2021 Ducati Superleggera V4

The Superleggera V4 is a no-expense-spared superbike that represents the best of Ducati’s engineering with influences from its MotoGP project. Translated to “super light,” the V4 is dripping in titanium and carbon fiber and weighs only a claimed 336 pounds dry.

The 2021 Superleggera V4 is a limited-run superbike built as a demonstration of Ducati’s expertise and unrestricted by racing regulations. It is the third Superleggera offered by Ducati following the 1199 Superleggera and 1299 Superleggera V-twin models, and is now powered by the Stradale V4 engine that’s claimed to produce a mind-boggling 234 hp. That, with a whole lot of carbon fiber and titanium bits makes for ripping speeds. Add in MotoGP-driven aerodynamic winglets, electronics, and top-shelf components, and you can see Ducati’s intent.

There are no updates to the Superleggera V4 in 2021.

The Ducati Superleggera V4 is an ultraexclusive model, and its $100,000 MSRP reflects it. Only 500 units will be produced.

Of course, any of the Ducati Panigale V4 models can be had for a lot less money. The base model Panigale V4 ($22,995) is the easiest cost of entry, while the up-spec Panigale V4 S ($28,695) is the most selling. The racing homologation-special Panigale V4 R ($40,000) of which the Superleggera is based is also available, and offers the closest level of performance.

The Ducati Superleggera V4 is in a class of its own. It’s the most premium superbike on the market and is built as only an exercise in engineering, but racing homologation-special machines like the Ducati Panigale V4 R, BMW M 1000 RR, Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, and Kawasaki ZX10RR may be the closest thing to it.

Powered by a 998cc Desmosedici Stradale V-4 engine, the Superleggera is claimed to produce a remarkable 234 hp at 15,500 rpm and 87.7 pound-feet of torque at 11,750 rpm with its provided racing kit fitted. That’s the most power offered in a publicly available superbike.

But even more remarkable is the Superleggera’s tractable power delivery and ultraprecise electronic rider aid intervention, as Gilbert reported in his first ride review. “The powerplant’s rideability encourages a heavy right wrist, offering complete control with only minor wheelspin and hovering low-trajectory wheelies while unleashing its midrange grunt at corner exit.”

There’s no single aspect of the Superleggera’s handling that steals the show, but rather a blend of confidence-inspiring composure and a factory racebike level of feel from the chassis and Öhlins suspension that makes it so good. The ridiculously low 336-pound claimed dry weight makes for quick and easy handling too.

In our first ride review of the Superleggera V4, Cycle World Road Test Editor and current MotoAmerica competitor Michael Gilbert reported, “Turn-in effort and precision are like nothing I have experienced on a Ducati; the chassis and Öhlins NPX 25/30 fork provide a level of feedback that is incomparable to any production bike I have tested.”

The Superleggera is brought to a halt by a pair top-shelf Brembo Stylema R calipers clamping to 330mm discs with excellent feel and stopping power—and the claimed dry weight (empty tank, no oil, and no battery) of 336 pounds makes required effort minimal. Ducati employed its ultraprecise Cornering ABS EVO system on the Superleggera.

There is no real-world miles per gallon measurement available.

The Ducati Superleggera V4 is built as a track weapon, meaning the ergonomics are aggressive. Seat height is a claimed 32.9 inches.

As a full-blown superbike, the Superleggera fitted with a MotoGP-derived electronic rider-aid suite. A full-color TFT display influenced by Ducati’s GP 20 prototype utilizes a race-inspired interface and offers access to: riding modes, power modes, Cornering ABS EVO, Ducati Wheelie Control EVO, Ducati Slide Control and Engine Brake Control EVO. The Ducati Traction Control EVO 2 with its predictive strategy and seamless intrusion is a highlight of the package.

The Superleggera is covered by a 24-month/ unlimited mileage warranty.

The Superleggera is purely an exercise in Ducati’s best engineering and the final product reflects that. It drips in exotic titanium and carbon fiber and packs the highest level of performance offered to the public. The quality is clear.