Ducati Hypermotard Corse

Ducati has unveiled a special version of its Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP for 2012.



Named the Corse Edition, the only difference from the standard SP is the red, white and black paint scheme. Not that the SP is lacking in specification, as it already includes improved spec suspension, increased ground clearance and higher handlebars, all added with track riders in mind.

A price and the on-sale date for the Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP Corse Edition have yet to be confirmed.



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Ducati Streetfighter 848
Ducati Diavel AMG SE
Multistrada Pikes Peak

Ducati Streetfighter 848

Ducati has released the first images of its new Streetfighter 848, which is due to go on sale this November.

Detailed specifications have yet to be revealed, but Ducati is saying that the power delivery from the 848 Testastretta engine is going to be smooth and flexible, implying that it will make less than the 138 bhp (103 kW / 140 PS) of the 848 EVO Superbike. Further emphasising its user-friendly credentials, the Streetfighter 848 is to get Ducati Traction Control as standard.

As expected, the styling is virtually identical to that of the existing 1,099 cc Streetfighter models, which is no bad thing. Buyers will be able to choose from red, yellow or matte black paint finishes.



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Ducati Diavel AMG SE

Ducati 848 EVO unveiled

Ducati Diavel AMG SE

Ducati has taken the wraps off its Diavel AMG Special Edition, the first bike to be produced as a result of the partnership between the Italian motorcycle manufacturer and German performance car specialist.



Based on the Diavel Carbon, bespoke features on the AMG SE include black five-spoke wheels, a sport exhaust system and carbon fibre radiator grilles with aluminium trim.

The frame is finished in white to contrast with the matte black carbon fibre bodywork, and there’s AMG branding on the air-duct panels and unique seat unit.



Each bike gets a numbered fuel tank plaque, while the name of the technician who manually set the Desmodromic cam-timing is engraved on the engine casing.



The Ducati Diavel AMG SE will be debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month. Pricing has yet to be announced.



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Multistrada Pikes Peak

Multistrada Pikes Peak

At the 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Greg Tracy took victory in the 1,205 cc motorcycle class aboard his #555 Ducati Multistrada, while team-mate Alexander Smith came in third on the #55 bike.

Now, a little over eight months after the event, Ducati has launched the Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Special Edition to mark their achievements. A case of better late than never, perhaps?

An obvious difference from the standard bike is the eye-catching Ducati Corse inspired colour scheme, which is complemented by red pin-striping on the wheels, a bespoke seat, plus a black anodised finish for the engine guard and pillion foot peg hangers.



Finishing off the package is a Ducati Performance front mudguard, an EU-approved Termignoni silencer and a low screen, all of which are carbon fibre.

Available from May 2011 onwards, the Pikes Peak Special Edition will be priced at £16,750 (excluding on the road charges) in the UK. Considering that the Multistrada 1200 S Sport costs £14,795, that’s quite a premium.

First Rossi Ducati unveiled

That didn’t take long. Ducati has already begun to exploit the marketing potential of having Valentino Rossi riding for its MotoGP team by announcing a couple of special road bikes.



The GP Replica kits are the latest offering from the Monster Art project, which allows owners of Ducati’s naked Monster to quickly and simply change the appearance of their machines.

Comprised of graphics for the tank, pillion seat cover, front mudguard and bikini fairing, the colour schemes are inspired by the GP11 racers of Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi. Very smart they look, too.



Perhaps using either the 848 or 1198 Superbikes as the basis for a homage to Ducati’s MotoGP efforts might’ve been more appropriate, but there’ll probably be more similarly-themed models in the future.



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Monster 1100 EVO price

Ducati unveils GP11

Monster 1100 EVO price

Ducati has confirmed pricing for its new-for-2011 Monster 1100 EVO.



In the UK both colour schemes - Red with a White stripe or Diamond Black with a Racing Grey stripe - will cost £8,995 excluding first registration fee, number plate and road fund licence.



Meanwhile, buyers in the United States will have to part with $11,995 when the new Ducati goes on sale there in the summer.

On the face of it the 1100 EVO, with its trademark tubular steel trellis frame, looks like typical Monster fare. However, there are several major advances compared to the old bike.



First off is the standard-fit Ducati Safety Pack. This comprises the Ducati Traction Control system, which can be set to four different interference levels, plus anti-lock brakes.



Then there’s the engine. Yes, it’s still air cooled, and it’s still got only two valves for each of its two cylinders. But the EVO’s Desmodue Evoluzione motor has been fettled to provide more power at higher revs, while at the same time giving a more linear torque delivery.



Producing 98 bhp (73 kW / 100 PS) at 7,500 rpm and 103 Nm (75 lb/ft) at 6,000 rpm, it’s now connected to a six-speed gearbox via an APTC wet multiplate clutch.

Handling is taken care of by fully adjustable 43 mm upside-down Marzocchi forks at the front. Partnering that set-up is a Sachs rising-rate rear suspension unit, which features adjustable spring pre-load and rebound damping. Wheels are 17” lightweight aluminium alloy items in a new ten-spoke design.



Competitors for the Monster 1100 EVO in the naked class include the £9,535 Honda CB1000R ABS, the £8,799 Kawasaki Z1000 (for which ABS isn’t available), the £11,699 MV Agusta Brutale 990R and the £9,249 Triumph Speed Triple ABS.



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Ducati 848 EVO unveiled

Ducati unveils GP11

Ducati has revealed its new MotoGP contender, which will be ridden by Nicky Hayden and new team-mate Valentino Rossi.

Named the GP11, it features an engine that’s an evolution of the one used last year. The main objective for this season has been to get a flatter torque curve.



As far as the aerodynamics are concerned, the revised design is meant to increase top speed, reduce fuel consumption and minimise front-end lift. To help with that final item, the GP11 sports a development of the fairing-mounted winglets that were first seen during 2010.



Other significant changes from the GP10 include smaller front forks (42 mm, down from 48 mm), while the carbon fibre chassis has more flex for improved feel when the bike is leaned over.



The testing schedule for the GP11 commences at Jerez, Spain on January 17, 18 and 19 with riders Franco Battaini and Vito Guareschi on board. The programme then moves to Sepang, Malaysia, where Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden are due to put the new bike through its paces on February 1, 2 and 3.



The 2011 MotoGP championship, which consists of 18 rounds, starts with the Grand Prix of Qatar on March 20.