Ducati V4 Showdown: Superleggera vs V4R Dyno Test Results Revealed!

Head-to-Head: Ducati V4 Superleggera vs V4R on the Dyno

At BT Moto, we were thrilled to present our viewers with a dyno showdown between the Ducati V4 Superleggera and the V4R. The Superleggera V4 stands out as the world’s only motorcycle approved for road use featuring a carbon fiber frame, swingarm, and rims, justifying its substantial $100,000 price tag. Meanwhile, the V4R, known for its formidable track capabilities and slightly more accessible price point, offers a compelling contrast in our testing.

Join us as we dive into the performance details and see how these impressive machines measure up on the dyno. Let's do this!

Overview of Ducati V4 SL and V4R 

At BT Moto, we’re beyond excited about the Ducati V4 Superleggera— one of only 500 homologated units worldwide, and yes, we have one! This marvel is virtually handcrafted, flaunting a predominantly carbon build, except for the aluminum tank and the titanium shock absorber. The swing arm alone, the priciest single component, rings in at $20,000. Its engine differs significantly from its sibling, the V4R, with over 600 unique part numbers, though they share the same exhaust and air filters.

What really sets the V4 SL apart are its aerodynamic wings, which generate more downforce than the GP20 Ducati used in MotoGP. Interestingly, both the V4 SL and V4R produce 10 horsepower less than the motorcycles racing in the World Superbike Championship, and both feature dry clutches.

The Ducati V4 Superleggera isn't just a track bike; it's a track plus version, loaded with all the high-end features you’d expect from a $100,000 motorcycle, including race-ready fuel mapping. This bike isn't just built—it’s engineered to excite and perform.

That said, it was time for the dyno results of V4R and V4 SL.

Ducati V4R Dyno Result

The dyno delivered some unexpected results: a solid 201 rear-wheel horsepower on ACN91, which is California's pump gas—right on target for what we anticipated. However, we did encounter a slight hiccup in the data, which turned out to be due to the clutch.

The clutch was wandering around during the dyno run, despite having only around 800 miles on it. This raised some questions since a clutch should ideally last between 1,500 to 2,000 miles, even for a dry clutch, which isn’t known for longevity. The clutch slipping issue might have been due to an incorrect stack height, preventing the clutch from delivering the performance we expected. Except for the clutch slipping, everything else ran perfectly on the dyno. Without that issue, we might have squeezed out a bit more wheel horsepower. Notably, we used an off-the-shelf map from BT Moto—the same map we provide to all our customers.

Ducati V4 SL Dyno Result

We received a service reminder on the Ducati V4 Superleggera and used a handheld device to reset it. With the Ducati Upmap installed, it was time to see if the V4 SL could outperform the V4R. After completing the baseline run, the results were intriguing. The Ducati V4 Superleggera produced 209 rear-wheel horsepower and 76 rear-wheel torque, which is 9 more peak-to-peak horsepower than the V4R.

But here’s a detail many people overlook: while the peak-to-peak number looks impressive, the V4 SL achieves this extra horsepower only at 14,700 rpm. Up until that point, the V4R actually generates more power across the board, especially around 11,000 rpm. So, if you were to race the V4 SL against a V4R with a stronger clutch, chances are the V4 SL would get left behind. The additional horsepower the V4 Superleggera shows on the graph won't make a difference in a real-world race scenario.

Next, we loaded the OTS map file onto the V4 Superleggera to check for any gains or losses on the dyno. After tuning the V4 SL, we found some surprising results. Our custom mapping didn't make a significant difference, as the factory mapping on the SL is already dialed in for maximum performance straight out of the gate. The bike delivered 210 rear-wheel horsepower, which is solid but nothing extraordinary. However, we extended the RPM limit to 16,500 in fifth gear, providing a broader power band. Additionally, the BT Moto mapping noticeably improved rideability at lower RPMs and offered a smoother throttle response.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, we wholeheartedly recommend the Ducati V4 Superleggera for serious track enthusiasts. This motorcycle is a marvel of engineering, boasting exceptional rideability that shines in the lower to mid-range RPMs. Riders will appreciate its smooth handling, as it effortlessly cruises between 2,000-3,000 RPM without any jerking or uncomfortable jolting. Ducati appears to have optimized the cam timing to enhance the bike's performance in the higher RPM ranges, which is where it really matters on the track. This adjustment prioritizes power where you need it most during high-speed laps, rather than focusing on the lower end of the RPM spectrum.

Simply put, the V4 Superleggera is ideal for those who live for the track, and it also serves as a major status symbol for anyone lucky enough to own one.

We hope you found this dyno comparison insightful. If you have any questions or need further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help and always eager to discuss anything related to these incredible machines.