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Ducati Superleggera V4 vs 1299 Superleggera Detailed Walk-around | TouchUpDirect
Where’s the $20K?
The Ducati 1299 Superleggera (1299 SL) I have is only 3 year models older than the Superleggera V4 (SL V4) I have and yet it is $20k more expensive. Why? I get into the differences in a detailed walkthrough in my video.
Reasons why the Ducati Superleggera V4 costs $20k more than the Ducati 1299 Superleggera
With the V4, you can request a specific unit number. Also the VIN number reflects the unit number.
The 1299 had a lot of less expensive plastic components that the V4 either removes or replaces with carbon fiber.
On the 1299, you can find plastic:
- For the interfairing between tank and fairing
- On the cover for the tail and DDA
- On components in the headlight area
- On the radiator surround
- For the sprocket cover
On the V4:
- The tailpiece is carbon
- Fairing and pieces around fairing are carbon
- Radiator surround is carbon
- Sprocket cover is carbon
The appearance of the triple clamps is different.
- V4 is machined and has vertical slots cut in it.
- V4 has a higher gloss finish.
- Both have the limited edition unit numbers on them, but they look different.
- V4 number looks like it’s part of a medal plaque.
- The 1299 number looks like a white and black tag added on.
The V4 has higher gloss fork lowers.
The brakes are different:
- The SL V4 has a Brembos R model that’s not on other V4s. The caliper is unique.
- The caliper on the 1299 SL is not unique. They are normal brembos from the non-SL 1299.
On the V4, the Akrapovic exhaust looks similar to other V4’s but with slight modifications because the swing arm is different.
1299 has R internals with higher displacement. V4 has a 1000 cc engine (not 1100cc with R internals). It has a 1000cc with R internals. There were a lot of engine part changes, but they generate the same horsepower.
V4 has a very different exhaust from stock exhaust. The pipes are full titanium and unique to V4.
V4 exhaust doesn’t look unique even though it does have unique components in it.
The 1299 has unique dual cans exhaust that was unique when it first came out.
V4 comes with accessories –
- Clutch cover
- Bar ends
- Brake lever
- Front brake cover
- Swingarm guard
The 1299 doesn’t have accessories, but like the V4 it comes with a battery charger and stand.
For the V4, the exhaust and belly pan are bolt-on and ride.
For the 1299, for putting a new belly pan on, I had to adjust it so if when the exhaust was on, I could not use the kickstand.
V4 has more detail. The paint job is more intricate. 1299 doesn’t have the same complexity of paint scheme.
V4 comes in a nice crate that has an outline of V4 and it also came with a small sculpture of the bike.
Other possible differences
The carbon fiber on the swing arm of V4 has a yellow tint. So does the carbon on the 1299.
1299 has a sand-cast engine case which made it a few pounds lighter than a regular 1299 engine case. Is the V4 sand cast? Looks like it, but I wasn’t able to confirm it.
Related Videos:
For further comparison of these two bikes, check out my weight comparison video or my dyno power test video .
