| | Biker News - Regularly updated
Category: Ducati
-
- The Ducati Riding Experience season continues with the offer of three travel formats studied in detail to offer enthusiasts unique experiences aboard Ducati models
- DesertX Expedition in Sardinia from 7 to 11 September, Multistrada Expedition between Italy and France from 29 September to 4 October and two appointments of the Dream Tour in Tuscany (14-16 October and 18-20 October)
- Registrations are already open on the dedicated page of the Ducati.com website
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 10 June 2022 - Ducati reinvents the format of the organized motorcycle trip by presenting the DRE Travel Adventures programme, a series of proposals studied in detail to intrigue, entertain and excite motorcyclists. This project is further confirmation of the Bologna-based manufacturer's goal of continuing to enrich the lives of enthusiasts through memorable experiences on their bikes.
The first appointment on the calendar is with the "DesertX Expedition" from 7 to 11 September. Five days of adventure on the new DesertX on the beautiful roads of Sardinia in the company of a team of expert guides with whom you can discover all the details of the most highly-awaited Ducati bike of the year and refine your riding technique to enjoy the tour in safety. This experience will lead the participants to discover the splendid landscapes and traditions of Sardinia: an authentic motorcycle trip enriched by relaxing and sharing moments with the rest of the group, such as the boat tour among the most beautiful beaches of the island organized at sunset of the last day.
The "Multistrada Expedition", the format dedicated to the family of travel bikes par excellence within the Ducati range, is scheduled from 29 September to 4 October. The itinerary includes departure from Turin with arrival in France at the Verdon gorges for a route of over 1200 km along which the participants will visit various places of interest also from a cultural point of view, such as the city of Grenoble, Sénanque Abbey, Mont Ventoux and the Col du Galibier. Enthusiasts can choose to enjoy this journey and its breath-taking views riding the Multistrada V4 or the Multistrada V2, models capable of combining comfort on long road journeys, fun in curves and handling even at low speeds and when manoeuvring, but also equipped with good off-road skills.
As part of the DRE Travel Adventures program, Ducati is once again offering the successful "Dream Tour" format. For 2022 the tour starts from Borgo Panigale with a visit to the Ducati Museum and the production plant. After this visit to the company, the participants will leave for a 3-day trip organized among the landscapes of the Tuscan-Emilian hills (Italy), combining the pleasure of travelling by motorbike with great food and discovering the land. The appointments already scheduled with the Dream Tour are set from 14 to 16 October and from 18 to 20 October.
Registrations to participate in the appointments with DRE Travel Adventures are already open on the dedicated page of the Ducati.com website. The calendar is constantly being updated with new adventures around the world in coming.
-
- Rarest and most significant Ducati motorcycles to be assembled at London’s Honourable Artillery Company this June.
- Exceptional examples from the past 50 years will be united at the capital’s leading concours d’elegance event, charting the rich history of this most storied motorcycle brand.
- 4x World Superbike Champion and Ducati Ambassador, Carl Fogarty, will also appear at this summer’s event, in association with Bikesure
- Sixth annual London Concours to run from the 28th to 30th of June in the heart of the City.
- Tickets on sale now at londonconcours.co.uk/tickets from £35
London, UK (27th May 2022): The London Concours, presented by Montres Breguet, has announced that this June’s event will feature a selection of two wheeled stars from the most iconic and evocative motorcycle brand of all, with its ‘Ode to Ducati’ Ducati. Spanning close to 50 years of the Italian marque’s illustrious history, the remarkable collection of bikes will wow alongside the Concours’ breath-taking array of four wheeled machinery – from spectacular supercars to the finest classics - on the immaculate lawns of the Honourable Artillery Company in the heart of the City.
The wonderful selection of motorcycles from the Bolognese manufacturer will include an example of the rare 750 GT ‘Sandacst’ from late 1971. The bike, Ducati’s first v-twin cylinder machine, was born when Fabio Taglione, or “Dr. T” – Ducati’s longstanding chief designer and technical director - was tasked with building a 750 class bike to compete with the likes of Moto Guzzi, Laverda and of course the Japanese giants. The move into the 750 class was viewed as crucial to the success of the marque; a gateway to significant sales volumes in the USA. Taglione’s proposed low-cost solution was to blend two of Ducati’s well proven small capacity ‘singles’ onto a common crank case, creating a 90-degree V, or “L Twin” as he termed it. The 750 GT, widely praised by journalists in period for its smooth power and sharp handling, represents the genesis of Ducati’s illustrious lineage of V-Twin machines. In order to get production going as quickly as possible, the very early bikes had engines with sandcast cases and many other detail features not seen on the series production machines, which featured die-cast motors. Just 400 out of a total production of some 4,000 GT’s were built this way before the revised “square cased” engine was introduced in 1975. Relatively few of these early bikes have survived, with a small handful at most to be found in the UK. One not to miss.
This summer’s show will feature another ‘70s 750 – the Super Sport, or “Imola Replica” dating from 1974. This, the very first Ducati SS was conceived as a road going version of the race bike that made a stunning debut with the late, great Paul Smart on board, winning the famed 1972 Imola 200 on its first outing. With Smart’s teammate Bruno Spaggiari taking a close second place, Ducati found themselves catapulted from an unknown producer of lightweight single cylinder motorcycles to a major name on the world map of exotic sports machinery. Unsurprisingly, Ducati management, not least ‘Dr T’ were keen to build on this seismic victory with a road-going replica of the winning bike. A limited run of Imola replicas were sanctioned, the first prototypes emerging in late 1973. Following on from the prototypes, just 401 examples of the ‘Replica’ were ‘batch built’ in the spring of 1974 - all under the direct supervision of Taglione in Ducati’s race shop. At a heady £1650, the SS came in at 50% more than Kawasaki’s mighty Z1.
The 750 SS on display this June was one of perhaps 25 bikes at most delivered new to the UK - shipped to its first owner by air freight – and has been cherished ever since by a total of just four owners in 48 years. Often referred to as the “green frame” these 401 bikes were the only round case Ducatis to leave the factory with the iconic “Desmodromic” cylinder heads.
The Honourable Artillery Company will play host to another ‘racing replica’: a 1980 Ducati 900 MHR. The bike is closely affiliated to one of, if not the, greatest racers of all – “Mike the bike” Hailwood. At the age of 38, 11 years after retiring, Hailwood made a comeback appearance at the Isle of Man TT in the Formula 1 class. Riding a modified and specially prepared 900 SS Ducati, he won the 1978 race. This burnished his already god-like reputation among fans, and prompted Ducati to introduce what would become their best-selling bike of the late 70s and early 80s: the 900 “Replica” or MHR. The MHR that will be on display at the HAC this June recently made a pilgrimage to the Isle of Man for the Classic TT, following in Hailwood’s tyre tracks 40 years on from his stunning victory. Much of the credit for the race preparation for the 1978 race goes to Steve Wynne of Sports Motorcycles in Manchester. It’s a source of great satisfaction to the owner of all the bikes on show that it was none other than Steve Wynne who rebuilt the engine and cosmetically refreshed the 1974 750 SS “green frame” also on display.
A Ducati from the late 1980s will also be amongst the bikes on display, an 851 Kit Racer from 1988 – a fuel injected, water-cooled four-valve machine that moved the game on significantly for Ducati sports bikes. The 851 featured an evolved version of Ducati’s two valve, air-cooled ‘Pantah’ engine, revised by its original designer, Massimo Bordi, with a little help from a famed British engineering firm Cosworth. The resulting power plant laid the foundations for 30 years or more of Ducati Superbikes. The road going variant, the “Strada” was initially criticised for its unusual steering characteristics – on account of its 16” wheels - and lack of firepower when compared with Honda’s RC30. The ‘Kit’ rectified things, with power boosted to 120bhp, larger 17-inch magnesium wheels, a braced swinging arm and a close ratio gearbox, amongst other race shop only features. Only 207 examples were built, and the Kit Racer is viewed by some as the most thrilling and visceral of all Ducati’s sports bikes.
This June’s event will also host more modern machinery, including the Ducati D-16 RR of 2008. The 1000cc, four-cylinder D-16 RR - modelled on Ducati’s GP6 Moto GP racer – was a real weapon, offered only to select customers, promising nigh-on Moto GP performance for the road. In the view of the late, highly respected journalist Kevin Ash, Ducati delivered on this promise. Packing a 200bhp V4 (with four valves per cylinder and four cylinders, hence ‘Desmo- 16’) and revving to 14,000 rpm, the D-16 Race Replica offered a lucky few a glimpse of what it was like to pilot a Gibernau or Capirossi factory race Ducati of the period.
The collection of superb Ducatis will also include the 1199 Superlegerra of 2014 – the bike that heralded the end of the road for Ducati’s long line of twin cylinder superbikes. Whilst the v-twin is still found today in Ducati’s middleweight and sports touring models, Ducati waved goodbye to the v-twin Superbike with these exclusive limited-edition models. The Borgo Panegale factory pulled out all the stops, producing two batches of super exclusive “Superlight” ‘twins’ – the 1199 of 2014, and the 1299 of the following year. Just 500 numbered examples of each were delivered worldwide. The 1199 SL that will star at this June’s event retailed at £60,000, produced an eye watering 205bhp, and weighed just 155kg dry – a weight more typical for a 500 or 600cc middleweight sports bike. Packed with the latest in technology and rare materials such as magnesium, carbon fibre and even tungsten – the latter used for components within the engine - the SL was a furious performer. Autocar underscored just how furious by substituting an 1199 SL for a Ferrari La Ferrari when carrying out a supercar test with the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918. The Superleggera matched the 903bhp McLaren P1 and Porsche’s 918 right up to 180mph, even pulling ahead after a standing start, before the cars’ slippery aerodynamics and longer gearing gave them an edge. A rare opportunity to witness this remarkable machine in the metal.
These dramatic Ducatis, and more, will be on show at the Honourable Artillery Company this June, at the capital’s ultimate automotive extravaganza. Carl Fogarty, the 4x World Superbike Champion and Ducati Brand Ambassador, will also make an appearance, on behalf of Bikesure, the ‘Ode to Ducati’ class co-sponsor. Fogarty will be chatting with Dave Vitty and Jason Plato, from the Fuelling Around podcast on Wednesday 29th June.
Further class announcements will follow in the coming weeks, as we build towards the 6th edition of our unmissable event.
Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, said:
“It gives us great pleasure to reveal this latest exciting class, which will bring the most spectacular bikes from the most evocative motorcycle manufacturer of all to the heart of London. Ducati is a magnetic brand that holds great allure for anyone with a drop of petrol in their veins. The superb selection, along with the fantastic array of supercars and iconic classics, is set to make this June’s show the most special yet.
“Guests to the Honourable Artillery Company will be treated to a truly special array of cars, along with a decadent range of food and drink options, and a carefully curated line-up of luxury brands and boutiques. London Concours 2022 is set to be another occasion of total automotive indulgence.”
-
- Ducati and Bulgari sign a new partnership based on shared values of lightness, technology, design and passion for beauty
- The Bulgari Aluminium Ducati Special Edition chronograph redefines the standards of luxury sports watches with unconventional materials and exclusive colors
- Produced in a limited series of one thousand pieces, the watch is personalized with the Ducati brand and carries an engraving on the case back
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 19 May 2022 - Ducati and Bulgari announce a new partnership, a collaboration between two Italian icons in their respective worlds who share a common vision of innovation and design, as well as a great passion for beauty.
The collaboration gives birth to the Bulgari Aluminium Ducati Special Edition chronograph, an elegant sports watch produced in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces that celebrates the union between the jewellery Maison and the iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer. A combination of excellence, performance and passion.
The Bulgari Aluminium Ducati Special Edition redefines the standards of what a luxury sports watch can be. The chronograph presents a stunning dial in Ducati red color and three counters with a sporty style inspired by the Ducati rev counter graphics: black background, white indexes, red sphere. The hour markers also refer to the aesthetics of the Italian motorcycle manufacturer.
Andrea Ferraresi, Ducati Centro Stile Director: "The collaboration with Bulgari is based on many elements that we have in common, first and foremost the fact that it is another Italian brand for which design is much more than a corporate asset, it is a true raison d'être. The quest for lightness, obsessive attention to detail, the use of fine materials and the creation of a distinctive and immediately recognizable design are the values that have inspired us in this project. Working on this project with Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bulgari's Product Creation Executive Director, whom I have known for 15 years, was a way of bringing together our passions: motorbikes and high-end watchmaking."
Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bulgari's Product Creation Executive Director: "I had a great pleasure to visit once again the Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale in Italy and exchange with Andrea Ferraresi, discussing the many parallels between motorbikes and watches, our common passion for the beauty of the mechanics and the Italian design approach. For this special collaboration the Bulgari Aluminium model was a natural choice due to its combination of materials, sporty character and iconic look. The red color and the recognizable font that we use for the numerals on the dial are a nod to the captivating universe of Ducati motorbikes."
Made of unconventional materials, the watch features a 40 mm diameter aluminum case with the iconic bezel and bracelet in black rubber, while the crown and chronograph pushers are made of titanium. The chronograph is water-resistant to 100 meters and the mechanical automatic BVL 130 movement, beating inside at the rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensures tenth-of-a-second accuracy.
The titanium case back, with anti-wear DLC treatment, is personalized with the Ducati brand and production number, to attest to the uniqueness of the limited edition piece. The watch is delivered in a special anodized aluminium case with rubber interior and soft touch finish, bearing the signatures of the two brands Ducati and Bulgari.
For Ducati the collaboration with another Italian brand such as Bulgari is an occasion to celebrate the excellence of Made in Italy. At the same time, this represents an opportunity to offer to passionate Ducatisti experiences and products outside of the motorcycling world that enhance beauty, technology and passion.
The Bulgari Aluminium Ducati Special Edition chronograph is already available for sale in Bulgari stores and with authorized retailers as well as on the brand's website.
-
- Four consecutive Ducati Cup wins for David Shoubridge
- Four consecutive second place finishes for Tom Tunstall
- Phillip Atkinson returns to the series and clams two third place finishes
Race 1
David Shoubridge continued his dominant start to the 2022 Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup championship at Donington Park on Saturday with pole position, fastest lap and a third win on the bounce.
The Rich Energy Ducati rider led for the race entirety but could not shake Tom Tunstall (Motorcycle Race Parts). Tunstall managed to close the gap in the closing laps after Shoubridge started to suffer from arm pump, but had to settle for a strong second place. Rounding out the podium was Phillip Atkinson (Q-Oil Treatments / Unique Motorsport) who makes a welcome return to the Ducati Cup series this year after an absence of over two years.
Max Lofthouse (JDF Racing), Michael Tustin (AH Performance / Breckland Utility Solution) and Mark Bridger (Moto46) completed the top six finishers.
Race 1 video: https://youtu.be/ikx_G-_Mllc
Race 2
Shoubridge returned to the top step of the podium at Donington Park on Sunday, his fourth consecutive Ducati Performance TriOptions Cup win of the 2022 season.
He was joined once again by Tunstall and Atkinson, who finished second and third respectively to repeat their own performances from the previous race.
Tunstall briefly led the race at one point, but Shoubridge was dominant again, and aided by backmarkers in the closing stages, won with a 1.268s advantage. The two riders were in a class of their own, with a further gap of almost 20 seconds over the rest of the field by the end of the 15-lap race.
The fight for third place was an exciting one, with a group of riders jostling for position, but it was Atkinson who showed his form to claim his second podium position of the weekend.
Series newcomer Connor Rossi Thomson (Thompson Haulage / Connor Thomson Racing) scored an excellent fourth place. Lofthouse, Matthew Jones (Dragon Racing) and Tustin took fifth, sixth and seventh respectively, with the trio all within 0.566s of each other as they crossed the finish line.
Race 2 video: https://youtu.be/-41vsegVx3Y
David Shoubridge (Rich Energy Ducati #86) – Race 1 & 2, 1st
“The ‘double double’. I’m over the moon! That race I really had to work for. I actually opened up a bit of a gap, and unlike yesterday, I obviously got off to a really good start and saw a gap appearing and I thought I wasn’t going to let it get away. Saturday it was arm pump that caused it, but I have my old leathers on Sunday and no arm pump whatsoever. So, I thought that was all good. But I tucked the front at the old hairpin, it was my fault I caught the kerb. I had a properly big moment, by far, the biggest save I’ve ever been able to come back from, I can’t believe it. That meant Tom was back on my tail and pushing me all the way to the end. Then the backmarkers came into contention, and today, unlike yesterday, they sort of played into my favour. Brought it home but I actually thought there was one more lap to go so was relieved to see the chequered flag. Well chuffed, done the ‘double double’ and long may it continue.”
Tom Tunstall (Motorcycle Race Parts #21) – Race 1 & 2, 2nd
“Closer! He obviously got in front in that race, Shouey was pretty loose but still again he kind of held a bit of a gap. I kept the pressure on, and he made a couple of mistakes and got on the back of him and got in front. Just lost a bit of drive and then we were kind of on the back of him really, going into the closing laps. Just didn’t get the backmarkers right. Got one in between us, and then another in the last corner. I’m happy with the result and happy to be getting closer, happy that we’re giving him a run for his money, and we were leading the race. A little bit unhappy that I didn’t get the win. We’re getting closer, I think it’s a matter of time. But we’ll see. Good racing, and good fun.”
Phillip Atkinson (Q-Oil Treatments / Unique Motorsport #7) – Race 1 & 2, 3rd
“It was good. I got involved with a few people that time. Unfortunately, the leaders got away, and I got involved in a battle. It made me work for it that time, even harder, so I need to get to the front guys. But I never expected a double podium for my first time back. I’d just like to say a big thanks to Unique Motorsport, Q-Oil Treatments, and everyone else who’s helped me to get here. Two and half years is a long time, but I’m happy to be back and hopefully I can go another step-up next time.”
-
- A wide range of accessories designed to make the Streetfighter V2 even sportier is available in Ducati network dealerships
- The online configurator allows you to view the different customization options and share the bike of your dreams with the nearest dealer
Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), 18 May 2022 - A wide range of accessories designed by Ducati to make the Streetfighter V2 even sportier and to further enhance its look is available in the network dealerships.
Ducati Streetfighter V2 (link to the Ducati World Première episode here) is a sports naked with a unique character, which is aimed at motorcyclists who are looking for a bike capable of combining the sporty DNA of the Panigale V2 with Streetfighter riding attitude and style.
The most iconic accessory of the Ducati Performance line dedicated to Streetfighter V2 is the carbon wing set, consisting of 4 structural carbon fibre wings. This accessory is designed for those who want to give their bike a further touch of exclusivity and improve control when used on the track. The lightness of this material, combined with the shape designed in the wind tunnel, enhances the distinctly racing character and the high performances of this motorcycle.
Carbon fibre is used frequently in Ducati Performance accessories, as it represents a perfect combination of design and lightness. Within the range of Streetfighter V2 accessories there are various elements made with this precious material, including front and rear mudguards, rear shock absorber cover, instrument panel cover, heel guards, license plate holder and exhaust cover in carbon and titanium. In collaboration with Rizoma, Ducati has also created a series of accessories in CNC-machined billet aluminium, including rear-view mirrors, fuel tank cap, brake fluid reservoir and clutch fluid reservoir.
The Bologna-based motorcycle manufacturer has also thought of a package of accessories to enhance the sporting attitude of the Streetfighter V2. The Sport package includes a license plate holder in carbon, handlebar counterweights, fuel cap, brake and clutch levers and dynamic LED indicators.
Finally, for track use only, a complete titanium exhaust unit is available, which makes the Streetfighter V2 even more unique and exciting, significantly improving the already remarkable weight-to-power ratio. This accessory is designed and developed by AkrapoviÄ and is made of racing materials to maximize performance.
The DDA KIT is also available for use on the circuit, combining the functionality of the electronic finish line and the display of dashboard times with the data acquisition of trajectories, speed, RPM, gear, throttle opening angle and intervention of electronic systems.
The entire range of accessories is available on the Ducati.com website, where through the "Configurator" section it will be possible for all Ducatisti to choose their favourite accessories to make their Streetfighter V2 unique and share them with the nearest dealer.
|
