The Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario is a road bike like no other, born from a design brief that threw caution to the wind and ignored conventional budgets. This is the most extreme creation from the Bologna firm, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on two wheels.
At its core, this bike represents the ultimate expression of Ducati's engineering prowess, where engineers were given free rein to build something truly remarkable. The Superleggera name has always implied a level of exclusivity and performance, but the Centenario version takes it to new heights with an astonishing array of 'road bike' world firsts.
One of the most striking features of this bike is its use of carbon-ceramic brake discs, a technology typically reserved for MotoGP machines. This innovation promises to deliver lighter, more heat-resistant brakes that reduce inertia and improve handling.
While the benefits of carbon-ceramic brake discs are clear, it remains to be seen how they will perform in less-than-ideal conditions, such as chilly mornings. Nevertheless, this is a bold move by Ducati to push the boundaries of road bike technology.
The chassis of the Superleggera V4 Centenario is another area where innovation meets extreme performance. The entire frame, swingarm, subframe, and wheels are crafted from lightweight carbon fibre, resulting in a claimed wet weight of just 173kg without fuel. This is an astonishingly low figure for a bike capable of producing over 250 horsepower.
The engine at the heart of this beast is the Desmosedici Stradale R motor, which produces a staggering 228bhp in road trim and 247bhp with the race exhaust fitted. Ducati claims that this power-to-weight ratio of 1.48hp per kilo makes it almost indistinguishable from a full-blown racing bike.
To achieve such an incredible power figure, the engine has undergone significant modifications, including lighter internals, tweaked geometry, hand-set desmo timing, and generous amounts of titanium. Even the gearbox has been reworked to prevent accidental neutral shifts when braking hard into corners.
The suspension on this bike is another area where Ducati has pushed the boundaries of innovation. The Öhlins NPX fork features carbon fibre sleeves, a world first on a road bike, while the rear uses a TTX36 GP shock for improved feel and adjustability.
Overall, the Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario represents a bold statement from the manufacturer about its commitment to innovation and performance. This is a bike that will appeal to those who crave the ultimate road-going experience, but may not be suitable for everyone due to its extreme nature.
