Presenting the new Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario, the most extreme road-legal motorcycle ever created—a machine born from a philosophy that refuses to accept limits. This is what happens when Ducati engineers are given total freedom. No constraints, no compromises, only the relentless pursuit of perfection. The result is not just a motorcycle, but the purest representation of what the brand stands for after 100 years of innovation, passion, and racing heritage.

Built in a strictly limited run of just 500 numbered units, the Superleggera V4 Centenario is a collector’s dream and a technological milestone. It introduces three world-first innovations never before seen on a production motorcycle, immediately setting it apart as a machine that redefines the boundaries of engineering. It is the first road-legal bike in the world to feature a braking system with carbon-ceramic discs, delivering exceptional thermal stability, reduced weight, and unmatched stopping consistency. It is also the first to utilise a pressurised front fork with carbon fibre sleeves, enhancing rigidity, reducing mass, and improving front-end feel under extreme conditions. Completing this trio of innovations is the new Desmosedici Stradale R 1100 engine, a powerplant that pushes performance to unprecedented levels.

At the heart of the Superleggera V4 Centenario lies this 1,103 cc 90-degree V4 engine, equipped with a counter-rotating crankshaft, desmodromic timing, and four valves per cylinder. Producing 228 horsepower at 14,750 rpm in road-legal trim and 119 Nm of torque at 10,750 rpm, it already sits at the pinnacle of performance. However, when fitted with the supplied Akrapovič racing exhaust system and dedicated calibration, output rises to an astonishing 247 horsepower. This results in an extraordinary power-to-weight ratio of 1.48 hp/kg in racing configuration—an achievement never before realised on a production motorcycle. Advanced fuel injection with twin injectors per cylinder, ride-by-wire elliptical throttle bodies, and a 14.0:1 compression ratio ensure razor-sharp throttle response and relentless acceleration.

The transmission system has been engineered to match this level of performance, featuring a six-speed Ducati Racing Gearbox with Ducati Quick Shift up and down 2.0 for seamless gear changes. A hydraulically controlled slipper dry clutch enhances stability during aggressive deceleration, while the unique neutral positioning system eliminates the risk of missed shifts under braking. Power is transmitted through a lightweight 520 chain drive with optimised sprocket ratios, ensuring efficiency and durability even under extreme loads.

A defining feature of the Superleggera V4 Centenario is its extensive use of carbon fibre. The frame, swingarm, subframes, bodywork, and wheels are all constructed using advanced composite materials derived from MotoGP and Formula 1 technologies. This obsessive attention to detail and weight reduction results in a wet weight of just 173 kilograms without fuel, dropping to an astonishing 167 kilograms when the supplied racing kit is installed. The carbon fibre front frame is engineered with optimised stiffness to enhance cornering precision, while the double-sided swingarm delivers exceptional traction and stability. Every component is designed with a singular goal: to achieve the lightest, most responsive, and most capable motorcycle possible.

The braking system is one of the most revolutionary aspects of the bike. Twin 340 mm Brembo carbon-ceramic discs at the front, paired with GP4-HY monobloc calipers and a high-performance master cylinder with remote adjustability, deliver unmatched braking power and consistency. These components significantly reduce rotational inertia while maintaining peak performance even under extreme thermal stress. At the rear, a 223 mm disc with a two-piston caliper complements the setup, all managed by advanced electronic braking strategies including Race eCBS and cornering ABS.

Suspension duties are handled by MotoGP-derived Öhlins components, further elevating the Superleggera’s performance credentials. The front features a fully adjustable 43 mm NPX 25/30 pressurised fork with carbon fibre outer tubes and TiN treatment, offering exceptional sensitivity and control. At the rear, a TTX36 GP lightweight shock absorber provides optimal traction and stability, with finely tuned damping characteristics. With 125 mm of travel at the front and 130 mm at the rear, the system strikes a perfect balance between track precision and real-world usability.

The bike’s geometry is carefully engineered to deliver both stability and agility, with a 24-degree rake, 98 mm of trail, and a 1,480 mm wheelbase. A seat height of 855 mm and single-seat configuration emphasise its track-focused nature, while Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP-V4 tyres—120/70 ZR17 at the front and 200/60 ZR17 at the rear—ensure maximum grip and feedback in all conditions.

Electronics play a vital role in harnessing the immense performance on offer. The Superleggera V4 Centenario is equipped with Ducati’s most advanced rider assistance systems, including multiple riding and power modes, Ducati Traction Control, Wheelie Control, Slide Control, and Bosch cornering ABS. These systems are managed by the Ducati Vehicle Observer platform, which continuously analyses data to optimise performance and safety. Features such as Dynamic Engine Brake, Race Brake Control, Ducati Power Launch, and a pit limiter bring MotoGP-level control to a road-legal platform. All information is displayed on a high-resolution 6.9-inch TFT display with optical bonding, ensuring clarity and ease of use.

Beyond performance, the Superleggera V4 Centenario offers an unparalleled ownership experience, where exclusivity is defined by craftsmanship and detail. Each of the 500 units carries its own identity, with a top triple clamp machined from solid aluminium and laser-etched with its unique production number. This numbering is mirrored on a silk-screened ignition key, creating a tangible connection between machine and owner, and reinforcing its status as a true collector’s piece within Ducati’s storied lineage.

Every motorcycle is delivered in a customised wooden crate, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a comprehensive racing kit designed to unlock its full track potential. This includes the titanium Akrapovič exhaust system, dedicated carbon fibre components, track conversion equipment, and an array of premium accessories such as front and rear paddock stands, a bespoke garage mat, and protective carbon covers for the front brake discs. The ownership experience is further elevated by exclusive apparel, including a bespoke leather suit crafted from premium kangaroo leather and equipped with advanced D-air® technology. Designed specifically for Superleggera owners, it represents a fusion of performance, safety, and individuality, reinforcing a sense of belonging to Ducati’s most elite circle.

Completing this rarefied experience is a top-of-the-range Arai helmet, transformed into a collector’s piece through the creative vision of Aldo Drudi. Combining cutting-edge safety, comfort, and visibility with iconic Ducati design, it serves as the ultimate connection between rider and machine—an object as exclusive as the motorcycle itself, reserved only for those fortunate enough to own the Superleggera V4 Centenario.

Visually, the Superleggera V4 Centenario is a masterpiece of aerodynamic design. Its full carbon fibre bodywork integrates advanced winglets and sidepods developed from Ducati’s racing experience, generating downforce and improving stability at high speeds and lean angles. The Rosso Centenario livery celebrates Ducati’s rich heritage while embracing a modern aesthetic, symbolising a century of innovation and performance.

Extending this celebration of heritage and exclusivity is the Superleggera V4 Centenario Tricolore, an even rarer expression limited to just 100 handcrafted masterpieces. This special edition pays tribute to one of the most iconic chapters in Ducati’s racing history, drawing direct inspiration from the legendary 750 F1 and its unforgettable 1986 Daytona Battle of the Twins victory. The livery, rooted in the historic 750 F1 “618” design, represents a seamless fusion of past and present, blending a century of performance-driven engineering with the unmistakable colours of Italian racing heritage.

The story behind this tribute runs deep. The 750 F1 was the final racing motorcycle designed by Fabio Taglioni, a machine that marked the ultimate evolution of Ducati’s air-cooled twin-cylinder era. Its legend was cemented on the track by Marco “Lucky” Lucchinelli, who rode it to victory against more powerful international competition, showcasing not only the bike’s engineering brilliance but also the sheer determination behind it. That victory became a defining moment, symbolising Ducati’s ability to overcome limits through innovation and skill.

This legacy is carefully woven into every detail of the Tricolore edition. From the iconic double-stripe logo originally designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in the 1980s, to the subtle red rim accents that echo the original racing machine, every element serves as a tribute to Ducati’s golden era. The gold stripe across the fuel tank recalls the transparent sections once used in racing to monitor fuel levels, while the exposed carbon fibre number plates reference the famous “618” race number that became synonymous with victory.

Each Tricolore model is individually numbered, with its identity etched into a billet aluminium top triple clamp, transforming it into a true collector’s piece and a symbol of belonging to an exclusive group of enthusiasts. Ownership extends beyond the motorcycle itself, with a complete lifestyle experience that includes a specially designed Arai racing helmet featuring the historic livery and Lucchinelli’s iconic number, as well as a bespoke D-air® K3 leather suit crafted from premium kangaroo leather. Designed to mirror the lines and colours of the motorcycle, the suit integrates advanced protection and flexibility, ensuring that rider and machine become one cohesive expression of performance.

For a select group of owners, the Superleggera V4 Centenario experience goes even further. Ducati offers an exclusive MotoGP Experience, reserved for just 26 owners worldwide, taking place on 5–6 and 6–7 July 2026 in the heart of Italy’s Motor Valley at the legendary Misano circuit. Supported by Ducati Corse engineers, technicians, and instructors, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows participants to explore the limits of their machine on a world championship track before stepping into an even more extraordinary role.

In an experience typically reserved for only a handful of elite riders, participants will have the chance to ride a real Desmosedici GP 2026 MotoGP machine. It is the ultimate expression of Ducati’s racing DNA brought to life, offering a direct connection to the technology and performance that define the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. Riders will also gain exclusive access to the Ducati Lenovo Team pit box, where engineers reveal the secrets behind aerodynamics, electronics, and race performance, providing a rare insight into the inner workings of MotoGP.

With a dedicated team of 70 professionals supporting the experience and only 26 slots available globally, this is more than an event—it is a defining moment in a lifetime of motorcycling passion. It is an opportunity to not only ride a masterpiece but to live the very essence of Ducati’s racing soul.

One hundred years in the making, the Superleggera V4 Centenario and its Tricolore counterpart represent the ultimate embodiment of Ducati’s belief that limits are not obstacles, but starting points. Crafted as landmark masterpieces for a select few, they stand as a celebration of engineering excellence, racing heritage, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. No constraints, no compromises—this is the very best of Ducati.

Ducati has just redefined the limits of what’s possible on two wheels.

Price:
The 2027 Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario is priced around €150,000, with expected market prices ranging between $165,000 and over $220,000