2021 Ducati Superleggera V4 [Model Overview]

At Ducati we started doing research and development in motorcycle aerodynamics before anyone else in the world. We were the first ones to introduce aerodynamic innovations in the world’s top motorcycle competition. This is a fact.

The development of aerodynamic methodologies is inevitably linked to Ducati Corse and therefore to the design of unique racing prototypes. A context where every thousandth of a second can make the difference and where the bar for excellence is very high. From season to season the projects change and evolve, but some milestones remain.

We talked about it with Edoardo Lenoci, Ducati Aerodynamic Development Manager.

“The GP16 aerodynamic design was undoubtedly our most powerful and effective project. The evolution of the MotoGP rules did not allowed us to continue the development in that direction, and today all the legal layouts for aerodynamic appendages are based on closed C-shapes which are globally less efficient than previous ones.

We had been looking for a way to continue the development interrupted in 2017. Breathing new life into our best aerodynamic project”.

Ducati is the only motorcycle brand that has ever won two times the Red Dot Award and the prestigious Compasso d’Oro. We are design maniacs and designing a Ducati is not like drawing any other bike. There are essential characters that belong only to us. Projects like Monster, 916, Diavel and Panigale each represent a milestone in the history of design for their category.

The Ducati design philosophy is built by subtraction, recognizing the purest style in the in-depth research of essential shapes. Even the aesthetics of color is built with respect for the nature of the elements. And in the Superleggera V4 it is possible to distinguish with the Ducati Red the original color of the precious materials that compose it: the different types of carbon, titanium, aluminum.

We talked about it with Andrea Ferraresi, Ducati Head of Design.

“While the design of Ducati superbikes has always been extremely tech-driven, the Superleggera V4 project is a stylistic masterpiece.

The work of the design team focused primarily on making the shapes and materials speak for themselves. We worked to create an interplay of lines and depth between the Ducati red and visible carbon. The Superleggera V4 is a project for which it was critical to bring out the beauty of technique. Our work has therefore been focused on letting the beauty of functional efficiency speak for itself”.

The engine design is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive features of Ducati. A field in which the desmodromic timing system has become a signature feature. Developing the engine for project Superleggera V4 means making the most sophisticated Ducati engine ever made. Piece by piece, working on every single component to make it as light as possible. Finding space for innovation in every detail.

We talked about it with Enrico Poluzzi, Ducati Engine Design Manager.

“Starting work on the Superleggera V4 was really exciting: we were free to think about unconventional solutions and to let our creativity run wild. It’s a much bigger playing field; my team was blessed with the opportunity of designing without any pressure in terms of costs or experimental levels and to have access to materials, processes, technologies that we normally use only in competitions.

It’s also an extremely engaging moment for everyone, because each working group knows which components have technical margins and technological alternatives and therefore put its specific know-how in the line. It’s a project where the mandate is to do impossible things”.

Dream gear

In Superleggera V4 excellence, engineering and dream merge to achieve a goal as ambitious as its target performance standard. In order to offer riders just the right combination of comfort and safety and achieve the ultimate performance levels that only this bike can offer, Ducati is offering dedicated apparel in which technology and innovation reach the highest levels of excellence.

Superleggera V4 suit

Manufactured by Dainese, this one-piece suit is available in standard sizes. Owners of Superleggera V4 can order it custom-made using the configurator. The Superleggera V4 suit is ideal to experience the extreme emotions this bike has to offer in full comfort and with the utmost control and safety. It is made of durable, supple kangaroo leather and features large ventilated areas, precious titanium protectors and integrated |D |air® airbag technology.

Sporting a sleek look thanks to the exclusive design created by Aldo Drudi and inspired by the livery of the Superleggera V4, this suit has been designed to help you to give your best on the track thanks to the advanced integrated electronic system that allows you to collect data on your performance.