A world-renowned name in MotoGP racing, the 2020 Ducati Superleggera (Lightweight) was a force to be reckoned with. Its 224 horsepower 998cc V4 engine and a weight of just over 350 pounds, along with an aero package that produced over 110 pounds of downforce at 165 miles an hour led to 44 wins out of 50 races.
Tamiya’s 1/12 scale model kits of Ducati’s iconic two-wheelers are some of the nicest builds I have encountered from any manufacturer. Their fit and finish are first rate, the parts show no flash at all, and the sprues always come clearly marked. The Tamiya 1/12 Scale Ducati Superleggera V4 with Racing Kit plastic model kit is no exception. Inside the box, you’ll find it all the sprues packaged, the parts easily identified, and excellent instructions. Tamiya designs its motorcycle kits to be built in subassemblies, just the way I like it.
The V4 engine parts fit together flawlessly. The kit includes brake and clutch hoses that you’ll cut to length using the provided charts in the instructions. Make sure you scrape paint from attachment points so the lines fit correctly. Tamiya provides more hose than you’ll need, just in case you make a mistake.
Like the engine (and let’s face it, just about everything in this kit), the frame went together without any trouble. The engine mounts to the frame via four screws. The Ducati’s unique exhaust has a weird over/under design, but when installed on the engine, it fits compactly and without any issues.
The finish on the rear suspension and wheel parts require a small amount of cleanup. The rear wheel attaches to the rear swing arm with a screw that acts as an axle. You’ll also use screws to attach the rear suspension to the frame. More vinyl tubing provides rear brake lines and radiator hose.
The Ducati support stand seems like a minor element, but it comes as seven parts, including small wheels. After you build it, you’ll use the stand a lot to keep the bike upright while finishing the rest of the model, and of course, for display purposes.
The assembled front forks and wheel with twin rotors and brake cylinders fit onto the triple clamps with a screw. The front fender snapped into place, no adhesive needed. The forks slid into the neck on the frame and the seven-piece handlebar assembly came together without any difficulty. Once again, a screw held the triple clamp and bars together as one piece.
The distinctive Ducati tins finish this incredible model. I painted the front fairing, side panels, fuel tank cover, and rear body panels Tamiya Pure Red (No. TS-86) as per the paint diagram, which seems a close match to Ducati red.
The intricate Superleggera decals went down well over the paint, although you’ll want to be careful with them because the decals are fragile. Screws held some body panels to the chassis, while others, like the front fairing assembly fit into a front locating pin and recesses with little to no glue. A clever use of locators and magnets position the wings.
Some years back I built the street version of this particular bike, and was in awe of the fit and finish then. The new parts added to make the Tamiya 1/12 scale Ducati Superleggera V4 with Racing Kit plastic model kit take the kit to another level and don’t let you down. If you’re a fan of two-wheeled rockets and have some experience with complicated builds, this is a kit for you.