of this new masterpiece from Ducati. It might even make the rider reconsider their dietary habits!

The Ducati 1199 Superleggera has a 1199cc engine capacity, making a significant association to their historic roots in the Borgo Panigale area of Bologna. In an Italian territory known as "Motor Valley" and where high performance and racing runs through the veins of its passionate people. The innovative Superquadro engine, so called because of its massively over-square bore and stroke ratio, has increased power to this twin-cylinder of 195hp and torque to 98.1 lb-ft, yet with with user-friendly Riding Modes that deliver that power appropriate to the rider's chosen style and environment. For those of us with experience concerning the cost of servicing these Italian beasts will be relieved that major servicing has been extended to every 15,000 miles.

The 1199 Panigale S and Tricolore are fully equipped with front and rear Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES) system by Öhlins. Both the 43mm Öhlins NIX30 forks and the Öhlins TTX36 rear unit are electronically adjustable in compression and rebound, while spring pre-load is manual. The 1199 Panigale is equipped with Brembo's Monobloc M50 callipers, so called to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Italian company Brembo. With an extremely compact design, that ensure a weight saving of 7% compared to the previous one, and machined from a single piece of alloy, the M50 callipers achieve a higher rigidity and resistance to distortion during extreme braking.

Monocoque technology was the fundamental starting point for achieving the twin objectives of reduced weight and increased power. By integrating the activities of the individual components there was a reduction in the overall number of components and their weight. There is a track-only 'Race Kit' that increases power by a further 5bhp, and reduces weight by 5.5 lbs to an incredible 335 lbs (dry). This kit comprises a titanium Akrapovič race exhaust system including silencers and 2-in-1 collector, high racing screen, machined mirror fill-caps, and removal kits for the registration plate holder, and sidestand.

Specifications: Ducati 1199 Superleggera
Engine: 1198cc Superquadro: L-twin cylinder, 4 titanium valves per cylinder
     Desmodromic, liquid cooled, titanium con-rods
Bore x Stroke: 112 x 60.8mm
Compression Ratio: 13.2:1
Power: >200hp (149kw) @ 11,500rpm
Torque: 98.8lb-ft (134Nm) @ 10,200rpm
Frame: Magnesium monocoque
Front Suspension: Öhlins FL916 43mm with TiN, fully adjustable fork.
     Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment
Rear Suspension: Fully adjustable Ohlins TTX36 unit with titanium spring.
     Electronic compression and rebound damping adjustment. Adjustable linkage: Progressive/flat. Front Brake: Two 330mm semi-floating discs
     Radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M50 4-piston calipers, Bosch 9ME ABS
Rear Brake: 245mm disc, two-piston caliper
Fuel Capacity Five gallons
Dry Weight: 341 lbs.
Wet Weight 389 lbs.