2014 Ducati 1199 Superleggera | FIRST LOOK

2014 Ducati 1199 SuperleggeraPhoto: Ducati

We’re always looking to get more for our money, but in some cases we want less, especially when it comes to the weight of our motorcycles. Ducati has just unveiled the perfect superbike for the less-is-more crowd, the 2014 1199 Superleggera, which tips the scales at a claimed dry weight of just 341 pounds.

The Superleggera is powered by a Superquadro engine with connecting rods and intake and exhaust valves made of titanium. It’s the first Ducati to come with two-ring pistons, usually found on racing Superbikes, to reduce mass and friction. The combustions chambers are Superbike-spec thanks to a new piston crown that increases the compression ratio. A new lightened crankshaft with dense tungsten inserts helps the Superleggera pump out a claimed 200 horsepower.

And if 200 hp isn’t enough, Ducati will offer a race kit consisting of a titanium Akrapovic 2-into-1 exhaust, a high racing windscreen, front and rear paddock stands, machined mirror fill caps, and a removal kit for the license-plate holder and the sidestand.

The Superleggera’s chassis is the stuff dreams are made of. It has a magnesium monocoque frame and wheels, a carbon-fiber rear subframe and bodywork (that sound you just heard was your insurance agent swooning), a lithium-ion battery, and a full titanium exhaust system with stainless-steel headers. A lightweight Öhlins FL916 fork with fully-machined fork bottoms and an Öhlins TTX36 rear shock with a titanium spring keep all the expensive bits off the deck, and Brembo M50 Monobloc brakes with a racing-style front master cylinder and a remote adjuster help you set up whoa-nelly late for the corners.

Want one so bad you can taste it? Sure you do, but hold that thought…maybe for a long time. The 1199 Superleggera is being offered first to owners of Ducati Desmosedici R and RR models, who get first right of refusal. So far about 75 percent of the 500 examples that will be built have been sold, so it’s probably for the best that Ducati hasn’t released a price. If you have to ask…

2014 Ducati 1199 SuperleggeraPhoto: Ducati