2020 DUCATI SUPERLEGGERA V4
R I D E R E V I E W
P78
This is thanks in large part to the Oh-
lins NPX fork. This is without question
the best production fork I have ever had
the pleasure of using. I've ridden factory
WorldSBK bikes that feel only slightly
better than this, which is really saying
something.
The fork combines with the incredible Brembo
brakes, the wings, the chassis and the revised
engine braking algorithm to send the rider into the
corner on a carbon magic carpet ride. The funny
thing is, while the chassis is less stiff than either
the V4 S or V4 R, it doesn't feel it. It feels stiffer,
but not nervous. It doesn't feel like there's as much
flex in the chassis, but it gives a much clearer pic-
ture to the rider of just where they are on the track
and what's happening underneath them.
It's an amazing trick Ducati has pulled: reduce
stiffness, but make it feel more connected, racier,
than either the V4 S or V4 R.
Incredibly, the 234 hp (we only test
rode a Superleggera with the Racing Kit
exhaust fitted) motor absolutely plays
second fiddle to the chassis. Yes, it's bru-
tally fast, but the way in which the power
is delivered is so metered, so precise,
it's less of an event to the rider than 150
horsepower delivered poorly.
There's power in every area of the rev range,
and once you get the motor spinning above
10,000 rpm, you better hang on, because things
start happening very, very quickly. What's amazing
is you think you're about to hit the rev limiter due to
the cacophony of noise, but in reality, you've likely
got another 3000 rpm remaining before you need
to shift.
On that note, the new Ducati Quick Shift EVO
2 is much better than on the V4 R. I've had a few
issues with the Ducati system in the past (I put my
head through the screen of a V4 R at Willow last
The brilliant Brembo
brakes, Ohlins NPX
fork and engine
brake control
combine to make a
gorgeous cornering
threesome.
