$52,495
Thousand Oaks, California
Category
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Engine
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Posted Over 1 Month
The first bit is easy: from a distance, its gorgeous. Up close, it’s even more gorgeous. Modern Ducatis have never suffered from shortcomings in appearance (with a few exceptions – your opinion is welcome in comments), and the Superleggera, while not a huge departure from Ducati superbike form, is very easy on the eyes.While the tail-up pipes that started with the iconic 916 are gone in favor of dual bottom-exit canisters, the 916 still provides the base DNA for the Super’s two-slot LED headlight layout and other visual cues. The bike is essentially rolling moto porn, with carbon fiber, magnesium, titanium, and luscious paintwork melding into a curvaceous but still angular whole. Close inspection reveals tiny details and fitments that clearly spell out “I’m made by hand by workers who are well-paid for a reason.”While the stock Panigale R tips the scales at a svelte 414 pounds fully fueled, the Superleggera’s lightweight materials diet has stripped away over 19 of those pounds. “Light makes right” is a somewhat cliche saying in motoring circles. But it’s especially true when it comes to motorcycles, where shaving off just a pound here and there translates to lower lap times, better handling and quicker acceleration. Lopping off over a dozen results in substantial upticks on all those fronts.Where did the weight go? Carbon fiber body panels replace the heavier plastic bits found on the R, the rear subframe holding the seat on the Superleggera is also carbon fiber while the R makes do with aluminum. The main frame holding the steering head is sandcast magnesium on the Superleggera. The R’s headstock is also magnesium, but it’s over two pounds heavier. An Akropovic titanium exhaust system is standard, further cutting weight, all the fasteners on the bike are either titanium or lightweight Ergal to save grams.The rear shock spring? Titanium. Wheels? Machined magnesium. Carbon fiber is everywhere, as are several bits clearly machined for lighter weight where they might be cast on the Panigale R. Inside the roaring eight-valve L-twin, titanium exhaust valves, a lightened crank and other race-bred aides push power to 200 horses. Owners should be prepared to hit the gym if they want to feel worthy of snuggling up to this supermodel.Ducati has been a leader in applying truly road-worthy tech to their bikes, and the Superleggera ticks almost all the boxes: ABS, traction control, slipper clutch, ride-by-wire, variable EFI, multiple ride modes, adjustable suspension and a new one, the brazen Ducati Wheelie Control. Of course, most of those rider aides are user-adjustable through the gorgeous TFT LCD control panel and the buttony left grip, an
