Ducati is marking its 100th anniversary in 2026 with the unveiling of the Ducati Superleggera V4 Centenario, one of the lightest, most powerful, and most technologically advanced road bikes the brand has ever produced.
Revealed at the MotoGP round at the Circuit of the Americas, the Centenario is the fourth model in Ducati’s ultra-exclusive Superleggera line, based on the Ducati Panigale V4 platform.
At its core is a new 1103cc Stradale R V4 engine producing a homologated 224.9bhp, rising to 243.6bhp with the optional racing kit. Despite its performance, the bike weighs just 173kg in road trim (without fuel), dropping to 167kg in full track specification, making it lighter than even the Ducati Scrambler Icon.
The engine builds on the unit from the Ducati Panigale V4 R, with increased capacity achieved through a longer stroke. Extensive use of lightweight materials, including a lighter crankshaft with tungsten counterweights, titanium conrods, and over 70 titanium fasteners, reduces rotating mass and sharpens throttle response. Ducati’s signature Desmodromic valve system remains, now manually set and certified.
A key innovation is the use of road-legal carbon brake discs, a first for a production motorcycle—developed by Brembo. These 340mm carbon-ceramic rotors are lighter than conventional steel units while reducing inertia by 14%, improving braking performance and feel.
The chassis is equally extreme, with a full carbon fibre structure including the front frame, subframe, swingarm, and even the fork tubes. Suspension is supplied by Öhlins, featuring bespoke carbon outer fork tubes and fully adjustable components to minimise weight without compromising performance.
Further weight savings come from carbon wheels by BST and a redesigned double-sided swingarm that is lighter than previous designs while maintaining stiffness. Aerodynamics are heavily influenced by MotoGP, with winglets and sidepods generating additional downforce, particularly during cornering.
Ducati will produce 500 units of the Centenario, alongside an additional 100 “Tricolore” editions. These special versions feature a red, white, and green livery inspired by historic Ducati race bikes and carry the number 618, a nod to Marco Lucchinelli and his 1986 Daytona victory.
Each bike is delivered in a bespoke wooden crate and includes a full suite of accessories such as paddock stands, a bike cover, and a certificate of authenticity. The electronics package mirrors that of the V4 R, featuring advanced rider aids including traction control, wheelie control, slide control, and cornering ABS, ensuring the bike’s extreme performance remains manageable on track.
