The already utterly bonkers Superquadro motor gets titanium con-rods, a lighter flywheel, DLC-coated rocker arms and revised mapping, which, when combined with the Termi’ system, equates to a 3% power hike at the top-end and a massive 15% in the midrange. The redline has also been upped to 12,000rpm. Carlos Checa will be pleased.

The monocoque chassis looks to remain unchanged, but there’s a host of carbon fibre goodies fitted to the R, which helps keep the dry weight down to 165kg, even with the standard-fit ABS. Also fitted from the factory is DDA (Ducati Data Acquisition) for the ultimate trackday gizmo.  Prices are yet to be announced but expect the R to be a few quid more than the outgoing, £24k Tricolore model.

The Hypermotard family gets updated for next season and there’s some inter-breeding going on, too. As well as an all-new 110bhp motor, ergonomics have been tweaked to the standard Hyper’ and the SP model. Pressurised Marzocchi forks, an Öhlins shock, sticky Supercorsas, and some much-needed ground clearance give the SP the edge over the base model.

2013 sees the introduction of the Hyperstrada – Ducati’s ‘cross-over’ attempt, combining the Hypermotard’s sheer thrills with a smidgen of the touring capabilities of the Multistrada, hence the imaginative tag.

The Hyperstrada comes with 50 litres worth of luggage (and an optional 31 extra), and some touring-friendly features like improved wind protection, a beefier seat and higher bars. 43mm Kayaba forks and a Sachs shock provide the bump management, and there’s DTC and ABS for safety.

Finally, Ducati’s touring theme continues with the Diavel Strada. A touring screen, higher bars, heated grips (on a Ducati?) and some luggage space complete the mile-munching rout. We’re not sure on this one!

No related posts.

Unfortunately, there’s no 899 Panigale just yet. But Ducati’s entry-level ‘Superbike’ – the 848 EVO – is dressed in official Corse test team colours for next season. The red trellis frame is caged by some matt black and grey fairings, and there’s also the addition of a brand-new aluminium tank that reduces weight by 1kg, and increases fuel capacity by 2.5 litres to an 18L tank. Hopefully we’ll see more than 100 miles to a tank!

On the naked side of Bologna, 2013 sees the 20^th anniversary of the iconic Monster family, so that means special birthday colours for the 696, 796 and 1100 EVO.

Aesthetically, the frame, brakes and some other chassis parts receive exclusive finishing, and there’s some detailing changes to the mirrors and seat cover. Hopefully we’ll see a 1199 Streetfighter for 2014.

Introduced in 2010, the Diavel also get some new paint for next year. The standard Diavel is available in matt black, metallic blue and Ducati red, and sits alongside the stuning Diavel Carbon, which also comes in carbon red.  The massive cruiser that thinks it’s (and behaves like) a superbike just got sexier.

No related posts.

Aftermarket specialists Rizoma – who make some truly lovely kit for a massive range of motorcycles – are giving one away. You’ve got until the 30th September 2011 to win the Diavel by taking part in a game via the Rizoma website. The competition is totally free to enter, simply go to the website, click on the ‘Unlock Your Ideas’ icon, and a you will be able to start playing straight away. Once you’ve created your ideas, send your images to RIZOMA, and sign up for the draw.

Then feel free to dream about getting the magic phone call…

No related posts.

So what’s inside? Triumph Daytona 675R launch report & first UK ride; Ducati Diavel launch, Suzuki GSX-R750 launch, KTM SMT ABS launch, BMW K 1600 GT launch, plus Triumph Tiger 800 & Benelli TNT R160 first UK rides, a myth-busting ZX-10R first UK test, and the most definitive 600cc Supersport shootout you’ll read this year.

Click to open…

Then there’s an exclusive interview with Mr Arai, a guide to dodging ‘misguided’ police officers in court, a John Hopkins exclusive, and all the regular stuff that you love reading in FB – the UKs best selling sportsbike magazine. There’s a proper full-size cargo net free with every issue, too!

If you’re bored of going to the shops – you could always just SUBSCRIBE

No related posts.

The date has been set for March 5th and 6th for the Ducati dealer network to display and demonstrate the lastest array of bikes from the Bolognese factory.  Dealers will have on show many of the new models including the hugely anticipated Diavel.

The Diavel heads an impressive 2011 line-up for Ducati that includes new models such as the Monster 1100 EVO and 1198SP and updates to existing models such as the 1198, 848 EVO, Monster and Streetfighter ranges.

Now the Diavel takes centre stage with a host of technological innovations to produce a machine that is already re-inventing a traditional segment of the motorcycle market.  Such is the uniqueness and brilliance of the Diavel that it is a bike that can only be truly appreciated through a test ride and Ducati dealers throughout the UK will be eager for customers to come and share the Diavel experience.

Although the Diavel may be grabbing the headlines there are still many other Ducati motorcycles to experience including the award winning Multistrada, the aspirational Superbikes, the iconic Monsters, the fun-fuelled Hypermotards and the stylish Streetfighters.

Demands for test rides are likely to be high, and dealer opening times/dates may differ, so it is advisable for customers to book test rides in advance.  To locate your nearest Ducati dealer and to book your test ride click HERE.

Customers will also be able to see some of the new ‘Ducati Performance Accessories’ and the ’2011 Apparel Collection’ which includes the range of Valentino Rossi clothing.

No related posts.

It uses the same motor as the Multistrada, itself hardly lacking in power, but this is boosted in the Diavel thanks to the use of a more direct exhaust system. That means 162bhp at your disposal. Hooray. Hang about, though, that’s more than enough power to tie a muscle bike up in knots. We could have a problem here, but do you really expect Ducati to release a bike that won’t handle well…

It may be muscular, but the Diavel is no uncultured beast as ground clearance aplenty has been engineered into it. The massive 240-section rear tyre doesn’t undo this advantage, and it soon becomes clear that this is a machine with genuine sportsbike pretensions. Of course, it’ll do the cruiser stuff – with aplomb given these looks – but casting it as a one trick pony does the Diavel a massive disservice.

This is a machine that will surprise many. It’s many bikes in one and should be considered if you’re rich and fancy a statement machine that is also able to quench the cornering fires within.

The standard Diavel comes in at £12,995, with the three kilo lighter Carbon version priced at £15,595 (more if you want the red version). For more information head to Ducati.com or check out our full report in the next issue of Fast Bikes.

No related posts.

At the throbbing heart of the bike is the Testastretta V-twin motor, barking at the best of times. Focus on the reducing the valve overlap angle (cut from 41° on the 1198 Evoluzione engine to 11° here) and a new ride-by-wire system does the job of managing the Diavel’s gargantuan low-end grunt. The massive 127.5Nm of torque is delivered to the road via a huge 240-section rear tyre, developed specifically for the Diavel. Like the Multistrada, the bike gets three riding modes to meter the power accordingly as well as the DTC traction control system. Nuts.

Despite that tyre, the Diavel promises to handle, with a 50mm fully adjustable Marzocchi fork and Sachs shock. Radially mounted calipers do the stopping, with an ABS system there to help in emergencies. The trellis frame possesses massive torsional rigidity, despite using light gauge tubing.

And then there’s the styling. With the choice of the standard or a lightweight ‘Carbon’ version, both machines offer stunning looks with neat touches everywhere – like the retractable pillion pegs and handle, cleverly suspended number plate holder, and split level instrumentation. Expected in Spring.

Ducati.com

No related posts.