Many components are made of carbon fiber, modeled in advanced aerodynamic shapes. These include the fairing, which reaches efficiency levels higher than those of today’s MotoGP bikes, which are limited in this by the current technical regulations. Thanks to the aerodynamic biplane appendages inspired by Ducati’s 2016 MotoGP bike, the most highly-performing in this field, it is able to guarantee a vertical load of 50 kg of "downforce" at 270 km/h, 20 kg more than that produced by the wings of the Panigale V4 MY20 and V4R. This downforce improves acceleration by counteracting the tendency to wheelie and increases braking stability.
The carbon fairings are embellished with a livery inspired by the Desmosedici GP19, with an alternation of lines and depths between the red color of the GP19 and the visible carbon that highlights the shapes, the materials, and the technical details. The red continues on the sides of the OEM Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires, specifically developed in the construction for the Superleggera V4.
The most powerful and lightest Desmosedici Stradale R engine is hidden under the carbon skin. The 998 cc 90° V4 unit of the Superleggera V4 weighs 2.8 kg less than the 1,103 cc V4 and, thanks to the Akrapovič approved exhaust, produces 224 hp of power in road configuration (EU homologation value), which becomes 234 hp by mounting the titanium Akrapovič exhaust for track use, which is included in the Racing Kit supplied with the bike. The racing connotation of the engine is emphasized by the use of a dry clutch and by the timing of the Desmodromic system made manually by a specialist who, after checking, confirms the positive result by affixing his signature on the metal plate that embellishes the carbon cover of the rear cylinder bank.
Only on the Superleggera V4, by loading the engine calibration for the racing exhaust, is it possible to enable the display of the "RaceGP" dashboard. Intended for circuit use only, it derives from that of the Desmosedici GP20 dashboard designed on the indications of Andrea Dovizioso.
Thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber, components made of titanium, magnesium, and others from aluminum billet, the Superleggera V4 shows a dry weight of 159 kg on the scale (16 kg less than the Panigale V4), for a power/weight ratio of 1.41 hp/kg. Record value for a homologated sports bike. In track configuration, by mounting the Racing kit supplied with the bike, the power rises to 234 hp and the weight drops to 152.2 kg, with a power/weight ratio of 1.54 hp/kg.
Electronic controls have also been evolved from a purely racing perspective. By default, the operating parameters of these are associated with three reprogrammed Riding Modes with specific names (Race A, Race B, and Sport). In addition, for the first time, five Riding Modes can be added, customizable with your favorite settings. The rider can monitor lap times through the evolution of the Lap Timer, which now allows you to store the coordinates of the finish line and the split times of five favorite circuits, so as to recall them every time you go out on the track without having to repeat the data logging procedure. By default, the system proposes the coordinates of the finish line and intermediates of Laguna Seca, Mugello, Jerez, Sepang, and Losail.
Added to this is a latest-generation electronic package that includes EVO 2 strategies for DTC and DQS up/down.
Öhlins lightened suspensions with a pressurized fork with a lower fork featuring lightened billet aluminum and shock absorber with titanium spring and GP-derived valves are part of the equipment, which improve the absorption of road roughness in the initial compression phase.
The braking system is the best of Brembo production with an MCS radial-pump equipped with remote control for adjusting the distance of the lever and Stylema® R calipers, an exclusive of the Superleggera V4 that allows greater consistency of front brake travel in long runs on the track.
All this translates into a level of performance of absolute importance. Alessandro Valia, official Ducati tester, with Racing Kit and slick tires, lapped the Mugello circuit in 1m52.45s , less than two seconds away from the time of the Panigale V4R SBK winner with Michele Pirro in CIV 2019.
An example of maximum attention to detail is the aluminum radiator cap machined from billet and the dedicated ignition key with aluminum insert on which the motorcycle number is indicated.
The Superleggera V4 is an extreme machine, devised and designed to achieve maximum performance on the circuit, but at the same time guaranteeing the reliability and ease of use requirements typical of a sports motorcycle homologated for road use. With this motorcycle, Ducati pushes the limit even further. The technical competence and knowledge developed and continuously evolved in MotoGP are made available to fans of technique and performance on two wheels.
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