Ducati 1199 Superleggera

As the name suggests, the Supperleggera is a lightweight version of Ducati's already potent Panigale 1199.

At 155kg, the Superleggera is nine kilograms lighter (dry weight) compared to a stock 1199, and produces more horsepower - 149kW (200hp) compared to the standard Panigale's 143kW, and delivers that power higher in the rev range at 11,500rpm. Torque is up slightly, from 132Nm @ 9,000rpm to 134Nm @ 10,200rpm.

The Superquadro L-twin cylinder engine is mildly altered, with the addition of a lightened crankshaft with tungsten inserts, titanium exhausts valves, and special two-ring pistons - a first for a Ducati street bike engine. Compression ratio is also up from 12.5:1 to 13.2:1, thanks to a modified combustion chamber. Gear ratios for the 6-speed transmission, with DQS (Ducati Quick Shift), are unaltered.

In accordance with the engine mods, the electronics have come in for a tweak, with the addition of Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC); a new system designed to "manage" front wheel lift on acceleration. In addition, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC) electronics have been optimised, with automatic calibration of rear tyre size and final transmission ratio. The Ducati Data Analysis+ software adds an additional sensor on the Supergleggera to record and display lean angle.

New handlebar control buttons are race-derived, to enable on-track adjustments to the pre-selected channels for the DTS, DWC and EBC systems.

The Superleggera's frame is a magnesium monocoque, instead of the stock Panigale's aluminium type, with the wheels also forged and machined magnesium.

Suspension weight is trimmed through the use of a lightweight Ohlins front fork unit and a titanium spring in the Ohlins shock for the aluminium rear swingarm. Front brakes get a race-style Brembo master cylinder and remote adjuster, while the final drive is upgraded to a lighter Ergal rear sprocket with World Superbike-spec 520 drive chain.

Bodywork is carbon fibre, in the style of the "R" spec aerokit previously only available as an add-on. Additional weight savings are achieved through a carbon fibre rear subframe, a full titanium exhaust system, with titanium also used for most of the engine and body fasteners.

If 149kw isn't enough, a separate, track-only Race Kit is also available, which adds an additional 3.68kw (5hp) through the use of a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system.

Set to be officially unveiled at November's EICMA international motorcycle exhibition in Milan, Italy, only 500 units of the Panigale 1199 Superleggera will be produced, all in Ducati Corse Red livery. 75-percent of that total has already been pre-sold, according to Ducati.

Australia deliveries/availability of the Panigale 1199 Superleggera is unconfirmed at time of posting.