EICMA 2016: Lighter and more aggressive Ducati Superleggera showcased
The Ducati stall at the EICMA 2016 is buzzing with its latest range of motorcycles and adding to that is the 1299 Superleggera. From the images it is already evident that the 1299 Superleggera means business, but what lies under the skin makes it truly special. The 1299 Superleggera is the first production motorcycle to use carbon fibre extensively in the swingarm, subframe, and wheels and will have a limited production run of 500 units.
The Ducati 1299 Superleggera is powered by a 1,285cc L-twin Superquadro twin-cylinder engine that puts out 215PS of power and is the most powerful motor ever built. And it doesn't end there. Its feature list includes Ducali Slide Control and Ducati Power launch. It will also come equipped with a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (6D IMU) combined with Ducati Traction Control. The Italian manufacturer states that the superbike gets a quick shifter with an updated Bosch Cornering ABS system.
Ducati adds that the 1299 Superleggera has a kerb weight of 167kg which we believe will have its insane merits on a racetrack. Ducati has managed to keep the weight of the superbike low by using a carbon-fibre monocoque frame, aluminium petrol tank as well as a carbon-fibre fairing. The monocoque carbon-fibre frame of the 1299 Superleggera weighs a mere 1.6kg and is 38 per cent lighter compared to that of the 1299 Panigale while the subframe is lighter by 1.3kg. The carbon-fibre wheels, which sit on aluminium hubs, are lighter by 1.4kg overall when compared with the forged aluminium wheels offered on the Panigale.
The front uses a fully adjustable 43mm Ohlins FL936 unit with lightweight springs while the rear gets a fully adjustable Ohlins TTX36 shock with a lightweight titanium spring.
Ducati will get the 1299 Superleggera in India on a made-to-order basis. The present 1299 Panigale range is priced at Rs 34.68-48 lakh. Expect the 1299 Superleggera to command a premium over the same. The Superleggera is expected to be launched by September-October 2017.
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