Ducati is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026 and has released a limited-edition Superleggera V4 Centenario in a run of 500 and a Tricolore version in a run of 100.
All units are already sold-out.
Carbon-Fiber Chassis
A fully carbon-fiber chassis (the frame, swingarm, subframes and wheels) and a claimed wet weight (without fuel) of 381 pounds, which drops to 368 pounds when fitted with the racing kit that comes with it. The Superleggera V4 Centenario has wings and Corner Sidepods, designed to generate downforce at high-lean angles, are derived directly from the Panigale V4 R Superbike.
MotoGP-Derived Brakes and Suspension
The road-legal bike is the first in the world to feature a braking system with carbon-ceramic discs and a pressurized fork with carbon-fiber sleeves. The new Brembo discs are built around a core made of CSiC, a carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic compound. The system also includes new Brembo GP4-HY monoblock boosted calipers machined from solid aluminum, with integrated cooling fins and differentiated 30 and 34mm pistons.
The calipers use an anti-drag system that completely releases the disc when the rider releases the lever, eliminating residual torque and thus improving smoothness when entering corners. The pads are specifically designed to work with the carbon-ceramic surface, ensuring precision and modulation under all conditions.
The pressurized Öhlins NPX 25/30 Carbon fork with carbon-fiber sleeves made from unidirectional layers to achieve maximum weight savings compared to conventional production. The weight saving compared to the Panigale V4 R is 8%, rising to 10% compared to the standard Panigale V4, with a tangible improvement in direction changes and front-end sensitivity.
The mechanical fork, designed to minimize weight, keeps the cartridge pressurized, reducing cavitation and providing more consistent support during braking and corner entry. At the rear, the Öhlins TTX36 GP LW shock absorber features a special steel spring for maximum lightness and MotoGP-derived valves that enhance the rear wheel’s ability to trace small road imperfections and improve small-bump control, with easy, tool-free hydraulic adjustment. The suspension linkages are made of titanium, again for maximum lightness.
Desmosedici Stradale R 1100 Engine
It has a new Desmosedici Stradale R 1100 engine, developed specifically for this project, with hand-adjusted Desmodromic valve timing, delivering a claimed 228 horsepower (247 hp in track configuration).
The 1103cc engine is 8 pounds lighter than the 1103cc unit of the Panigale V4 with dry clutch. The reduction is due to the use of titanium, lighter screws and redesigned internal components to reduce rotating masses. The two-ring pistons (one ring and one scraper) use “box-in-box” technology and feature an oversized piston pin to handle the increase in power.
The cylinder heads retain the same configuration as the 998 cc Desmosedici Stradale R engine, with 34mm titanium intake valves and 27.5mm steel exhaust valves. All sixteen valves use titanium semi-cones, a solution typical of competition engines. The timing of the Desmodromic system is manually set and certified by a plate signed by the technician who performs the check. Craftsmanship excellence is applied to cutting-edge technology.
The crankshaft has been lightened by replacing the steel counterweights with tungsten inserts. Tungsten is much denser than steel, which allows the same balancing effect to be achieved using smaller, more compact inserts, particularly when positioned in the outermost areas, i.e. at high radius, where their effect is greatest. The result is faster revving and more immediate throttle response, while reducing stress on the bearings and other mechanical components and maintaining the strength needed to withstand the power level achieved.
The engine breathes through oval throttle bodies measuring 56mm, larger than the 52mm of the Desmosedici Stradale. The trumpets are fixed to reduce weight and optimized with different lengths (20mm on the left, 10mm on the right) to improve flow. The upper injectors have improved atomization thanks to the tip that brings the spray closer to the duct. The exhaust system uses titanium manifolds with an increased diameter of 41.7mm and an approved Akrapovič silencer.
The transmission relies on the Ducati Racing Gearbox, with neutral positioned under first gear instead of between first and second.
The chain is a DID ERV7, the same used by Superbike Factory teams, which on the Superleggera V4 Centenario works on an Ergal sprocket.
MotoGP-Derived Electronics
The limited-edition model number displays on the dashboard animation, reminding you of the exclusivity of a limited series every time you look at it.
The control suite is derived from that of the Panigale V4 R, recalibrated and enriched with new, latest-generation DVO strategies. The aim is to offer even more control and allow even non-professionals to experience the riding techniques of MotoGP riders. Ducati Traction Control (DTC) DVO, Wheelie Control (DWC) DVO, Slide Control (DSC) and Ducati Power Launch (DPL) DVO offer more precise management thanks to new algorithms. Cornering ABS now includes, in addition to RaceBrake Control and Road eCBS strategies, the new Engine Brake Control DVO, which introduces the Dynamic Engine Brake (DEB) function.
The latter automatically adjusts engine braking forces by also using the rear brake, optimizing available grip under braking based on the rear-wheel load. In addition, DEB improves braking performance during corner entry by using the rear brake even when the front brake is released, as professional riders use this method manually. This allows even less-experienced riders to focus only on the front brake during corner entry. By applying rear during corner entry, this allows riders to tighten the line, improving their confidence during this critical phase.
The Superleggera is equipped with many other carbon-fiber components: mudguards, tank cover, rad-duct, sprocket cover, heel guards, steering splash guards, seat base, intake duct, license-plate holder, and rear bank cover. The radiator cap, footrest plates, accessory fuel tank cap, and, of course, the upper and lower steering plates are made of billet aluminum.
The livery of 500 of the Superleggera V4 Centenario is based on the new Rosso Centenario color, while 100 have a Tricolore livery.
The GP26 livery combines Ducati’s iconic white stripes with the new matte Rosso Centenario red. A dark red, like that of its origins: from the red of the 1949 Ducati 60, the first complete motorcycle that marked Ducati’s entry among motorcycle manufacturers, to that of the 1955 Gran Sport ‘Marianna’, the first Ducati designed for racing, signed by engineer Fabio Taglioni. It was the GP26 livery of the Superleggera V4 Centenario that inspired that of the official Desmosedici bikes of the Lenovo team.
Each bike is delivered in a personalized wooden crate and includes a full racing kit, paddock stands, a matching limited-edition helmet, and a leather jacket in the GP26 livery.
MotoGP Experience
Twenty-six owners of the road-legal super sportbike will be given access to the MotoGP Experience: a day on the track, guided by Ducati instructors, on July 6-7, immediately following World Ducati Week 2026.
Superleggera Centenario Features
- Desmosedici Stradale R 1100 engine, 1103cc
- Titanium intake valves
- Hand-adjusted Desmodromic valvetrain with nameplate and fitter’s signature
- Lightweight crankshaft with tungsten inserts
- Lightweight pistons with 18mm piston pin
- Titanium connecting rods
- Titanium engine bolts
- Maximum power of 228 hp (247 hp with racing exhaust)
- Wet weight without fuel: 381 lb (368 lb with racing exhaust)
- Ducati Racing Gearbox with Ducati Neutral Lock
- STM Revo clutch
- Carbon-fiber front frame
- Carbon-fiber rear frame
- Carbon-fiber double-sided swingarm
- Öhlins NPX25/30 Carbon pressurized fork with carbon-fiber stanchions and full-length fork legs
- Öhlins TTX36 GP LW shock absorber with lightweight special steel spring
- Dedicated carbon-fiber wheels
- Brembo braking system with Hyction 340mm carbon-ceramic discs and GP4-HY billet monoblock calipers
- Latest-generation electronics package with 6D IMU: four-level cornering ABS; Ducati Traction Control (DTC) DVO; Ducati Wheelie Control
- (DWC) DVO; Ducati Slide Control; Ducati Power Launch (DPL) DVO; Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) 2.0; Engine Brake Control (EBC) DVO with
- Dynamic Engine Brake (DEB) strategy.
- Akrapovič racing exhaust with DAVC software and dedicated calibration
- Dedicated lower fairing
- Open carbon-fiber clutch cover
- Swingarm protectors
- Alternator cover protector
- Headlight, sidestand, number-plate holder, and indicators removal kit
- Machined aluminum racing fuel cap
- Brake-lever guard
- Battery charger
- Neoprene racing seat
- Dedicated wooden crate
- Dedicated paddock stands, mat, and motorcycle cover
