Ducati Panigale 1299 Superleggera
With Phil Aynsley
The ultimate model in a long, long line of Ducati V-twin superbikes – the 1299 Panigale Superleggera.
The 1299 Superleggera (Superlight) was first shown at the EICMA show in late 2016 and deliveries began in mid 2017. The two major changes from the previous 1199 model were the increase in capacity to 1285cc and the use of carbon fibre in place of magnesium.
In fact it was the first production bike to have a carbon fibre frame, swing arm and wheels. The larger capacity was surprisingly (given the 1199 already had the most radically over-square bore/stroke of any street legal twin cylinder motorcycle at 112 x 60.8mm) achieved by enlarging the bore to 116mm.
Additional engine improvements included a higher compression ratio (13:1), larger (titanium) valves and new pistons, heads and camshafts. New, more advanced electronics were also fitted.
Other interesting touches are the signed plaque (by the mechanic who timed the Desmodromic camshafts), on the rear cam chain cover and the use of matte finish paint for the bodywork.
The bike was supplied with a “race” kit which included the titanium Akrapovic exhaust system (as seen here), as well as the parts required to clean up the removal of the number plate hanger, side stand, mirrors etc. Also a paddock stand, bike cover and racing screen were all included.
The dry weight of 156kg was 10kg less than the standard Panigale, with the wet weights being 178kg and 191kg respectively. Power was up to 215hp at 11,000rpm compared to the standard bike’s 205hp at 10,500rpm.
This bike is one of the 31 (of the 500 built) that was exported to Australia, originally carrying an RRP of $109,990.
