Weighing in at just 341.7 lbs (dry), this 2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera is possibly the lightest superbike ever made. Not surprisingly, 375 of the limited-to-500 production run have already been sold, so you’ll likely never even see one in person, but these official photos and details make for epic bike porn nonetheless.

Available initially only to existing owners of the Desmosedici RR or other R model Ducatis, the Superleggera’s price has been kept under wraps, but is said to be north of $60,000, a premium of more than $30,000 over the 364 lbs 2013 Ducati 1199 Panigale R.

The Superleggera’s wet weight, which, “includes all fluids and fueled to at least 90% of useable tank capacity” is 390.2 lbs.

 

So how has the Superleggera gone on such a radical diet? Magnesium replaces aluminum for both the front subframe/airbox and forged Marchesini wheels while carbon replaces the aluminum rear subframe and is used to construct the new fairing. A Lithium-Ion battery and full titanium exhaust system help, too. Bolts and fasteners throughout the drivetrain and chassis also go Ti, as does the spring in the Ohlins TTX36 shock.

Spec increases with the fitment of Ohlins FL916 forks with machined-from-billet aluminum fork bottoms. An SBK-spec Brembo MCS 19-21 master cylinder now powers the M50 brake calipers. Lightweight Ergal sprockets and an SBK-spec 520 chain help further reduce unsprung weight.

2014 Ducati 1199 SuperLeggera

In addition to weighing less, the engine also makes more power — up from 195 bhp on the regular Panigale to 200 bhp at 11,500 rpm on the Superleggera. Torque is up to 98.8 lb.-ft. at 10,200 rpm. That’s thanks to titanium con-rods, inlet valves, and the aforementioned Ti exhaust system. A first on Ducati superbikes, the Superleggera’s pistons are a two-ring design, allowing the use of radically short piston skirts, reducing reciprocating mass and friction. The piston crown is the same shape as used in the 1199 race bike, increasing the compression ratio to a sky high 13.2:1. The crankshaft is also lightened with the use of tungsten inserts.

As with the 1199 R, the Superleggera will include a track-only exhaust system which sheds a further 5.5 lbs and increases power by 5 bhp to 205. Just here, that system is an Akrapovic and not Termignoni.

The Superleggera's carbon fairing molds-in the R's fairing extenders.

The Superleggera benefits from the same electronic rider aids as the regular Panigale — Traction Control, Quick Shift, Engine Brake Control and switchable engine maps — but gains Ducati’s first ever Wheelie Control system. That’s good, because with the unprecedented weight and highest power in its class, the Superleggera also features the highest power-to-weight ratio of any production superbike ever.

More Photos on Page 2 >>

2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera
2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera

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