Just days after Kawasaki uploaded a video of their new ZX-25R revving to the redline on track, Ducati has uploaded their own. This time, it’s of the new V4 Superleggera.
For those unfamiliar, the Superleggera is Ducati’s fastest model. It using the same 998cc, V4 Desmosedici Stradale engine as the Panigale V4 R. However, this one benefits from an Akrapovič exhaust that boosts its output to 237 PS (234 hp).
As the name suggests, the Superleggera is also super light. This street-legal bike’s entire chassis (frame, subframe, swingarm, and wheels) is made up of carbon fiber and composite materials. The exceptional frame is wrapped in carbon fiber bodywork with a GP19-inspired Desmosedici livery.
The bodywork isn’t just for show. It features aerodynamic carbon fiber fairing is as efficient as MotoGP bikes thanks to the biplane aerofoils which achieve 50 kg of downforce at 270 km/h — more than the 20 kg of downforce achieved by the 2020 Panigale V4 and V4 R.
This results in an extremely lithe wet weight of just 152.2 kg. For the math nerds, it results in an amazing power-to-weight ratio of 1.56 PS/kg.
Also upgraded are the electronic aids, Öhlins suspension, and exclusive Brembo brakes.
With all this equipment, it should come as no surprise if the Superleggera shreds it on the race track. That’s exactly what Ducati hopes to demonstrate in the video with footage of the limited edition model ripping around curves. The climax of the video shows the instrument panel inching towards 15,000 rpm while the digital display shows the speed approaching 307 km/h. Its redline, by the way, is still at 16,500 rpm.
The top speed is certainly enough to humble Kawasaki’s ZX-25R, but also shows how amazing it is that Kawasaki’s little 250cc can rev like a purpose-built, limited edition track machine like the Superleggera.
