The Ultimate Ducati 1098R film! Jezza does a 1:49.5 on Jerez!
Our man, Ex-MotoGP god Jeremy McWilliams impressed everyone at Jerez when he lapped the brand new Ducati 1098R in the 1:50's on standard tyres. He even did a 1:49.50 in traffic before flying back to Belfast writing his copy. In the below video you can witness two consecutive 1:51's battling it out with Ducati Xerox factory rider Michel Fabrizio. Jezza was on treaded Pirelli's whilst Fabrizio was on slicks. Enjoy!
2008 Ducati 1098R launch 2
"I went out guns blazing and revving the tits of the poor thing." "I hadn’t gone there thinking about times, but when Michel Fabrizio rolled out on Pirelli slicks and I had treaded Corsa’s and on board camera bolted on, it was time to find out." "I didn’t get a chance to check times on that run but 1.49’s came easily enough when we got the DTC and the suspension nearer to my preferred settings." "To make the bike spin more and cut less I moved from 4 to 2." Jezza said... More here
Next: Ducati 1098R video-Michel Fabrizio versus Jeremy McWilliams, Moto Guzzi Griso 8V, Moto Morini MM3 not happening, BMW F 800 GS world launch, KTM RC8 1190 world launch, 08 Yamaha R6 roadtest, 08 Triumph Thruxton 900 roadtest and a whole lot more...
The ultimate Ducati 848 launch film!
We're not quite done with the 848 yet, on the contrary! Below you'll find the ultimate Ducati 848 Testastretta Evo launch video including two full hot laps onboard with Ruben Xaus from the technical Almeria circuit in Spain and much more! Yes, it was fun! TS
At the Almeria circuit in Spain we have tested the new Ducati 848 rubbing shoulders with Ruben Xaus again. Ruben even did 15 minutes around Almeria with our onboard camera...
NEC 2007: The babes are out, Charley Boorman interviewed, 250 pictures!
It's all out there now, the news from KTM, BMW, Ducati, CCM, Royal Enfield, Megelli, Triumph, Hyosung, Benelli and Vectrix. The 990 Supermoto, The Woodsman, CMX, Gorgeous Triumph show specials, 08 BMW's, Charley Boorman and a lot of babes! See it all here!
The ultimate Ducati Hypermotard launch video!
Federico Minoli leaves Ducati
In a statement on Youtube (yes, the Ducati CEO is just as digital as the rest of us) Federico Minoli stated that he will leave Ducati on May 21st. Minoli was employed by the Texas pacific group and the current Italian shareholders wants someone closer to them in the CEO post. Federico Minoli started the Desmo blog and made sure that Ducati was always present in new media such as Youtube. Minoli stated he is sad to leave Ducati, but that he will remain a Ducatisti and continue his charity work with Riders for health. Watch Minoli give his statement in English below. TS
We spent time with Ducati and Ruben Xaus in Sardinia testing the all new Ducati Hypermotard. We have tested the bike both on the road and on track. Pictures, videos, blog etc coming... TS
2007 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 and 1100 S test coming...
Raptors & Rockets will ride the all-new Ducati Hypermotard 1100 and 1100 S very soon in Italy. Vittoriano Guareschi (pictured) recently tested the final prototype on the Mores Supermoto circuit in Sardinia. We will ride the 1100 S on the very same track and tell you all about it as it happens.
Guareschi had this to say even though he is a roadracing MotoGP man:
“The bike is fantastic!” Commented Guareschi immediately after a track session. “It's so much fun to ride that you lose all track of time, you never want to get off it. These tests have allowed us to define the set-up and make a few final modifications before going into production . Everything is on schedule and things really couldn't be better. I reckon the Hypermotard is the bike that was missing and I'm sure it'll be a great success. I've had a great time today, knee on the ground at every corner. The bike’s just perfect, well balanced, smooth and, above all, a true Ducati.”
More glory for Ducati 1098, voted best overall design by MDA
The members of the Motorcycle Design Association have gathered and voted for the best looking new motorcycles. The 1098 won the Supersports category where surprisingly Honda CBR600RR was runner-up. The Benelli 756 2ue (I wish Benelli could soon decide on a final name...) won the open class where Aprilia SL750 Shiver was runner up. The Derbi Senda Terra 125 won the junior class and TVS Isotope the concept bike class where Victory Vision Tour took the runner up place despite not being a concept bike.
MDA president Glynn Kerr comments:
"Ducati's 916 was a tough act to follow. The 999 bravely broke away from being just a facelift, although while a better bike in most respects, some of the earlier magic was perhaps missing. The 1098 promises to give Ducatisti the best of both worlds, by combining the practical improvements of the 999 with the looks and presence of the 916. The members of the MDA, made up of the majority of designers active in the motorcycle industry worldwide, clearly agree. They have voted the Ducati1098 not only the best in its class within the Supersport category, but also the overall best design of 2006, winning this year's Motorcycle Design Trophy."
We will soon pick up our long-term Ducati 1098 S directly from Bologna and ride it back to the UK. More on this trip later.
Ducati Hypermotard 1100 PR vids!
On Friday 23/02 Federico Minoli spoke again about the Hypermotard and Ducati released 8 new videos on YouTube where four designers presented the Hypermotard as they see it. The two Italian designers speak Italiano in their presentations, so have a look at what English speakers Dan van Epps and Pierre Terblanche had to say and their presentations below. If you want to see our yellow mini-Hypermotard click here. Raptors & Rockets will ride the new Hypermotard in May.
Ducati told us exclusively that there is a stalemate situation with the World Superbike organisers at the moment. There is confusion regarding the regulations and this is causing Ducati big problems as they need to start testing the 2008 superbike now. Ducati told us that they are obviously hoping for a quick resolution to the regulation issue. From official sources we are just talking about the “new bike”, but we know that the “new bike” is actually the 1188R based on the new 1098. One of the big issues for Ducati and KTM are the Japanese manufacturers. Neither Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki nor Yamaha wants to see the new big super twins race against their powerful in-line fours in World Superbike.
The Japanese manufacturers might argue that Ducati actually won the World Superbike championship with Troy Bayliss on the 999R. But Ducati have told us that the current 999R, which also will race in 2007, is at the absolute end of its development potential. Julian Thomas said: “We must race the 999, there is no alternative”. “The engine is the same as this year; we can’t get more out of the 999 engine.” So Ducati will concentrate on making the 999 an even better handling bike and try some different things with chassis and ergonomics for the riders.
Ducati argues that every manufacturer should be allowed to race its top ranging models in World Superbike. We then asked, is it not the Desmosedici RR that is Ducati’s top ranging model in 2007? Julian Thomas said: “We don’t want to race the Desmosedici RR in World Superbikes. The RR is not Ducati’s top mass produced product. It’s a hand built Ferrari! It’s like a Ferrari, not a mass produced World Superbike item.” “Besides, the V4 is not in Ducati’s tradition to race in World Superbike. The twin cylinder is the best solution both on track and on road.”
I can’t remember exactly why we started to talk about Max Biaggi, but Julian commented: “Biaggi will be a further stimulus for Ducati to win races next year.” Max Biaggi will race for Suzuki in World Superbikes on a GSX-R1000. He is expected to be one of Troy Bayliss and Ducati’s greatest rivals in 2007. Words: Tor Sagen/CG: Robert O'Brien/Photo: Ducati
2008 Ducati 1188R and 848
In May 2006 we told you about the 1188R for the first time. That will be the displacement on the new R version of the 1098. Federico Minoli have used the Desmoblog to spill the beans again. He is asking whether Ducatisti would be interested in a 848 upgrade of the 749 sportsbike. Full story with CG images coming. I will interview Minoli about Ducati and his Desmoblog shortly, hopefully when I am in Bologna to test the 1098 and Terra Modena 198 Reverse later this month. It's all about the 198's this time. More soon... Ciao! Tor Sagen
2007 Ducati 1098 & 1098 S
The new big bore 999 gets 160bhp and more torque than ever before. Ducati claims the new torque curve is better than any other bike considering the 173kg dry weight. That tells the tale of some serious pulling power. The new GP7 (Ducati's 800cc MotoGP bike) inspired instruments from Magnet Marelli is ready for most new gadgets such as traction control. With all that torque traction control will definitely be handy for racing. The mono block Brembo radial calipers are also virtually identical to the ones on the MotoGP bike. Great news for superstock and club racers should the new 1098 be allowed to race. Aerodynamics are improved compared to the 999 as well and the front is now much smoother with the ram-air intakes back under the two vertical headlights. There's a bit of 916, a bit of 999 and a bit of modern Japanese influence in the design. but still on the safe side of stylish Italian. The single sided swing-arm will be a popular return as well as the ditching of the 999 bread box in favour of double underseat oval pipes. The rumour goes that the new 1098 will be priced more competitively than the 999 which can only be good as the 1098 is arguably more value for money. The next generation superbike is born and we're sure the superbike champ Troy Bayliss approves. Also pictured: 1098S. Interview with 1098 designer Giandrea Fabbro coming. TS
2007 Ducati Desmosedici RR
2007 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 and 1100 S
Since the last time we spoke about the Hypermotard it have received an extra front brake disc and 100 extra cc. That the Hypermotard would get the 1100 was expected as it can only benefit from more torque and power. The DS 1100 is Ducati's latest air-cooled V-twin and Ducati claims they will get more than 95bhp from the engine in the Hypermotard. Torque released from the 1078cc twin is a claimed 103Nm @4750rpm. Dry weight 180kg, seat height: 845mm, Fuel tank 11,5 litres and the Hypermotard gets a six speed gearbox. Ducati will also show us the Hypermotard S with the best components for superb handling. TS
2007 Ducati Hypermotard 1100
The Hypermotard is on all systems go now and will be launched as a 2007 model. Ducati have indeed added the most powerful air-cooled engine in the DS range. The 1100 engine was first seen on the recently launched Multistrada 1100 model and now also in the Hypermotard. Since the last time we spoke about the Hypermotard it have received an extra front brake disc and 100 extra cc. That the Hypermotard would get the 1100 was expected as it can only benefit from more torque and power. The DS 1100 is Ducati's latest air-cooled V-twin and Ducati claims they will get more than 95bhp from the engine in the Hypermotard. Torque released from the 1078cc twin is a claimed 103Nm @4750rpm. Dry weight 180kg, seat height: 845mm, Fuel tank 11,5 litres and the Hypermotard gets a six speed gearbox. Ducati will also show us the Hypermotard S with the best components for superb handling. TS
First official BIG pictures of the 160bhp Ducati 1098
Under pressure Ducati have released the 1098 images 4 days before the official presentations on Monday November 13. The new big bore Testastretta gets 160bhp (@9750rpm) and more torque than ever before. Ducati claims the new torque curve is better than any other bike considering the 173kg dry weight. That tells the tale of some serious pulling power (90+ lb-fts @ 8.000rpm). The new GP7 (Ducati's 800cc MotoGP bike) inspired instruments from Magnet Marelli is ready for most new gadgets such as traction control. On the 1098 S you get DDP included which is a data logging system where you can download up to 2MB of data after each ride. With all that torque traction control will definitely be handy for racing. The mono block Brembo radial calipers are also virtually identical to the ones on the MotoGP bike. Great news for superstock and club racers should the new 1098 be allowed to race. Aerodynamics are improved compared to the 999 as well and the front is now much smoother with the ram-air intakes back under the two vertical headlights. There's a bit of 916, a bit of 999 and a bit of modern Japanese influence in the design. but still on the safe side of stylish Italian. The single sided swing-arm will be a popular return as well as the ditching of the 999 bread box in favour of double underseat oval pipes. The rumour goes that the new 1098 will be priced more competitively than the 999 which can only be good as the 1098 is arguably more value for money. The next generation superbike is born and we're sure the superbike champ Troy Bayliss approves. Also pictured: 1098S (features Ohlins suspension, lighter wheels and carbon parts that reduces dry weight to 171kg). TS
First official pictures of the 1098
These pictures have been so widely spread on the Internet that even some websites purely living on official press releases have got them! My source tells me about a possible scan from a brochure at an Italian dealer. Good for us and at least now you can see the whole bike rather than the official feed from Ducati. Because if you were to rely on seeing the whole bike at the current pace in various Ducati blogs on the internet you would see the whole bike in about 10 years or so. Full presentation and big pictures after the November 13th press conference in Milan. Tor Sagen
You would have thought that the test riders at Ducati were not allowed to stop and chat to their mates whilst big pixel camera phones were around. Unless Bologna don't mind their new superbike jewel re-appearing in the news in regular intervals ahead of the exclusive November 13th press conference in Milan. Raptors & Rockets will be there. Note the 916 rear end and single swingarm as well as a brand new front fairing with air-scoops placed in a similar position to the 07 R1. The Brembo radial calliper brakes are the most powerful ever on a production motorcycle according to Federico Minoli. They are the monoblock Brembo's from the MotoGP bike on similarly high spec 330mm discs. TS
In 2007 Ducati makes the Sport 1000 available as a Biposto version. In addition to the standard version Ducati have also launched the Sport 1000 S with red frame and a classic fairing with a round headlamp. Also Biposto. The GT1000 now comes in a new two-toned colour scheme. The proven 1000DS engine still powers the whole Sport classics range.
Hypermotard update
Federico Minoli (pictured), Ducati CEO, took the Hypermotard prototype out for a ride last week in the hills around Bologna. Dan van Epps (Ducati product development) that rode with him commented that it was easy to adjust to the new bike. "To sum-up, as exciting as the Hypermotard is to look at, it’s even more fun to ride." It took some effort from Minoli himself to get the HM released from the team developing it and on the pictures you can easily spot it is a proto type as the finished headlight is nothing but a gaping hole filled with a single projector for testing purposes. Minoli posted these pictures in his desmoblog last week. We sent Minoli an E-mail straight away on the 11th to get comments: Please, can you tell us a little bit about how the prototype feels to ride (compared to the Multistrada and Monster perhaps?) "For riding impressions please read Dan Van Epps's comment to my blog. He was riding with me and he is a much better rider than me."
Worlds first official Ducati Multistrada 1100 S pictures!
Ducati have shown some new faith in the Multistrada and now the air-cooled L-twin has grown to a big 1078cc displacement. That's 86cc more than the old DS1000 engine. New performance figures are 95bhp @7750rpm and 10.5Kgm @ very low 4750rpms. New Bore/Stroke is: 98x71,5. Ducati could probably have gained even more horsepower from the big bore Multistrada, but it also had to comply with Euro 3. But the figures sounds very good for the Multi(s)purpose in the real world. And surprise, surprise Ducati is now using a wet clutch to improve feel in the lever, make it quieter and more durable. With the trellis frame and decent suspension it should be a very entertaining bike on the B-roads. The engineers have put some emphasis on reducing vibrations to the handlebars achieved by a special steering head has been made possible. Ducati also states that the entire 2007 range will be included in a new maintenance programme that reduces cost by up to 50%. So Ducati have been listening after all! The 1100 S version gets Ohlins suspension. More detail coming. TS
2007 Ducati Monster S4R
Ducati have now given the S4R higher specs than ever, almost the same as the S4Rs apart from Ohlins suspension. That involves the 998cc, 130bhp Testastretta engine and top spec radial Brembo calipers. S4R gets a Showa fork and Sachs rear monoshock. Bike will be available from October. Only suspension differs this from the S. TS
Ducati D16RR, Desmo power! More than 200BHP @ 13,500rpm!
Gorgeous! Desmosedici RR is mental and thank you Ducati for releasing such a beast! 989cc V4 with quadruple 12 point fuel injection, same radial Brembo front calliper as the MotoGP bike GP6 on wets, forged magnesium wheels, only the very best in suspension and chassis components, dry slipper clutch, full carbon fibre body and Euro bloody 3 ready. The Desmo RR will also get a brand new multifunction instrument panel that is destined for next years 800cc GP7! The big question is whether Ducati has managed to make the D16RR more powerful than Kawasaki's ZZR1400 with normal exhaust and catalytic converter. The claimed 200Bhp+ figure is only with the race exhaust and no catalytic converter. Alan Jenkins is the man behind the aerodynamics on the Desmo RR. He is not very Italian so Brits can be proud to know that the top of the top Italian exotica has been designed by a Brit. Pure aerodynamic designs has never been very pretty to look at in the past. Just look at the horrible Kawasaki ZZR1400 from the rear or the sides. Ducati has with the RR proven that you can get a very clean and sexy package to go faster than anything else. If you have means to buy one of these you will benefit from three year warranty with a three years scheduled maintenance package included in the price. The price is more than £30.000 and only 400 will be made each year. A true flag-ship model in other words. 999R owners can put their orders in now at your local Ducati dealer. I'd give up women for a year for one of these babies! TS
“The Desmosedici RR is a true Grand Prix replica,” commented Claudio Domenicali. “The technological level of this bike is extraordinarily high and for the first time ever all the authentic performance and technology of the ultimate MotoGP racing machine have been transferred to a road-going motorcycle. Over 200 hp of power for a bike that features exclusive components and quality materials, destined to become the new point of reference for production motorcycles. There couldn’t have been a better place than Mugello for the unveiling of this new bike and who better to take the wraps off it than Loris, Sete and Vittoriano, because this bike is also their bike and all of their experience has gone into developing this road-going motorcycle.”
Speculation and pre-official release info:
2008 Ducati Hypermotard 695 and '07 Multistrada 695
After Ducati CEO Federico Minoli announced in his blog that Ducati will manufacture the Hypermotard it is believed that the HM models will become a range just like the Multistrada. For it to become a range at least two models should be on offer. Ducati introduced the Multistrada 620 shortly after the 1000DS powered one. So we believe Ducati will do the same with the Hypermotard and no one will be surprised when the HM 695 is launched. Expect a slightly lower spec HM where we have added conventional mirrors and bar ends as well as the classic Ducati yellow paint. Perhaps a 695 will get conventional swingarm as well as more budget brakes, but time will show. Since the smallest Monster received the brand new Euro 3 695cc L-twin it will be no surprise that also the smallest Multi will receive this engine. Ducati will show their 2007 range at the EICMA 2006 in Milan later this year. The D16RR, Multistrada 695 and 1148-1200 will be the stars of that show whilst a small Hypermotard is something for next year. It makes sense as Ducati would then have a highly competitive street-motard to compete with all the 650cc singles. And in that competition a multi cylinder bike should fair well as a road bike. TS/HM 695 CG: Robert O'Brien Video Ducati MultistradaVideo KTM 950 SM
2007 Ducati 1098 superbike, 2008 Ducati 1200R
The latest about the new Ducati superbike is that a 1100 will be launched this year to replace the standard 999 and 999S. Ducati have already showed us their first litre+ bike ever in the Multistrada 1100. That was a upgrade of the 1000DS air-cooled Desmo that is expected to be carried on to both a Monster S2R and possibly to the Supersport. The Ducati sports classic remains as they are today with the 992cc engine. The new air-cooled engine based on the DS is now of 1078cc displacement. The liquid cooled performance engine is a brand new engine destined for Superbike racing. For some reason it looks like we will get an 1100 in 2007 and a 1200 in 2008. This might be a strategic move by Ducati to distinguish the range-topping R model from the standard and S versions. Only the 2008 1200cc R version (or 1198-1199) will be raced in WSBK according to our sources. This makes sense as both Aprilia and KTM is aiming at 2008 with their new superbike weapons and another years development is needed to get the best out of a new engine. The engine features an evolved Testastretta top, but unless Ducati has found a magical new material to make cylinders out of they will be brand new to allow for the bigger bore and stroke. In 2007 the 999 will continue as the factory race bike as regulations have not changed yet. The 1098 CG are based on the spy-shots that are circulating of the new bike in testing. TS/CG: Robert O'Brien
2007 Ducati 800cc MotoGP and 1188R superbike
Ducati is right now testing its brand new 800cc MotoGP challenger for 2007 at Mugello. And who knows, the 1188cc superbike might be circulating as well these days at some track somewhere in the world. Most likely Mugello as well. So what can we expect from the new breed of 800cc MotoGP bikes? They will be featured as triples which looks to be the most popular choice as both Honda and BMW are rumoured to have one. But V4 continues and it is believed that the Ducati GP7 is still a V4. It still says Desmosedici on the fairing sides anyway which means its a Desmo with sixteen valves. The benefit of V4 shrinks with the displacements, but these new MotoGP prototypes will rev to the ceiling and above and this is where a 4 cylinder bike with small pistons really can make a difference. We have not heard of any in-line fours yet, but are expecting to see one now that displacements are down. Honda will most likely use a triple as they produce more torque and can rev almost as high as a four cylinder engine. Honda also benefits from having all the technology needed from the V5. Remove two cylinders from a V5 and you have got yourself a in-line triple. In world superbike rules are changing and here we will see benefits on the road bikes as well in the shape of the next generation of V-twin super torque machines. Ducati is thought to have one ready in 1188cc displacement and here is our artists impression of a 1188R featuring a new front end and a return to single sided swinging arm. Expect huge power and torque and a big smile on Troy Bayliss face. By: TS Pictures: Ducati/Hugo van Waaijen/Oberdan Bezzi
To keep Ducati's WSB winning tradition a 1200cc engine has been under development for several months now. One of the Ducati satellite teams is reported to have tested a prototype of a new big-bore V-twin late last year under the fairing of a innocent looking 999 race bike. The proposition of owning a 999R is not as tempting anymore as all the four Japanese make big road 1000's that produce massive horsepower in comparison. Ducati keeps their WSB race 999's competitive by employing MotoGP level tuning. This is very expensive and particularly as the 999's don't sell. The next Ducati superbike has to be a stunner with at least the same amount of horsepower as the in-line fours. To achieve that Ducati will most likely launch a 1199 (as our designer has added), 1116 or 1188cc R version to replace 999R. Then the engine would be used in a S and a standard version. As Ducati use their engines in several platforms we can then expect the range topping Monster model to receive a 1200cc engine too. That would be fun! TS/1199 image by Hugo van Waaijen Got Ducati news?
Rumours has it that Ducati wants to build a Scrambler model that could fit in with the more and more extensive Sports Classics range. Our designer have made some very nice drawings of how it could look like. One traditional Scrambler and one Street Scrambler.
2007 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S
Ducati has started to do some really serious R&D ahead of the 2007 model year. Ducati are in desperate need to gain ground on the world markets again after several years with shrinking sales particularly in Europe and at home in Italy. The Ferrari of bikes has been the 999, but next year Ducati will have a completely new animal to knock out any other protagonist to that particular throne with the Desmosedici RR. But more importantly, Ducati has developed a big bore L-twin that will find its way into all the range topping models for us less privileged people. The talk goes that the new 1200 will find its way into both the Multistrada and Monster ranges. We admit to being delighted about the news that a big engine will find its way into the 999 replacement as well, but really it's in a Monster and Multistrada that this engine can let that anticipated brutal torque curve loose on the roads. Ducatis with the trademark dry-clutch set up tends to be a bit grabby in the early gears. According to our sources Ducati might have a wet clutch in the new 1200cc engine. If it really is true that Ducati has developed both an air-cooled 2-valved 1200 and a liquid cooled 1088-1188 superbike we think we could be up for a treat. Everyone is either on holiday or on 4,5 hour long lunch breaks on the beach or watching the World Cup finals in Italy so we have no official comments yet. But as soon as we know more we will let you know first. TS/CG: Luc1
