Ducati 1299 Superleggera: Aftermarket Exhaust System Options

The Fascinating Ducati 1299 Superleggera

The Ducati 1299 Superleggera is widely regarded as one of the greatest superbikes ever produced by the iconic Italian manufacturer. Ever since its introduction in 2016, the 1299 Superleggera has captivated riders and enthusiasts alike with its jaw-dropping design, earth-shattering performance, and exotic specifications.

A Lightweight Powerhouse

Weighing just 162 kg dry, the 1299 Superleggera epitomizes the meaning of its name, “super light” in Italian. Ducati achieved this remarkably low weight in a road-legal superbike through extensive use of advanced lightweight materials like carbon fiber, titanium, and magnesium across the motorcycle’s components.

This obsessive weight saving allows the 1299 Superleggera to deliver otherworldly power-to-weight numbers despite its “smaller” 1,285 cc Superquadro twin-cylinder engine. Churning out 215 hp at 11,000 rpm and 145 Nm at 9,000 rpm, the motorcycle boasts of a stratospheric power-to-weight ratio of 1.41 hp/kg!

A Symphony of Sounds

Adding to the theatrics surrounding the 1299 Superleggera is its sensory assault on your aural senses. The beating heart powering the motorcycle is Ducati’s gorgeous 90-degree twin-cylinder Superquadro engine, which utilizes Desmodromic variable timing to boost power delivery and refinement.

The engine’s pulse and cadence is music to any petrolhead’s ears, hitting a beautiful, bass-filled note that turns into an intoxicating wail as the tachometer needle spins into the higher rev range. Augmenting the engine’s soundtrack is the 1299’s race-spec exhaust system, which announces the Superleggera’s arrival with a roar that could wake up the dead!

Custom Exhaust Options

As sublime as the stock exhaust system sounds, many 1299 Superleggera owners opt to install aftermarket exhausts in search of superior performance or an even more visceral auditory experience. Let’s look at some of the most popular exhaust upgrade options in the market for unleashing the true potential of the 1299’s magnificent engine.

Akrapovic Titanium Racing Line Exhaust

When it comes to aftermarket exhaust systems for high-end superbikes like the 1299 Superleggera, Akrapovic is often considered one of the best options out there. Used extensively in elite-level motorcycle racing championships, Akrapovic exhausts offer no-compromise performance and tuning capabilities across the rev range.

Akrapovic’s Titanium Racing Line exhaust system represents the pinnacle of engineering and craftsmanship. With generous use of premium grade titanium and carbon fiber materials, the Racing Line exhaust system is a work of art that saves a staggering 7.5 kg over the stock system. The weight savings come in part from the exhaust’s slimline carbon end cap and heat shield designs.

But the Akrapovic goes way beyond just saving weight. It bumps up peak horsepower numbers by 5 hp while also increasing mid-range torque. The Racing Line exhaust also gives the 1299 a sharper, more responsive throttle feel. And not just performance – the system’s signature Akrapovic growl as you rev through the gears is automotive audio bliss!

SC Project CR-T Exhaust

If the Akrapovic is serviceable ammunition, the SC Project CR-T is nothing short of an air strike! The CR-T takes the 1299 Superleggera’s aural dramatics to nuclear levels thanks to SC Project’s proprietary RD (Reflective Sound Design) technology.

Built from premium Ti-6Al-4V grade titanium, the CR-T exhaust system features complex internals and an intricate dual-hexagon muffler design that allows pressure waves to bounce around the system. This augments certain frequencies to give the 1299 an absolutely ballistic mid-range exhaust note without excessive loudness.

The CR-T exhaust allows the Superleggera’s engine to spin more freely by reducing back pressure. This leads to eye-widening acceleration in the mid-range, which is quite an achievement for an engine that is already a rocket ship in stock form! The SC Project exhaust shaves off a total of 5.1 kg over the stock system owing to liberal use of featherweight titanium.

Zard Factory Series 2-1 Exhaust

If the focus is more on aesthetics than eardrum-shattering acoustics, the Zard Factory Series 2-into-1 exhaust delivers drop-dead gorgeous looks coupled to usable performance gains.

Built completely from titanium with carbon fiber end caps and heat shields, the Zard 2-1 extractor-style exhaust system dazzles with its quad outlet design, delivering a clean custom look. And while Zard has kept noise levels relatively sane, the exhaust note is still tuneful, especially in the higher revs where it takes on a raw metallic tone.

Thanks to the 2-into-1 merged design, the system allows for optimized flow dynamics. Zard claims a 3 hp bump in peak power along with smoother power delivery. Of course, being made fully of lightweight titanium, the system also helps drop a few kilos off the 1299 Superleggera’s svelte frame.

Which 1299 Exhaust Mod is Right for You?

As we’ve seen, the Ducati 1299 Superleggera enjoys no shortage of bespoke exhaust options to choose from. Akrapovic, SC Project, Zard – they represent the best names that Italy has to offer when it comes to exotic motorcycle tuning.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you want the absolute highest performance numbers or aurally (and visually) orgasmic exhaust acoustics! Either way, adding a custom exhaust unleashes more of that captivating Ducati V-twin character which is so intrinsic to the Superleggera’s allure in the first place.

FAQs

How much horsepower can I expect from an aftermarket exhaust on the 1299 Superleggera?

Aftermarket exhausts can add anywhere from 3 hp to 5 hp extra at the crank over the stock system. For an already extremely powerful superbike, these are not insignificant gains. Of course, other factors like fueling and engine tuning also play a role in unlocking the engine's full potential.

Which 1299 exhaust system sounds the best?

If aural drama is top priority, most owners and experts agree that the SC Project CR-T exhaust takes the crown. Using advanced "Reflective Sound Design", the CR-T modifies certain frequencies to achieve a banshee-like wail of an exhaust note that is simply intoxicating to listen to.

How much weight do aftermarket exhausts save over the stock system?

Thanks to liberal use of lightweight materials like titanium and carbon fiber, most performance exhausts shave between 5 kg to 7.5 kg of weight over the stock assembly. This aids acceleration, braking, and handling performance by allowing suspension components and wheels to do their jobs even better.

What maintenance is required for aftermarket titanium exhausts?

Titanium systems require little long-term maintenance since titanium has excellent heat and corrosion resistance. Just be sure to avoid using strong alkaline cleaners. Warm water and mild detergent, or specialty maintenance sprays are your best cleaning and protection options.