Limited to 500 numbered units, the Centenary Superleggera packs a new 1,103cc V4, carbon-ceramic brakes and a carbon-sleeved Öhlins fork

Ducati is celebrating its centenary with what it calls the most extreme road bike it has ever developed: the Superleggera V4 Centenario, a 500-unit, numbered limited edition based on the seventh-generation Ducati Superbike platform.

True to the Superleggera mission—no compromises, maximum engineering freedom—the V4 Centenario debuts multiple production firsts, including the world’s first road-legal carbon-ceramic brake discs and the first road bike fitted with an Öhlins fork featuring carbon-fibre sleeves/stanchion sleeves.

Power comes from an all-new Desmosedici Stradale R 1100 engine. In Euro 5+ road trim Ducati claims 228 horsepower, rising to 247 hp with the supplied Akrapovič racing exhaust and Ducati Corse Performance oil (track-only configuration as noted by Ducati). Ducati also targets astonishing mass figures: 173 kg wet (no fuel) in road configuration, dropping to 167 kg with the racing kit installed.

Limited-run “unicorn,” with an extra Tricolore edition

Alongside the 500 standard machines, Ducati will build 100 Superleggera V4 Centenario Tricolore models. The Tricolore livery is described as a tribute linking Ducati tradition and modern tech, drawing inspiration from the 750 F1 Endurance Racing and its iconic 1980s-era style.

Ducati is also adding a high-end ownership perk: 26 owners will be selected for a MotoGP Experience on 6–7 July 2026, immediately after World Ducati Week 2026, culminating in laps aboard a DesmosediciGP26.

MotoGP-derived brakes: carbon-ceramic discs and new Brembo calipers

The headline chassis hardware is the braking system, with Brembo road-approved carbon-ceramic discs built around a C/SiC (carbon fibre-reinforced ceramic) core. Ducati says the discs deliver strong thermal stability and consistent braking at extreme temperatures.

Ducati claims a 450-gram reduction per disc versus steel, plus a 40% lower moment of inertia, aiming to improve agility and corner-entry feel. Clamping force comes from Brembo GP4-HY monoblock calipers with integrated cooling fins and differentiated 30/34 mm pistons, plus an anti-drag system intended to eliminate residual torque when the lever is released.

Suspension first: Öhlins NPX 25/30 Carbon fork

Up front is the pressurised, mechanical Öhlins NPX 25/30 Carbon fork, featuring carbon-fibre sleeves built from unidirectional layers to save weight. Ducati quotes an 8% weight saving vs. the Panigale V4 R, and 10% vs. the Panigale V4, with pressurisation used to reduce cavitation and maintain support during braking and corner entry.

At the rear is an Öhlins TTX36 GP LW shock with MotoGP-derived valving, tool-free hydraulic adjustment, and titanium suspension linkages.

Full carbon-fibre chassis, aerospace-level inspection

Ducati says the Superleggera V4 Centenario uses a fully carbon-fibre chassis—including frame, swingarm, subframes, and wheels—using processes derived from MotoGP and Formula 1. Ducati claims:

  • Carbon front frame: 17% lighter than the Panigale V4’s aluminium unit
  • Carbon swingarm: 21% lighter than aluminium while maintaining equivalent stiffness targets
  • Five-spoke carbon wheels: nearly 300 grams lighter than Panigale V4 S Carbon wheels

To verify structural integrity, Ducati says each carbon component is checked using three non-destructive testing methods: Transient Active Thermography, Phased Array Ultrasonics, and Computed Axial Tomography—techniques borrowed from aerospace.

New 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale R 1100: bigger stroke, less weight

The new engine grows from 998cc to 1,103cc via a stroke increase from 48.41 mm to 53.5 mm, intended to improve midrange thrust without sacrificing acceleration. Ducati claims the Centenario engine is 3.6 kg lighter than the 1,103cc unit used in the Panigale V4 with dry clutch, citing titanium use, lighter fasteners, and reduced rotating mass.

Other highlights include 56 mm oval throttle bodies, titanium manifolds, polished ports, and a racing-style gearbox layout with neutral below first gear, paired with Ducati’s Neutral Lock (DNL) strategy. Final drive uses a DID ERV7 chain and Ergal sprocket, with Ducati quoting a 0.69 kg reduction vs. Panigale V4 S components.

Aero and electronics tuned for track-level performance

Aerodynamics are derived from the Panigale V4 R, including wings and Ducati’s Corner Sidepods concept designed to generate downforce at lean and improve mid-corner grip. The fairing is entirely carbon fibre, partially exposed, with extensive additional carbon components throughout.

Electronics are based on the Panigale V4 R suite, updated with latest-generation DVO strategies, including DTC, DWC, DSC, and DPL in DVO form. Cornering ABS adds new functions including Engine Brake Control DVO with Dynamic Engine Brake (DEB), which Ducati says can modulate engine braking while also using the rear brake to maximize grip and assist corner entry.

Collector-focused delivery and standard racing kit

Each bike is delivered in a custom wooden crate with a certificate of authenticity, dedicated cover, display mat, and paddock stands. Ducati includes a racing kit featuring the Akrapovič racing exhaust, dedicated software, track fairing components, carbon protectors, a headlight/plate/indicator removal kit, billet racing fuel cap, brake lever guard, charger, and a neoprene racing seat.

Owners will also have access to matching limited-edition apparel—helmet, leather jacket, and suit—styled to mirror the GP26 Rosso Centenario livery, which Ducati says influenced the Lenovo Team’s Desmosedici race-bike look.

KEY FEATURES

  • Desmosedici Stradale R 1100 engine, 1103 cc
  • Titanium intake valves
  • Hand-adjusted desmodromic valve train with nameplate and fitter’s signature
  • Lightweight crankshaft with tungsten inserts
  • Lightweight two-ring pistons with 18 mm piston pin
  • Titanium connecting rods
  • Titanium engine bolts
  • Maximum Power of 228 hp @ 14,500 rpm (247 hp @ 14,750 rpm with racing exhaust)
  • Maximum Torque of 117.6 Nm @ 10,500 rpm (126.3 @ 12,500 with racing exhaust)
  • Wet weight without fuel: 173 kg (167 kg with racing exhaust)
  • Ducati Racing Gearbox with Ducati Neutral Lock
  • STM Revo clutch
  • Carbon fibre front frame
  • Carbon fibre rear frame
  • Carbon fibre double-sided swingarm
  • Öhlins NPX25/30 Carbon pressurised fork with carbon fibre outer tubes and billet fork bottoms
  • Öhlins TTX36 GP LW shock absorber with lightweight special steel spring
  • Dedicated carbon fibre wheels
  • Brembo braking system with Hyction 340 mm 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.
  • Akrapovic racing exhaust with DAVC software and dedicated calibration ***
  • Dedicated lower fairing ***
  • Open carbon fibre clutch cover ***
  • Swingarm protectors
  • Alternator cover protector
  • Headlight, side stand, number plate holder and indicators removal kit ***
  • Machined aluminium racing fuel cap ***
  • Brake lever guard
  • Battery charger
  • Neoprene racing seat
  • Dedicated wooden crate
  • Dedicated paddock stands, mat and motorcycle cover