2017 Ducati Superleggera 1299

NO. 16/500 2017 Ducati 1299 SuperleggeraDucati takes the world of Supersport road bikes to a completely new level by presenting the 1299 Superleggera, the first standard street bike with carbon fibre frame, swinging arm, subframe and wheels. The 1299 Superleggera is the greatest expression of engineering, technology and performance ever put into mass production by a motorcycle manufacturer. The quintessence of Ducati is exclusive in everything, even in the limited number of these motorcycles produced: only 500, for a lucky few Ducatistas.The fairing, also made of carbon fibre, is just the tip of the iceberg of a unique project that only a brand like Ducati with racing in its DNA could accomplish. In fact, under the fairing hides the most powerful version of the Superquadro. With its 215 horsepower*, the Desmodromic EURO 4 engine on the 1299 Superleggera is the most powerful twin-cylinder ever produced, representing the best of Ducati technology. The exclusivity of the 1299 Superleggera is underlined by the new electronic package that uses an inertial platform system with six axes (6D IMU - Inertial Measurement Unit) to manage the electronic controls that on this bike rise to a level of primacy. This system has made it possible to further develop the Ducati Traction Control EVO (DTC EVO) presented on the 1299 Panigale S Anniversario thanks to the introduction of the Ducati Slide Control (DSC) which ensures even better performance when exiting corners.The 1299 Superleggera is also the first Ducati Superbike to be equipped with Ducati Power Launch (DPL), as well as the Engine Brake Control (EBC) already present on previous versions, reaching the incredible dry weight of 156 kg.At Ducati since 2002, Alessandro Valia is an Official Ducati Test Rider for models in productionin Borgo Panigale. Having had a career in Superbike, he knows the racing world well. While the need to always push the envelope is part of his DNA, his profession requires a certain level of sensitivity and understanding of more technical languages. His testing activity of the 1299 Superleggera provided an unexpected experience that enabled him to appreciate the full power of the limited edition that, with its cutting-edge technology, perfectly expresses the Quintessence of Ducati.What were your impressions of the 1299 Superleggera during your first test run?My first time with the beast (that's what I call it when we are together) was at Mugello. Just out of the pit I understood that it was something out of the ordinary, clearly built for performance, with a very proud attitude, almost brazen, in every aspect of the ride - it accelerates, brakes deep into corners, bends, and reverses direction like no other motorcycle in production.What did you focus on when developing the 1299 Superleggera?We primarily concentrated on a challenge: instil very advanced technology and outstanding performance in a bike that was approved for road use. The result has been undoubtedly positive.Did you ever think that a bike approved for road use could achieve such a level of performance?If they had told me a few years ago I wouldn't have believed it. The first real racing bike that I rode was the 999SBK F03, on which I debuted as a test rider, and I can say with certainty that the 1299 Superleggera is second to none.What is the most impressive feature of this bike?If the 215 hp desmodromic EURO 4 engine on the 1299 Superleggera is the most powerful standard twin-cylinder ever produced and represents Ducati's maximum technology,the chassis, thanks to the use of carbon fibre - the most exclusive materials ever used in a standard production motorcycle - turns out to be even more extraordinary, making the 1299 Superleggera even more agile than Chaz's SBK.