KIWI RIDER 02 2020 VOL2 | Page 88

access to a “RaceGP” display. Intended exclusively for track use, and designed with valuable input from Andrea Dovizioso, it is a direct offshoot of the instrument panel on the Desmosedici GP20. Thanks to extensive use exotic materials, the Superleggera V4 has a dry weight of just 159kg (16kg less than the Panigale V4), resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 1.41 hp/kg: a record- breaking figure for a road-legal sports bike. Mounting the supplied Racing kit and switching the bike to its track configuration boosts power to 234hp, dropping the weight to 152.2 kg and raising the power-to-weight ratio to 1.54 hp/kg. Other standard items include a lighter Öhlins suspension system, with a pressurised fork and lighter machined aluminium fork bottoms, a titanium shock absorber spring and GP-derived valving that improve the damping of road bumps during the initial compression stage. 88 KIWI RIDER The braking system is the best in the Brembo production range, with an MCS caliper featuring a remotely adjusted lever gap and Stylema R callipers, exclusive to the Superleggera V4, to provide greater front-brake stroke consistency in long track runs. Ducati plans to start deliveries in June 2020 in Europe and, given the extreme complexity of the production of so many components, the rate is limited to only five bikes/day. However, Ducati assures all 500 bikes will be produced within 2020. Currently, there is no word from Ducati ANZ on pricing or arrival dates for New Zealand. That is if in fact any Superleggera V4s will be heading our way – but rest assured we will update you as soon as any announcement is made. In the meantime we’ll be digging down the back of the sofa for funds...