2017 Ducati 1299 Superleggera aka Project 1408 photos leaked ahead of EICMA – 215 hp, USD80,000

Since the appearance of a website dubbed “Project 1408”, tantalising images of a superlight Ducati 1299 have appeared on the internet. The images showed a carbon-fibre frame, swingarm and wheels, along with a promise of “more than 200 horsepower”.

Proper photos of the 1299 Superleggera have now been released on the website, along with substantial details. The specifications include a power figure of 215 hp from the V-twin Ducati Superquadro engine, with the installation of a World Superbike (WSBK) specification Akrapovic exhaust from the race kit.

Exiting under the seat in true Ducati fashion, the trademark Ducati exhaust design makes a welcome comeback. As expected of a motorcycle of this calibre, Brembo and Ohlins components are part of the package, and magnesium and titanium is found in abundance in and around the engine.

The 2017 Ducati 1299 Superleggera – meaning “superlight” in Italian – is claimed to weigh only 150 kg dry, which, when filled with fluids, would bring the weight right up to a WSBK-spec racebike. This makes the Superleggera the lightest superbike yet from the Borgo Panigale boys.

Notice has been issued that the Superleggera will be officially unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, today. The Ducati 1299 Superleggera will be produced in a limited run of only 500 units, probably for WSBK homologation purposes.

Priced at 80,000 USD (RM336,808), the Superleggera will quite possibly be a “by invitation only” purchase, with the lion’s share going to superbike racing teams, privateers and the rich or well-connected. We have been informed by Ducati Malaysia that there is an allocation of the Ducati 1299 Superleggera for the Malaysian market, but it remains to be seen if this will happen.

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